Water Heater Cost Calculator
A water heater replacement usually costs about $1,200 to $3,500, and the national average is about $1,950. This calculator prices water heater installation from $1,800 for a 40 gallon electric tank to $4,500 for a heat pump. A 50 gallon gas tank, the usual replacement, is about $2,000.
Estimate water heater cost
Rough guide based on US averages. Real quotes vary by site, finish and contractor.
Estimates are indicative only. For an accurate price, get free quotes from local contractors above.
Water Heater Price Breakdown
Typical job based on 1 heater. Prices are supply-and-install midpoints — actual quotes will vary.
| Type | Cost per heater | Typical 1 heater job |
|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon electric tank | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| 50 gallon gas tank | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Electric tankless | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Gas tankless | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| Heat pump | $4,500 | $4,500 |
What Affects Water Heater Cost?
- Heater type: A 40 gallon electric tank is $1,800. A 50 gallon gas tank is $2,000. An electric tankless heater is $3,000. A gas tankless heater is $3,500. A heat pump is $4,500. These are straight replacements on the same fuel.
- Code upgrades: An expansion tank, drain pan, or safety straps often add about $500, and sometimes $200 to $800. Leave that off if the quote already includes them. Plumbing permits are often $50 to $500 and are not included.
- Changing fuel or system: Moving from a tank to tankless, or from electric to gas, can add $500 to $3,000 for new venting, a gas line, or an electrical upgrade. That work is not in these rates. A heat pump also needs enough space and a condensate drain.
- More than one heater: Most homes have one heater. Each extra heater is priced at the same rate. If the math ever falls under $1,200, the estimate starts at the $1,200 minimum. Displayed estimates are plus or minus 20 percent around the midpoint.
Water Heater Cost - Frequently Asked Questions
Water heater replacement cost for one 50 gallon gas tank is about $2,000. A 40 gallon electric tank is about $1,800. The national average is about $1,950, and most replacements fall around $1,200 to $3,500. The displayed range for the gas tank is about $1,600 to $2,400. Tankless and heat pump heaters cost more than that typical tank range.
Water heater installation for a standard tank is $1,800 for a 40 gallon electric tank and $2,000 for a 50 gallon gas tank. For one gas tank, the displayed range is about $1,600 to $2,400. Code upgrades such as an expansion tank and a drain pan add about $500 when you turn them on.
Tankless water heater installation is $3,000 for an electric tankless unit and $3,500 for a gas tankless unit. For one gas tankless heater, the displayed range is about $2,800 to $4,200. Switching from a tank, or running a new gas line, can add $500 to $3,000 and is not included.
Yes. A tankless water heater is $3,000 electric or $3,500 gas. A tank is $1,800 electric or $2,000 gas. The tankless price is the unit and a normal install. New venting or a fuel change is extra.
A heat pump hot water heater installation is $4,500. For one heater, the displayed range is about $3,600 to $5,400. That is above the $1,200 to $3,500 range most tank replacements cost. A gas tankless heater, at $3,500, is the next step down.
Water heater cost is per heater. Two 50 gallon gas tanks are about $4,000 before code upgrades. Two gas tankless heaters are about $7,000. Code upgrades add about $500 for each heater if you select them. Permits, often $50 to $500, are not included.