Water Heater Replacement in Arlington, VA — Costs $1,210 to $7,561

What does water heater replacement cost in Arlington? Average $3,327, ranging $1,210–$7,561. Labor runs $49.95/hr locally — 51% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Arlington, VA Market

+51% vs national

Labor Rate

$49.95/hr

Material Index

143

Avg Permit Cost

$2,406

Median Home Price

$680,000

Arlington is a mid-sized city in Virginia with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a water heater replacement, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 51% above the national average, Arlington 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 $680,000, this water heater replacement represents just 0.5% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$1,210

National: $800

Mid-Range

$3,327

National: $2,200

High End

$7,561

National: $5,000

Per Sq Ft

$0

National: $0

Duration: 1 day
DIY: Medium
Permits: Required
ROI: 70%

Water Heater Replacement Cost Calculator for Arlington

Adjusted for Arlington's labor rate ($49.95/hr) and material costs (index 143).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Arlington

$3,194

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (35%)$1,164

At Arlington's average rate of $49.95/hr (67% above national avg)

Materials (65%)$2,163

Material cost index 143 (43% above national baseline of 100)

Water Heater Replacement vs. Home Value in Arlington

MetricArlingtonNational Avg
Water Heater Replacement (Mid-Range)$3,327$2,200
Median Home Price$680,000$350,000
Project as % of Home Value0.5%0.6%
Estimated ROI70%70%
Median Household Income$120,000$75,000

What Affects the Price in Arlington

  • 1Local labor rates ($49.95/hr in Arlington)
  • 2Material cost index (143 vs national 100)
  • 3Tank vs tankless
  • 4Fuel type
  • 5Capacity
  • 6Energy efficiency

Popular Upgrades

  • Tankless
  • Heat pump water heater
  • Recirculation pump

Planning a Water Heater Replacement in Arlington

Building permits are typically required for a water heater replacement in Arlington. The average permit fee in this area is $2,406, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 1 day from start to finish.

A water heater replacement is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Arlington, skilled contractors charge an average of $49.95/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $120,000, many Arlington residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $3,327 represents 3% of the typical household's annual income.

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