Double-pane windows cost around $1,000 on average, and most homeowners pay between $300 and $2,100 depending on materials, style, and size.
The average cost to install a double-pane window is $1,000, and most homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $2,100 per window with labor. While more expensive than single-pane windows, double-pane windows can help insulate and soundproof your home thanks to their two glass panes, which typically have argon or krypton gas between them. The total project cost for getting new double-pane windows comes down to frame type, window style, the number of windows being installed, and a few other factors, which we’ll cover in this guide.
Double-pane windows can cost anywhere between $150 and $7,000, and where in that range your total falls depends on a few key factors.
The window frame material you choose will have the greatest impact on the cost per window. Aluminum will usually be the most affordable frame material, averaging around $440 per window, while fiberglass window frames with double-pane glass are the most expensive at around $1,200 per window.
The cost table below includes average prices for double-pane windows with different frame materials.
| Frame Material | Window Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $200–$700 |
| Composite | $400–$1,500 |
| Fiberglass | $600–$2,500 |
| Steel | $400–$1,500 |
| Vinyl | $300–$1,500 |
| Wood | $400–$1,800 |
Frame materials vary quite a lot in price but also deliver different levels of curb appeal, longevity, durability, and insulation from outdoor temperatures and sound. As such, you should consider the upfront cost along with the lifespan, energy efficiency and its effect on your heating and cooling bills over time, and the need for ongoing window repairs. Since choosing the best frame material is complicated, we recommend speaking with a local window company for help.
The style of your window determines how much you’ll spend as well, with prices fluctuating depending on the size and shape of the window, how complex the opening and locking mechanisms are, and how bulky or difficult to lift into place the window is. The larger and more complex your double-pane window is, the more expensive you can expect it to be. A good rule of thumb to remember is that windows with operable sashes tend to cost more, given their complexity.
| Window Style | Window Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-hung | $200–$900 |
| Double-hung | $250–$1,100 |
| Sliding window | $250–$1,200 |
| Casement window | $250–$2,000 |
| Picture window | $170–$1,000 |
| Hopper window | $150–$600 |
| Bay window | $700–$6,000 |
| Bow window | $1,600–$7,000 |
See below for more details about the different styles of double-pane windows and their costs.
As is the case with all types of windows, the bigger the double-pane window you install, the more you’ll pay, especially if you venture outside of standard window sizes and into custom options. You can expect to pay between $75 and $110 per square foot for double-pane windows. Prices increase based on additional manufacturing materials, as well as increased labor costs.
| Window Dimensions | Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-by-1 ft. | $150–$220 |
| 2-by-3 ft. | $450–$700 |
| 3-by-2 ft. | $450–$700 |
| 3-by-4 ft. | $900–$1,300 |
| 4-by-3 ft. | $900–$1,300 |
| 4-by-4 ft. | $1,200–$1,800 |
| 4-by-6 ft. | $1,800–$2,600 |
| 5-by-3 ft. | $1,100–$1,700 |
| 6-by-4 ft. | $1,800–$2,600 |
| 7-by-5 ft. | $2,600–$3,900 |
| 8-by-5 ft. | $3,000–$4,400 |
| 8-by-8 ft. | $4,800–$7,000 |
| 10-by-6 ft. | $4,500–$6,600 |
The number of double-pane windows you need installed will play a role in your total per window, albeit it a relatively small one. Most window contractors will discount the per-unit cost of double-pane windows as the number of windows you need increases. Since your installer will already be on site, they save time and money replacing multiple windows, and those savings are usually passed on to you.
For example, you might pay $1,000 to install just one double-pane window, but the price per window could drop to $900 or less if you’re looking to replace all of the windows in your home to upgrade to double-pane glass.
Double-pane glass is technically a type of window glass all on its own. Along with triple-pane glass, it’s collectively referred to as insulated glass. However, there are other glass types you can choose to improve home security and privacy. Each of these options will increase the window replacement cost of double-pane options, but they can make your home safer and more comfortable.
