Fireplace Installation in Cambridge, MA — Costs $4,109 to $49,311

What does fireplace installation cost in Cambridge? Average $13,149, ranging $4,109–$49,311. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 64% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+64% 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 fireplace installation, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 64% 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 fireplace installation represents just 2.2% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$4,109

National: $2,500

Mid-Range

$13,149

National: $8,000

High End

$49,311

National: $30,000

Per Sq Ft

$0

National: $0

Duration: 3-7 days
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 80%

Fireplace Installation Cost Calculator for Cambridge

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

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Cambridge

$12,623

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (55%)$7,232

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

Materials (45%)$5,917

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

Fireplace Installation vs. Home Value in Cambridge

MetricCambridgeNational Avg
Fireplace Installation (Mid-Range)$13,149$8,000
Median Home Price$607,888$350,000
Project as % of Home Value2.2%2.3%
Estimated ROI80%80%
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)
  • 3Fireplace type (gas, electric, wood)
  • 4Venting requirements
  • 5Surround and mantel
  • 6Gas line extension

Popular Upgrades

  • Linear gas fireplace
  • Tiled surround
  • Floating mantel shelf

Planning a Fireplace Installation in Cambridge

Building permits are typically required for a fireplace installation 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 3-7 days from start to finish.

A fireplace installation 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 $13,149 represents 13% of the typical household's annual income.

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