Vinyl Windows Cost – Itemized Window and Installation Costs

Installed vinyl window cost ranges from around $200 to more than $2,000 per window based on many cost factors. They include window type, size, extras and brand. Who installs the windows affects cost too.

The average vinyl window cost for the most popular sizes and types has gone up since 2020 pretty significantly, unfortunately.

Then, for example, the average cost of the most popular windows was $765 installed.

Now, the average cost of the same window is $1,000+ – and going up.

This table lists vinyl window prices for each window style.

Window Type Sizes WxH Window Only Installed Cost (Inc. Labor) Ave. Installed Cost*
Single-hung 14×23 to 54×78 $150 – $1,275 $440 – $1,800 $1,065
Double-hung 14×23 to 54×66 $175 – $1,750 $495 – $2,200 $1,150
Casement 14×17 to 36×72 $235 – $1,450 $480 – $1,900 $1,115
Awning 17×14 to 60×36 $225 – $1,315 $460 – $1,830 $980
Sliding/Gliding 22×12 to 48×72 $195 – $1,675 $440 – $1,995 $950
Fixed 18×18 to 48×60 $150 – $1,465 $380 – $1,950 $845
Bay/Bow 60×48 to 90×60 $2,175 – $4,250 $2,790 – $5,700 $4,450
* Installation includes removing an old window, if necessary, prepping the opening and installing the new window. Some brands, like Ply Gem, call their vinyl windows PVC (polyvinyl chloride) windows.

Vinyl Window Cost Factors

Cost factors are considered in three categories: window factors, accessories and installation.

Window Factors

  • Window Quality: Vinyl PVC windows range from average to very good quality. National vinyl window brands considered to have the best quality are Pella, Jeld-Wen, Milgard, Ply Gem, Simonton (a Ply Gem brand) and Window World.

Brands often make several grades of vinyl windows. Milgard, for example, produces Style Line V250 (basic quality), Tuscany V400 Series (better) and Ultra Series C650 Series (best).

  • Pre-made vs Semi-custom Windows: This factor overlaps with quality. Home improvement stores like Lowes, Home Depot and Menards sell pre-made vinyl windows in a limited range of common sizes. They tend to be builder-grade or “Basic” quality. Your other option is to order semi-custom windows in the sizes and with the features you want.

Most semi-custom or made-to-order windows are offered in size increments of 1/8” for the best fit. Then, you can select from a menu of options including color, hardware, glazing (glass), grilles, etc.

  • Window Size: Each window style is made in a unique set of sizes, as seen in the summary table above. Note that the largest awning windows are smaller than the largest casement windows, though in other ways they’re very similar. This is because awning windows open out and up, and the hardware can’t support as much weight.
  • Window Type: Fixed windows, aka picture windows, have no moving parts, so starting cost is lowest. From that starting point, cost rises with the amount of material used, hardware and the labor required to build the windows. Note: Costs by Window Type can be viewed under the Window Prices tab at the top of this page.
  • Glazing: Most vinyl windows are built with low-E, double-pane glass. Cost is higher for windows with improved energy efficiency, premium glass such as climate-specific glass, tempered/shatter-proof glass, tinted or obscured glass and triple-pane glass. Our replacement window ratings article will help you understand ratings and more.
  • New vs Replacement windows: New windows are designed for new construction but can be installed if the siding on the house has been removed for remodeling. They are easier to install, so labor cost is lower.

Window Extras

Most window extras apply to made-to-order windows.

  • Color: Most vinyl windows are white, but some window series offer other colors on the interior, exterior or both. As an example, Milgard Tuscany vinyl window series offers White, Tan and Clay interiors and 11 exterior colors.
  • Hardware: Depending on the window series, it might offer two to six or more hardware type and color options. Standard vinyl coated hardware that matches the window frame are affordable options. Metallic hardware, when available, in finishes like brushed bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, etc., raise cost by as much as $40 per window.
  • Grilles: Pre-made windows either have no grilles or very basic styles. Semi-custom windows typically include a handful of options for grille patterns and profiles.
  • Screens: Better grades of PVC windows offer screen options such as standard screens and those that minimize obscuring the view. Screen color and screen frame color might also be an option.
  • Integrated security sensors: A few high-end windows come with sensors that integrate into your home security or smart home systems.

Window Installation Cost Factors

DIY vs Pro Installation: Window installers charge $200 to $600 for most windows, and up to $1,500 for bay and bow window assemblies. If you’re handy and experienced, then there are savings to enjoy by DIY.

However, if the windows are not properly installed, problems ranging from warped or broken frames to air gaps and poor efficiency can occur.

Bad installation might also void the warranty, as Pella shouts in all caps in its vinyl window warranty: “FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PELLA INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS VOIDS ALL WARRANTIES.”

Most vinyl window warranties have similar wording.

Who You Hire: Window specialists and home remodeling companies charge higher rates than handyman services. But you might get better results if you hire a company that installs your brand of windows “all day, every day.”

If you buy semi-custom windows from one of the major brands, the manufacturer might require you to hire an installer certified by that brand or risk voiding the warranty. Sometimes those windows are only available from local franchises that sell windows in a package that includes installation.

Vinyl Window Cost by Brands

The following table shows cost ranges from some of the top national brands.

