# Water Heater Cost Calculator

This is the text version of https://www.hiresupertrades.com/calculators/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.

## Water Heater price breakdown

Typical job based on 1 heater. Prices are supply-and-install midpoints. Actual quotes 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the average water heater replacement cost?

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.

### How much does water heater installation cost for a standard tank unit?

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.

### How much does tankless water heater installation cost?

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.

### Is a tankless water heater more expensive than a tank model?

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.

### What does a hot water heater installation cost for a high-efficiency model?

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.

### How is water heater cost priced if I need more than one unit?

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.