Purchasing and installing a TV antenna typically costs somewhere between $217 to $432, or $314 on average.
If you want to watch free, over-the-air local and national TV channels, you’ll need a TV antenna. Even if you pay for cable, satellite, or streaming services like Amazon Prime or Netflix, using an antenna can improve your picture quality and is a helpful backup option.
The cost to install a TV antenna could be $217 for a small indoor antenna or up to $432 for a large, amplified antenna in an elevated outdoor location that’s tricky to access. The average cost to purchase and install a TV antenna is $314.
If you want a rough idea of how much it’ll cost to purchase and install a TV antenna where you are, the averages below illustrate how prices can differ across the U.S.:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $310 |
| Georgia | $355 |
| California | $225 |
| Mississippi | $310 |
| Florida | $595 |
| New York | $350 |
| North Carolina | $315 |
| Ohio | $175 |
| Pennsylvania | $240 |
| Texas | $280 |
The final cost for a working antenna comes down to materials and labor.
The cost of purchasing the antenna can vary from as little as $20 to over $200 for large, advanced outdoor antennas.
Labor costs vary depending on the type of antenna, its position, and how accessible the location is. However, on average, expect to pay between $200 and $300 for outdoor or attic antenna installation by a TV antenna installer near you.
The type of TV antenna you select will depend on your location, the terrain, the nearest broadcast tower, the building you live in, and the planned setup.
You need to decide if you plan to have an indoor TV antenna or one installed in the attic or on the roof. You can purchase a decent indoor antenna for as little as $20—considerably less than outdoor varieties. Plus, they’re the easiest and safest to install without the help of a pro, as you can mount them on top of your TV. However, they aren’t as powerful and aren’t a good choice for rural areas.
The price of attic and outdoor TV antennas is similar. Expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $300 for the antenna itself and an additional $200 to $300 for installation. If the best location for mounting the antenna is difficult to access, the labor costs could be even higher.
If you live close to a signal (within around 20 miles) you can opt for a passive, non-amplified antenna. These don’t need a power source and are common in an indoor setup. They typically cost anywhere from $20 to $150.
Amplified antennas pull in the signal from a further distance and produce better results if you’re running a long coaxial cable, but they require a power source. They’re more expensive than non-amplified antennas, costing around $50 to $200, and you may need to hire an electrician to set up the power source.
However, amplified antennas aren’t perfect. They can amplify noise and distortion, and strong signals can block out weaker ones. It’s possible to turn the amplifier off in these situations.
Multidirectional antennas are common indoors and outdoors and receive signals from all directions. Typically, they cost more than outdoor directional antennas, which need careful adjustment to point towards a specific signal source.
If you want to target one signal source from a far-off location and achieve a clear picture, this is when a directional antenna works best.
For most savvy DIYers, installing an indoor antenna yourself won’t be too tricky. Even installing an attic antenna may be within some homeowners’ capabilities. On average, you can save around $200 to $300 by installing a TV antenna yourself.
However, installing an outdoor antenna is generally best left to professionals. There are security risks that come with antenna installation on a roof, and if it isn’t secure, strong winds could pull it off. There’s even the possibility of damaging the integrity of your roof, which can lead to costly repairs and even water damage clean-up. Plus, if you hire a professional, they will understand how to best position the antenna for optimal reception.
Along with the type of antenna you purchase, various other factors can affect the cost to install a TV antenna.
Installing an indoor TV antenna yourself is less expensive than hiring someone to install an outdoor mounted antenna. Plus, the price to install an outdoor mounted antenna can vary depending on the ease of access for the contractor and the height.
Sometimes additional accessories can maximize your tv antennas signal strength. A pole or mast means you can elevate outdoor antennas anywhere on your property. Expect to pay $50 to $200 for the pole itself, but there could also be additional labor costs to install it.
Interference filters remove radio wave signals that impact reception quality, and they typically cost $5 to $25.
If you’re using a directional antenna, mounting this on a motorized, remote-controlled rotor can help you adjust its position when you want to focus on a signal that offers the best reception for a particular channel. Expect to pay around $100 to $300.
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There aren’t any guarantees that the TV antenna you purchase and install will provide perfect reception. Much depends on your distance from broadcasting towers, any nearby obstructions, and typical weather. However, doing some research minimizes the risk of disappointment.
You can speak to neighbors to understand their setup. Various online tools allow you to check how far you are from TV transmitters in your area. The Federal Communications Commission, for example, has a tool enabling you to check local Digital TV channel reception.
Selecting the right type of antenna for your situation and having it properly positioned and installed will also increase the chances of better reception.
If you’re having problems with poor reception, here are some simple tips that may help improve the signal and picture quality.
Consider the position of the antenna: Could it be higher, is it secure, or are nearby obstructions interfering with the signal? For a directional antenna, you may need to reposition it in the direction of the broadcast tower.
Move any metallic objects: Metal can interfere or block reception, so if you have stainless steel objects or the antenna is near a wrought-iron fence, this could be a problem. Try to keep the antenna at least six feet away from metal objects..
Cable length: An overly long cable can reduce signal strength. If you don’t need as much cable as you are using, it may be better to exchange it for a shorter one.
