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

The average window replacement in Cambridge, MA costs $15,511 in 2026. Costs range from $4,653 for a basic project to $46,533 for a high-end renovation. Cambridge is 55% more expensive than the national average of $10,000.

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 window replacement, labor typically accounts for 30% of the total cost, which is approximately $4,653 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 window replacement, materials account for 70% of the cost, approximately $10,858.

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

A window replacement usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Cambridge, MA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Cambridge (when required) is $3,017.

Is a window replacement a good investment in Cambridge?

A window replacement provides an estimated 68% ROI nationally. In Cambridge, where the median home price is $607,888, this project costs about 2.6% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Window Replacement in Cambridge, MA — Costs $4,653 to $46,533

What does window replacement cost in Cambridge? Average $15,511, ranging $4,653–$46,533. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 55% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+55% 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 window replacement, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 55% 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 window replacement represents just 2.6% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$4,653

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$15,511

National: $10,000

High End

$46,533

National: $30,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 1-3 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 68%

Window 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

$14,891

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (30%)$4,653

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

Materials (70%)$10,858

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

Window Replacement vs. Home Value in Cambridge

Metric	Cambridge	National Avg
Window Replacement (Mid-Range)	$15,511	$10,000
Median Home Price	$607,888	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.6%	2.9%
Estimated ROI	68%	68%
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)
3Number of windows
4Window size and style
5Frame material
6Glass type (double vs triple pane)

Popular Upgrades

Triple-pane glass
Fiberglass frames
Low-E coating

Other Projects in Cambridge, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$38,315

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$32,874

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$32,133

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$29,920

HardROI 68%

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%

Window Replacement in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$15,401

-1%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$13,734

-11%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$13,172

-15%Pop. 155,929

Lowell, MA

$13,323

-14%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$13,136

-15%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$14,517

-6%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$13,714

-12%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$12,757

-18%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Window Replacement in Cambridge

A window replacement typically doesn't require a permit in Cambridge, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 1-3 days to complete.

A window 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 $15,511 represents 16% of the typical household's annual income.

Window Replacement — National Guide

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

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