How much does a ductwork replacement cost in Cambridge, MA?

The average ductwork replacement in Cambridge, MA costs $10,084 in 2026. Costs range from $3,361 for a basic project to $25,211 for a high-end renovation. Cambridge is 68% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cambridge?

The average contractor labor rate in Cambridge, MA is $54.31/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a ductwork replacement, labor typically accounts for 65% of the total cost, which is approximately $6,555 in Cambridge.

Are materials more expensive in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a material cost index of 144 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 44% more than the national average. For a ductwork replacement, materials account for 35% of the cost, approximately $3,529.

Do I need a permit for a ductwork replacement in Cambridge?

Yes, a ductwork replacement typically requires building permits in Cambridge, MA. The average permit cost in Cambridge is $3,017. Always confirm requirements with the Cambridge building department before starting work.

Is a ductwork replacement a good investment in Cambridge?

A ductwork replacement provides an estimated 42% ROI nationally. In Cambridge, where the median home price is $607,888, this project costs about 1.7% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Ductwork Replacement in Cambridge, MA — Costs $3,361 to $25,211

What does ductwork replacement cost in Cambridge? Average $10,084, ranging $3,361–$25,211. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 68% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+68% vs national

Labor Rate

$54.31/hr

Material Index

144

Avg Permit Cost

$3,017

Median Home Price

$607,888

Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a ductwork replacement, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 68% above the national average, Cambridge is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $607,888, this ductwork replacement represents just 1.7% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$3,361

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$10,084

National: $6,000

High End

$25,211

National: $15,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 1-3 days

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 42%

Ductwork Replacement Cost Calculator for Cambridge

Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Cambridge

$9,681

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Cambridge market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (65%)$6,555

At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)

Materials (35%)$3,529

Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)

Ductwork Replacement vs. Home Value in Cambridge

Metric	Cambridge	National Avg
Ductwork Replacement (Mid-Range)	$10,084	$6,000
Median Home Price	$607,888	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.7%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	42%	42%
Median Household Income	$98,948	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cambridge

1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
2Material cost index (144 vs national 100)
3Total linear footage
4Duct material (sheet metal vs flex)
5Insulation of new ducts
6Access difficulty

Popular Upgrades

Insulated rigid metal ducts
Aeroseal duct sealing
Zoned dampers

Other Projects in Cambridge, MA

Whole House Generator Installation

$24,100

HardROI 55%

HVAC System Replacement

$19,058

HardROI 50%

Whole House Plumbing Repiping

$16,807

HardROI 45%

Spray Foam Insulation

$13,149

HardROI 60%

Second Story Addition

$325,033

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$243,775

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$146,265

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$128,532

MediumROI 60%

Ductwork Replacement in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$10,011

-1%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$8,684

-14%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$8,234

-18%Pop. 155,929

Lowell, MA

$8,360

-17%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$8,187

-19%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$9,282

-8%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$8,658

-14%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$8,254

-18%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Ductwork Replacement in Cambridge

Building permits are typically required for a ductwork replacement in Cambridge. The average permit fee in this area is $3,017, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 1-3 days from start to finish.

A ductwork replacement is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $10,084 represents 10% of the typical household's annual income.

Ductwork Replacement — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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