How much does electrical panel upgrade cost?
An electrical panel upgrade costs $1,800 to $4,500, averaging about $2,900. A straight 100 to 200 amp swap is on the low end; relocating the panel or replacing the service entrance pushes past $6,000.
National average
$2,900
Typical low
$1,800
Typical high
$4,500
Per panel
$1,300 – $6,000
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Estimated project cost
$1,300 – $2,500
Most homeowners pay around $1,900
Compare target service size
Cost by material
Installed pricing per panel.
| Option | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 100 amp service | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 150 amp service | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| 200 amp service | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 400 amp service | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Subpanel | $600 – $2,000 |
Cost by scope
| Scope | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Swap panel, same amperage | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| 100 to 200 amp upgrade | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Upgrade plus new meter base | $2,800 – $6,000 |
| Overhead to underground service | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Add a subpanel | $600 – $2,000 |
| Whole-home rewire | $8,000 – $30,000 |
Do you need an upgrade?
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Fuse box or 60/100 amp service | Upgrade before adding any large load |
| Breakers trip regularly | Capacity or circuit problem — get a load calc |
| Adding an EV charger | Level 2 charging usually needs 200 amp |
| Adding a heat pump or induction range | Load calc required, usually 200 amp |
| Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel | Known fire hazard — replace regardless |
Where the money goes
A typical project budget, broken down by line item.
- Labor48% · $1,392
- Panel and breakers27% · $783
- Service entrance materials15% · $435
- Permits and inspection10% · $290
Cost by region
Labor markets move the number more than any other single factor.
Northeast metro
$2,196 – $5,490
+22% vs. national average
West Coast metro
$2,250 – $5,625
+25% vs. national average
Mountain West
$1,890 – $4,725
+5% vs. national average
Midwest
$1,800 – $4,500
At the national average
South & Southeast
$1,656 – $4,140
-8% vs. national average
Rural nationwide
$1,620 – $4,050
-10% vs. national average
Common add-ons
Line items that show up on most quotes but rarely in the headline price.
EV charger circuit
Whole-home surge protector
Generator interlock or transfer switch
Grounding rod system update
AFCI/GFCI breaker upgrades
Per breaker
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Hire a pro
$1,800 – $4,500
Do it yourself
$0 – $0
Service panel work is not DIY in any jurisdiction. The utility must pull the meter, an inspection is mandatory, and unpermitted panel work will fail a home sale and can void your insurance.
Ways to save
Practical levers that lower the bill without cutting quality.
- Go straight to 200 amp — the incremental cost over 150 is small and you will not repeat the job.
- Bundle EV charger, surge protector and any new circuits into the same permit and visit.
- Check for utility and federal electrification rebates before you sign.
- Get three bids; panel pricing varies more between electricians than almost any other trade.
- Ask about keeping the panel in its existing location to avoid relocation cost.
Questions to ask your contractor
- 01Will you perform a NEC load calculation, and can I see it?
- 02Does this include a new meter base and mast, or reuse the existing?
- 03Who coordinates the utility disconnect and reconnect?
- 04Is the permit and final inspection included in the price?
- 05How long will power be out?
- 06Which breakers and panel brand, and what is the warranty?
Frequently asked questions
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Get electrician quotesElectrical Panel Upgrade cost by city
Local labor rates, permits and climate change the number. Pick your city for prices near you.
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Los Angeles, CA
$2,232 – $5,580
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in San Diego, CA
$2,124 – $5,310
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in San Jose, CA
$2,484 – $6,210
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in San Francisco, CA
$2,610 – $6,525
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Oakland, CA
$2,376 – $5,940
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Sacramento, CA
$1,944 – $4,860
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Fresno, CA
$1,764 – $4,410
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Long Beach, CA
$2,196 – $5,490
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Anaheim, CA
$2,160 – $5,400
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Santa Ana, CA
$2,142 – $5,355
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Irvine, CA
$2,268 – $5,670
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Riverside, CA
$1,908 – $4,770
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in San Bernardino, CA
$1,854 – $4,635
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Bakersfield, CA
$1,746 – $4,365
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Stockton, CA
$1,836 – $4,590
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Modesto, CA
$1,800 – $4,500
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Chula Vista, CA
$2,070 – $5,175
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Fremont, CA
$2,430 – $6,075
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Pasadena, CA
$2,304 – $5,760
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Glendale, CA
$2,250 – $5,625
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Santa Clarita, CA
$2,088 – $5,220
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Torrance, CA
$2,214 – $5,535
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in Oxnard, CA
$2,052 – $5,130
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in San Mateo, CA
$2,520 – $6,300