These are prices for installed windows.

Vinyl Window Pella Ply Gem Simonton Milgard MI Jeld-Wen
Single-hung $400 – $1,650 $400 – $1,735 $425 – $1,800 $450 – $1,755 $415 – $1,650 $410 – $1,795
Double-hung $480 – $2,050 $475 – $2,185 $450 – $2,200 $485 – $2,075 $465 – $2,115 $455 – $2,175
Casement $470 – $1,850 $465 – $1,780 $490 – $1,900 N/A $475 – $1,865 $485 – $1,815
Awning $465 – $1,795 $475 – $1,700 $510 – $1,830 N/A $495 – $1,800 $475 – $1,785
Sliding/Gliding $425 – $1,875 $440 – $1,750 $465 – $1,990 $515 – $1,995 $455 – $1,955 $460 – $1,980
Fixed $380 – $1,765 $425 – $1,710 $475 – $1,950 $455 – $1,900 $450 – $1,860 $435 – $1,895
Bay/Bow $2,995 – $4,950 $2,800 – $5,000 $3,850 – $5,665 $3,800 – $5,595 $4,110 – $5,700 $3,775 – $5,365
Get Free Window Estimates from Local Pro’s

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows have advantages and disadvantages. Consider both before choosing this durable, very popular material. And see the brief comparison of vinyl vs wood vs fiberglass vs composite below.

Pros of Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are up to 60% more affordable than genuine wood – though typical savings is around 40% based on which wood vs vinyl windows you’re comparing.

Maintenance is easy – no painting required – and many have sashes that tilt inward to clean the outside glass from indoors.

Vinyl is popular, so it won’t hurt resale in most neighborhoods (see Cons for another perspective).

Vinyl windows come in all styles including popular double-hung and casement windows.

You’ve got better options today than 15 years ago for frame color, hardware styles, Energy Star glass and accessories.

Vinyl is durable, and most vinyl windows come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

Insulated vinyl windows are pretty good at stopping heat transfer – though, of course, windows are not generally energy efficient.

Cons of Vinyl Windows

Vinyl won’t “fool” anyone that it is painted wood – like composite or fiberglass, which are often textured to look like wood.

If wood windows are standard in your neighborhood, then vinyl windows might negatively impact resale value.

While vinyl is recyclable, most used vinyl windows end up in landfills – and little if any recycled vinyl is used in production, since it reduces the strength and quality of the frames.

Low-end vinyl windows are cheap and don’t provide long-term durability.

Vinyl Windows vs Wood Windows and More

When homeowners compare materials, wood vs vinyl is often the chief consideration.

Cost: Vinyl is more affordable and still offers a good selection of styles, colors and extras.

Yes, you’ll spend up to 100% more on premium wood windows, but they offer enhanced beauty and a wider range of interior tones including stained wood. Plus, exterior cladding is offered in 10 to 50+ colors depending on the window line, while vinyl comes in 1-8 colors depending on the line.

Maintenance: Vinyl has a definite advantage in maintenance. They’re near zero-maintenance windows while even clad wood windows need more maintenance. Non-clad wood windows, which are generally only used in historic homes and some super-premium residences, require far more maintenance.

Warranties: Vinyl window warranties are generally Lifetime, while most wood window frames have warranties of 5 to 20 years.

Fiberglass windows, like Pella Impervia and Milgard Ultra Series C650, are comparable to vinyl in warranties and the color choices you have. Fiberglass, however, is more expensive and also stronger than vinyl – which doesn’t play a big role in longevity.

Beauty: For the higher price of fiberglass, you get a more “authentic” painted wood look.

Andersen makes windows that are all Fibrex – the 100 Series, or that have Fibrex exteriors with wood interiors – the E-series. Renewal by Andersen are all Fibrex windows that are only sold by local Renewal franchises – the windows and installation are sold as a package.

Most Andersen Fibrex windows cost more than most vinyl windows, but they’re also stronger than vinyl and provide the look of painted wood.

Tips for Finding the Best Window Prices

We recommend shopping around for cost.

If you’re buying pre-made windows, visit several home improvement and building supply stores. Look for sales.

When you’ll be installing made-to-order windows, get estimates from several local companies that know you’re receiving multiple bids.

The table below shows that homeowners pay different prices for similar windows. The window sizes aren’t known, and that likely accounts for some of the difference. But window contractor plays a major part in total cost too.

*And you can see that prices have gone up significantly in the last 4 years.

Windows # of Windows Total Cost
Cost per Window
Homeowner 1 Pella 250 10 (2022) $11,890 $1,189
Homeowner 2 Milgard Tuscany 15 (2019) $11,000 $733

Getting estimates can be time-consuming. Rather than calling window companies at random, it’s better to ask friends and neighbors for suggestions. Check Google reviews, the BBB and other reviews.

Then, call the most qualified contractors to ask for a visit. Discuss your options, and get written estimates to compare.

If you’d like to expedite the process, our Free Cost Quotes service is ideal. When you fill out a quick form, you’ll get estimates from pre-screened, licensed window contractors in your area.

There is no charge or obligation. We still recommend you check reviews and references to determine which window installer is the best qualified.

And once you have your windows installed, please feel free to submit your purchase information for the benefit of other readers!

Learn More on Window Replacement in Our Guides

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