Below are the different types of window glass you can choose from aside from opting for insulated glass. Remember that these are average prices, and your costs could be higher based on window size, type, and frame material.
| Glass Type | Cost Per Window |
|---|---|
| Frosted glass | $450–$1,100 |
| Laminated glass | $400–$950 |
| Low-E glass | $500–$1,400 |
| Tempered glass | $300–$1,000 |
The brand you choose will have an impact on your double-pane windows cost, as different brands vary in quality, longevity, and warranty. As you might expect, higher-quality brands tend to last longer and come with better warranty protection, but they’ll also cost more.
You can choose budget window brands to keep your costs down, but they could end up costing you more over time if you need to replace them sooner, or on heating and cooling bills if they are less energy-efficient.
The prices below are averages, so prices can increase for larger windows, more complex designs, and higher-quality frame and glass materials.
| Brand | Window Cost |
|---|---|
| Alside | $150–$1,800 |
| Andersen | $250–$3,500 |
| Castle | $200–$2,000 |
| Champion | $200–$2,200 |
| Feldco | $150–$1,500 |
| Harvey | $200–$2,200 |
| Marvin | $250–$4,000 |
| Milgard | $250–$4,000 |
| Pella | $150–$3,500 |
| Ply Gem | $150–$1,800 |
| Simonton | $200–$2,000 |
Along with the frame material, the style of window you choose is one of the most significant double-pane windows cost factors to consider. As mentioned above, window styles vary in their costs, efficiency ratings, and more. But most homeowners choose window style based on functionality and appearance.
Expect to pay between $200 and $900 for a new single-hung window with labor. When it comes to single-hung vs. double-hung windows, single-hung are universally less expensive, so if you’re on a budget, go with those. The lower cost is due to the fact that single-hung windows have just one moveable sash, so they’re less expensive to manufacture. They’re also more energy-efficient than double-hung windows.
Expect your total bill for labor and installation for a double-hung window with double-pane glass to reach between $250 and $1,100 per window. Double-hung windows have two moveable sashes for better airflow, and although they’re slightly less energy-efficient, they are one of the most common types of windows.
A double-pane sliding glass window slides into the price territory between $250 and $1,200 for materials and installation. Sliding windows have operable sashes that slide left to right. Expect to pay more for double-pane sliding windows that have multiple sashes that move.
Adding a casement window with a hand-crank feature will crank up the price to put you in the range between $250 and $2,000 with labor included. These windows provide maximum ventilation and better security than windows with sliding sashes. They’re also the most energy-efficient operable windows because the sash compresses the weatherstripping.
Picture windows with double-pane glass cost between $170 and $1,000 in most cases. These windows are inoperable and don’t provide ventilation, but they introduce the most natural light into your living space and provide unhindered views of the outdoors. They’re also the most energy-efficient type of window.
Hopper windows with double-pane glass cost between $150 and $600, making them the most affordable window option. These small windows have a hinge on the bottom, and the sash tilts inward to open. They’re most common in basements, but you can install them in other parts of your home, as well.
Bay windows are one of the more expensive options, costing between $700 and $6,000 with double-pane glass. These windows have three faces and bump outward from your exterior wall. The two side faces are usually casement windows connected to a center picture window. They introduce tons of light into your home and are perfect for living rooms and dining rooms.
Bow windows are the most expensive, totaling between $1,600 and $7,000 with double-pane glass. They are similar to bay windows and bump out from your exterior wall, but they have more panels to create a curved appearance.
You’ll surely save money on labor if you go the DIY route for installing double-pane windows, usually saving around $500 to $600 per window that you install yourself. However, if you don’t have the proper tools on hand or the experience needed to install windows properly, you’ll have to budget for tools, and you risk damaging your home and reducing your home’s efficiency. Here's a look at some of the costs of tools required when doing a window installation yourself.
