In Remodeling magazine's 2025 Cost vs. Value report, replacing ten 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows in New England averaged $21,922 with vinyl windows and $27,226 with wood windows, roughly $2,200 to $2,700 per window. Frame material, size and shape, insert or full-frame installation and rot around the openings move the price most.
What does window replacement cost in New England?
| Project | Typical scope | New England average, 2025 | About per window | Cost recouped at resale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl window replacement | Replace ten 3 × 5 ft double-hung windows with vinyl windows | $21,922 | $2,192 | 71.2% |
| Wood window replacement | Replace ten 3 × 5 ft double-hung windows with wood windows | $27,226 | $2,723 | 69.7% |
New England average, 2025. © 2025 Zonda Media, a Delaware corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2025 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com. These are regional averages for standard projects, not quotes: your price depends on your house, your choices and the conditions found once work starts. The per-window column is the benchmark job cost divided by ten.
A single window usually costs more per unit than ten done together, because setup, the permit and staging are shared across the job. We don't publish our own price ranges; we measure each opening and give you an itemized estimate after a free visit.
What drives the cost of replacement windows?
- Frame material: vinyl costs least; wood, clad-wood and fiberglass cost more.
- Size and shape: arched tops, bays, bows and made-to-size units cost more than standard rectangles.
- Glass: double or triple glazing and low-E coatings change the price, and safety glass is required near doors, tubs and stairs.
- Installation method: insert replacement keeps the old frame and costs less; full-frame replacement allows rot repair and new flashing. Our window signs guide explains the difference.
- Condition of the opening: rotted sills, framing or sheathing found during removal add repair work.
- Trim and finish: exterior trim, interior casing, paint or stain.
- Older houses: in pre-1978 homes, every window replacement follows lead-safe work rules.
- Access: upper floors and steep grades need ladders or staging.
Do replacement windows need a permit and lead-safe work?
Usually, yes, to both. Most Massachusetts towns require a building permit for replacement windows, often a short-form permit, and new units must meet the energy code, egress and safety-glass rules. See the windows section of our permit guide.
In a home built before 1978, every window replacement falls under the lead-safe rules, and in Massachusetts the company doing it needs a Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor license; see lead-safe rules for pre-1978 homes.
Are there tax credits for new windows in 2026?
Not federally. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), which covered qualifying windows, ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Check with your electric or gas utility for any current incentive programs before you buy.
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Do new windows pay back at resale?
Partly. In the 2025 data for New England, vinyl window replacement recouped 71.2% of its cost and wood 69.7%. The rest of the value is comfort: fewer drafts, less condensation and windows that open and lock. Energy savings depend on what you're replacing and how well the new units are installed, so we don't promise a payback period.
How long does window replacement take?
Most window replacements take 1 to 3 days of installation, depending on the number of openings. Made-to-size windows have to be ordered first, which adds lead time before installation.
Where have we installed new windows?
On our Lynnfield addition and exterior project, three arched windows and a new entry door went into the new addition before the siding (photo at the top). We do window work in Lynnfield and in Westborough, where a client shared this after new siding and windows:
“New siding and windows completely transformed the house. Professional from the estimate to the final walkthrough — highly recommend.”
See our window replacement service for what's included.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to replace all the windows at once?
Often, per window, because setup, the permit and staging are shared. Replacing in phases, worst windows first, is also common.
Should I choose vinyl or wood windows?
Vinyl costs less and needs little upkeep: $21,922 versus $27,226 for ten windows in the 2025 New England benchmark. Wood can be painted or stained and suits older houses, but the outside needs maintenance unless it is clad.
How much does it cost to replace one window?
It depends on size, type and the condition of the opening, and a single window carries the same setup and permit costs as several. The 2025 benchmark works out to about $2,192 (vinyl) to $2,723 (wood) per window when ten are replaced together.
Sources
- Remodeling 2025 Cost vs. Value Report: New England (JLC / Zonda Media)
- Cost vs. Value report data, free download (costvsvalue.com)
- Mass.gov: Lead-safe renovation for contractors (454 CMR 22.00)
Laws, codes and program rules change. This guide is general information, not legal advice; confirm the rules for your project with your town's building department or the state agency linked above.
