In 2026, the national average cost to install a GFCI outlet is $210. Most homeowners pay between $130 and $300, with costs driven by the number of outlets, indoor versus outdoor placement, and local permit requirements. If you're simply replacing an existing outlet, you might spend as little as $100. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a safe option because it protects against electric shock in wet areas.
GFCI Outlet Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?
A few key factors determine the total cost of installing a GFCI outlet, including the number of outlets, whether you're replacing an existing outlet or adding a new one, and the location of each outlet. These variables work together to shape your final price. Speaking with an electrician near you will help you identify the right number of outlets and the best placement for each one.
Guide to Electrical Switches, Outlets, and Fixtures
Materials
GFCI outlets cost between $15 and $50 each for materials alone; labor accounts for the bulk of what you'll spend. Even though material costs are low, DIY installation is not recommended unless you have extensive electrical experience. Hire an electrician to ensure your outlet is installed correctly and safely.
Here is a breakdown of GFCI outlet types and their average material costs:
GFCI Outlet Type
Best Use
Average Cost, Materials Only, in 2026
15-amp
Living room, bedroom, bathroom
$15–$30
20-amp
Kitchen appliances, utility room, garage
$17–$40
Outdoor
Pool, hot tub, shed, balcony
$15–$35
Outlet with light switch
Bathroom, kitchen
$20–$40
Smart outlet
Living room, bedroom, home office
$25–$50
Size of Outlet
The right GFCI outlet size depends on where it will be installed and how much power that location demands. A home office and a garage, for example, require different amperage levels. Adding a feature like a light switch will slightly increase your materials cost.
Number of Outlets
The number of outlets you install is the single biggest factor in the total cost of your GFCI outlet project. Many electricians offer a discount when you install several outlets at once, so bundling the work can save you money. Because GFCI outlets protect all downstream outlets on the same circuit, you only need to install one GFCI per circuit—not one at every outlet location.
Labor Costs
A professional local electrician charges $50 to $100 per hour, depending on their expertise and your local cost of living. Some electricians charge per outlet rather than by the hour. Most have a minimum visit fee of at least $100 to $200 per visit, so it's cost-effective to bundle multiple electrical tasks into a single appointment.
Angi Tip
Homeowners should steer clear of DIY electrical repairs or installations, as the risk of injury is shockingly high! Instead, hire a local electrician who has the expertise to complete electrical jobs safely.
Replacing a grounded outlet with a GFCI outlet is a straightforward job that takes only minutes when handled by someone with the right knowledge. Installing a GFCI breaker in your panel or wiring a new outlet in a new location is a more involved task. For either of those scenarios, you'll need to hire a licensed electrician to do the work safely.
Here is a comparison of costs for replacing versus installing a new GFCI outlet:
Replacing GFCI Outlet
Installing New GFCI Outlet
Average cost: $100–$200
Average cost: $150–$300
Replacing existing standard 120V outlet or dated GFCI outlet
Wiring outlet in new location
Takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete
Takes between 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete
Can DIY, if experienced
Will need to hire an electrician
Indoor vs. Outdoor GFCI Outlet Installation
Standard indoor GFCI outlet installation costs $210 on average, while outdoor outlets cost anywhere from $300 to $1,400 per project. Outdoor installations require a waterproof electrical box and may involve drilling into your home's exterior or running new electrical lines. Here is a breakdown of common outdoor GFCI outlet service costs:
Outdoor Outlet Service
Cost in 2026
GFCI outlet materials
$15–$35
Waterproof outlet cover
$10–$20
Electrician labor costs
$50–$100 per hour
Moving an outlet
$200–$300
Permits and Inspection Costs
Electrical permits for GFCI outlet work cost anywhere from $50 to $400, depending on the scope of your project. Before starting any electrical work, check your local building code to confirm whether a permit is required. Inspections for code compliance are often free and included in your electrician's work when you're simply adding or replacing outlets. If you have broader concerns about your electrical system, an electrical inspection costs an average of $150.
Tools Needed
If you don't already own the necessary tools, you may need to spend about $100 on items such as wire strippers, a voltage-tester pen, and a screwdriver. Needing to purchase basic tools from scratch is a strong signal that this project is better left to a professional. Contact an electrician in your area to get a quote.
Access to Wiring
Wiring that is difficult to access—such as in a ceiling—will increase your labor costs, since the electrician will need more time to complete the work. Factor that extra time into your budget when planning your project. Unless you are already a skilled DIY expert, hard-to-reach wiring locations are best handled by a professional.
The best route is to hire a local electrician to install a GFCI outlet rather than attempting to do the work yourself. Labor is the bulk of the project's cost, but it's well spent due to the safety risks involved with working with electrical systems, including electrical shock and fire.
Here's why it's ideal to hire an electrician
While this task is not as labor-intensive as adding an entirely new outlet to your home, there are some reasons you should always hire a pro to install a GFCI outlet:
A licensed electrician can install a GFCI outlet quickly and safely and ensure compliance with local electrical codes.
Reputable electricians offer warranties and carry insurance.
DIY electrical work may void your homeowners insurance and poses a significant safety risk, including electric shock.
Your pro will correctly wire your outlet and alert you to faulty wiring, one of the leading causes of house fires.
You will need to meet the following code requirements for installing a GFCI outlet in the following rooms:
Location
Description
Bathroom
All bathroom outlets must have GFCI protection.
Kitchen
Kitchen outlets need at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits for the countertop, and outlets that are within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected.
Laundry Room
The outlet needs a 30-amp, 240-volt circuit with four conductors, and all receptacles need GFCI protection.
Garage
You will need one outlet for each car space, and all outlets will need GFCI protection.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Be ready to provide basic information to your electrician, such as the number of outlets and the location of each in your home.
Since this is a small job, consider discussing potential add-ons with your contractor, such as updating multiple outlets.
Ask about warranties or guarantees, along with verifying your electrician’s credentials.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace a standard outlet with a GFCI outlet. This offers circuit protection and ultimately helps to prevent electric shocks. It is especially necessary near water sources, like sinks, which can make an electrical shock fatal.
Certain places in the home, like kitchens and bathrooms, require GFCI outlets to be installed. Other places, like hallways and living rooms, do not. If you have questions on whether you need a GFCI outlet, contact an electrician in your area.
GFCI outlets generally need to be replaced every 7 to 15 years, though some may fail in as little as 5 years, depending on usage. It is important to test them regularly. Signs that a GFCI outlet is failing or has reached the end of its lifespan include: no power coming from the outlet, the outlet not resetting when the 'reset' button is pressed, or the outlet not tripping when the 'test' button is pressed. If you notice any of these issues, it is time to replace the outlet, and it's best to contact an electrician to do so.
A GFCI outlet is a type of electrical outlet that monitors the electricity flowing through the circuit and shuts off power immediately when it detects a loss or acceleration of current. They are particularly important in areas that may come in contact with water, which is why they're most common in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages.
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 111 total reviews
Rob H.
5.0
08/2026
I recently had Mosby Electric perform an electrical installation on 8-14-2026, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service. From the moment I called, their team demonstrated fast arrival and professionalism. The electricians were highly knowledgeable, completing the installation...
Jeff B.
5.0
04/2026
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
Regina H.
5.0
01/2024
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Jeffrey J.
4.0
02/2023
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
William R.
5.0
06/2020
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Jerald W.
5.0
09/2019
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Paul H.
4.0
06/2017
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Sarah C.
1.0
08/2016
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
Erin W.
5.0
07/2016
I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Bradley H.
1.0
08/2015
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.
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