Reciprocating saw: $120–$400
Power drill: $60–$200
Ladder or scaffold: $200–$1,000
Oscillating tool: $100–$200
Pry bar: $10–$20
Protective gear: $20–$400
Caulking gun: $10–$20
Keep in mind that this is just the basic list of tools, so you’ll also need to budget for materials. Expect to pay another $100 to $200 for things like coil stock, flashing, and silicone caulk.
While popping in a window on your own looks simple, the truth is that doing the job incorrectly can create a lifetime of expensive damage. Not only do you risk window leaks that can cause water damage and even structural damage over time, but leaving gaps around the window can let pests inside your home and cause your property’s efficiency to drop, driving up heating and cooling costs.
Additionally, many window manufacturers will void your warranty if you don’t hire a window professional to install your new double-pane windows. If any damage occurs during the installation or following it, you could end up buying a new window again, plus the cost of hiring a pro to get the job done correctly.
If you’re not totally comfortable installing double-pane windows on your own, it’s a good idea to call a local window installation pro. Remember that windows are "moisture entry points" for your home, leaving your home vulnerable to mold growth and other issues. You could also experience drafts and foggy windows that need repair if the installation doesn’t go well.
Installing new double-pane windows is a big home improvement job that can get expensive, but you could save some money overall if you have your window expert complete other work while they’re already on site. Below are some common add-on options homeowners choose when installing double-pane windows, some of which apply to other windows in your home that you’re not replacing:
Window cleaning: $100 to $450
Window repair: $150 to $600 per window
Screen repair or replacement: $100 to $500 per window
Installing window treatments: $40 to $4,800 per window
Installing storm windows: $100 to $300 per window
Window security film: $20 to $600 per window
Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings: $300 to $1,000 per window
Window tinting: $150 to $1,600 per window
Double-pane windows will save you money on utilities over time thanks to their improved insulation properties compared to single-pane windows. But that added efficiency means these windows come with a higher upfront cost. Don’t worry, though—there are several things you can do to keep the cost of double-pane windows down.
Shop in the winter: Need new windows? You can get deals by shopping in the off-season when window installation companies are typically in a lull.
Opt for standard sizes: Unless you really want a custom window, shop for smaller, standard-sized windows to save money on materials and installation.
Replace multiple windows: You can get deals on the per-window price and the cost of installation by buying in bulk and replacing more windows at once. Your total will, of course, be higher, but you’ll save a bit on each window.
Skip the extras: Double-pane windows offer great insulation, so you may not need to add the cost of other upgrades, like low-E window films or window tinting.
Paige Bennett contributed to this piece.
Double-pane windows offer better insulation and increased efficiency, meaning they limit heat loss from your home. That means they’ll help keep your living space more comfortable and bring down utility costs. Because of the two panes filled with air or gas, they can also help limit the amount of noise coming into your home from outside. The dual panes strengthened by spacers also improve durability and security of your windows.
The least expensive type of double-pane window to install is a small hopper window, but these are usually reserved for basements. On your main floor, a single-hung window or picture window with a vinyl or aluminum frame will be the most affordable. Larger windows tend to be more expensive, and windows with more parts, like a double-hung windows with two moving sashes or a large bay windows with multiple sections of windows, also cost more to install.
Vinyl is the easiest option for maintenance because homeowners don't need to go beyond giving vinyl an occasional wipe-down. Similarly, composite and fiberglass windows are easy to care for, just keep up with cleaning the frame and keeping the window tracks clean. The most difficult window frame to maintain is wood, which needs to be repainted or resealed every few years.
Yes, replacing a single window is something that most window contractors will do. However, the extra efficiency offered by a new window won't create much of a difference in your home if the rest of the windows are older. Plus, you may be eligible for installation discounts if you install multiple windows at once.
You can install as many windows as you want at one time. There's no limit to how many windows you can install. Whole-house window replacements are very popular because replacing all of your windows at once allows you to enjoy more temperature control and energy savings without worrying about older windows that leak air and moisture.
