How Much Does Moving an Electric Meter Cost? [2026 Data]

Rarely are electric meters described as anything but an aesthetic nuisance. Luckily, the average cost to move an electric meter is $675, so its unfortunate placement on the road side of your home doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re in the middle of a remodel, or you’re simply sick of looking at it, why not move your electrical meter to a more discreet location? The prices will fluctuate between $100 to $1,200, depending on labor costs and how far it’s moving.

Cost Factors to Move Electric Meter

When budgeting for the project of moving your electric meter, consider these essential cost factors.

Distance

Moving your electric meter a few inches on its existing baseboard typically won’t cost you anything. However, you’ll need to call your electricity provider to see if this slight adjustment is possible, as some providers have a limit on how much you can move before you get charged.

If you’re moving your electric meter within a 10-foot distance on the same wall, you should expect to pay around $450 on average. But if you need the electric meter relocated to a completely different wall, you’re looking at a fee of around $800 on average.

Beyond the actual move, you’ll need to consider labor costs, any repairs for the walls, and whether you need a new base or not.

Complete Replacement or Simple Move

Because you already have an existing electric meter, you don’t have to worry about the extra costs associated with a replacement. But on the off chance that your outside electric meter needs a complete replacement, be prepared to pay even more. On average, the cost to replace an outside electric meter is around $1,200.

Labor

If this is a larger move, then you might need to hire an electrician near you (after calling the electric company first). Electricians will charge $50 to $250 per hour on average. This comes down to the individual contractor, so it’s always best to get three quotes before finalizing your decision.

Additional Costs Factors

Wall Repairs

You might damage the wall while removing the base of the electric meter. If so, you need to address those repairs immediately. Depending on the severity of the damage, the cost to repair a wall costs $360 to $1,200. This is on top of the cost of a handyperson, which sits around $60 to $125 per hour.

New Electric Meter Base

Ideally, you’ll reinstall your old meter base at its new location. But if the electric meter breaks during the move, then you’ll need to tack on an extra $150 to the final cost.

Upgrading to 200-Amp Service

The average cost to upgrade to a 200-amp service is around $1,375. Most homes come with a 100- to 150-amp service. However, more people are upgrading to this higher-end service to accommodate more appliances and devices—especially if you work from home.

Why You Should Hire an Electrician to Move an Electric Meter

It’s against the law—not to mention extremely dangerous—to move an electrical meter yourself. You’ll need to contact your electrical company to learn the proper legal process for moving it, and an electrician near you can help.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an electrician

In addition to being the only legal way to move an electrical meter, here’s why you should hire a pro:

• A professional electrician knows the legal process for moving an electrical meter.

• Electricians can advise you on whether you need to upgrade the amperage to accommodate more appliances. 

• A pro will ensure compliance with building codes and other local laws.

• Electricians are trained to handle electrical systems safely and can identify any issues before they occur.

• A reputable electrician will offer warranties and carry insurance.

• Working with electrical systems is highly dangerous and can lead to shocks and damage to the system. 

If you want to DIY moving an electrical meter

Moving an electrical meter yourself is against the law, but there are certain aspects of this task you can handle:

• Contact your electrical company to determine the legal process to move your meter.

• Clear any debris or clutter from around the electrical meter to improve accessibility for your pro.

• Move furniture to ensure a clear pathway to the electrical meter.

• Clean up the area once the work is complete.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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. 

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