Fireplace Installation Cost by State 2026 — Gas, Wood, Electric
Fireplace installation costs $600 (electric in MS) to $21,000 (full masonry wood-burning in HI). Gas insert national median $3,500-$7,000, wood-burning $8,000-$25,000, electric $600-$3,500. Operating cost $0-$580/yr depending on fuel + climate. ROI on resale: 50-81%. Sourced from HomeAdvisor 2026 + NFI National Fireplace Institute + NAHB regional pricing + EIA residential fuel prices.
Updated April 2026 · Sources: HomeAdvisor True Cost, NFI installer pricing, NAHB Cost vs Value, EIA fuel prices
All 50 states — fireplace install cost, operating cost & ROI
| State | Gas insert | Wood-burning | Electric | Op cost/yr | Resale ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,200 | $9,500 | $1,100 | $165 | 65% |
| Alaska | $6,800 | $16,500 | $1,900 | $580 | 78% |
| Arizona | $4,500 | $10,800 | $1,200 | $95 | 60% |
| Arkansas | $4,000 | $9,200 | $1,050 | $140 | 64% |
| California | $6,500 | $18,500 | $1,700 | $220 | 70% |
| Colorado | $5,400 | $13,500 | $1,450 | $310 | 76% |
| Connecticut | $5,800 | $14,500 | $1,550 | $420 | 73% |
| Delaware | $4,800 | $11,500 | $1,300 | $280 | 68% |
| Florida | $4,400 | $10,500 | $1,200 | $75 | 55% |
| Georgia | $4,300 | $10,200 | $1,150 | $145 | 65% |
| Hawaii | $7,200 | $21,000 | $2,100 | $110 | 50% |
| Idaho | $4,600 | $11,800 | $1,250 | $290 | 74% |
| Illinois | $5,200 | $12,500 | $1,400 | $380 | 72% |
| Indiana | $4,500 | $10,800 | $1,200 | $320 | 70% |
| Iowa | $4,400 | $10,500 | $1,180 | $360 | 70% |
| Kansas | $4,300 | $10,200 | $1,150 | $290 | 68% |
| Kentucky | $4,200 | $9,800 | $1,130 | $220 | 67% |
| Louisiana | $4,100 | $9,500 | $1,100 | $110 | 60% |
| Maine | $5,400 | $13,500 | $1,450 | $520 | 80% |
| Maryland | $5,300 | $13,000 | $1,420 | $290 | 72% |
| Massachusetts | $6,200 | $15,800 | $1,650 | $480 | 76% |
| Michigan | $4,900 | $12,000 | $1,330 | $410 | 74% |
| Minnesota | $5,100 | $12,500 | $1,380 | $510 | 78% |
| Mississippi | $3,950 | $9,200 | $1,050 | $140 | 60% |
| Missouri | $4,400 | $10,500 | $1,180 | $280 | 68% |
| Montana | $4,800 | $11,800 | $1,280 | $480 | 76% |
| Nebraska | $4,400 | $10,500 | $1,180 | $350 | 68% |
| Nevada | $4,900 | $12,000 | $1,320 | $220 | 65% |
| New Hampshire | $5,500 | $13,800 | $1,480 | $510 | 80% |
| New Jersey | $6,000 | $15,200 | $1,620 | $410 | 73% |
| New Mexico | $4,400 | $10,500 | $1,180 | $230 | 68% |
| New York | $6,500 | $16,500 | $1,700 | $450 | 75% |
| North Carolina | $4,500 | $10,800 | $1,200 | $200 | 70% |
| North Dakota | $4,700 | $11,500 | $1,250 | $530 | 75% |
| Ohio | $4,700 | $11,200 | $1,270 | $350 | 72% |
| Oklahoma | $4,100 | $9,800 | $1,100 | $200 | 64% |
| Oregon | $5,200 | $12,800 | $1,400 | $280 | 76% |
| Pennsylvania | $5,200 | $12,500 | $1,400 | $380 | 73% |
| Rhode Island | $5,500 | $13,800 | $1,480 | $440 | 75% |
| South Carolina | $4,400 | $10,500 | $1,180 | $175 | 67% |
| South Dakota | $4,500 | $10,800 | $1,200 | $460 | 70% |
| Tennessee | $4,300 | $10,200 | $1,150 | $195 | 68% |
| Texas | $4,500 | $10,800 | $1,200 | $130 | 62% |
| Utah | $4,700 | $11,500 | $1,280 | $280 | 75% |
| Vermont | $5,300 | $13,200 | $1,430 | $540 | 81% |
| Virginia | $5,000 | $12,200 | $1,350 | $240 | 71% |
| Washington | $5,500 | $13,800 | $1,480 | $290 | 76% |
| West Virginia | $4,200 | $9,800 | $1,130 | $290 | 68% |
| Wisconsin | $4,900 | $12,000 | $1,330 | $470 | 76% |
| Wyoming | $4,600 | $11,500 | $1,250 | $460 | 72% |
FAQ
How much does a fireplace installation cost in 2026?▼
Fireplace installation cost 2026 by type (national median): GAS FIREPLACE INSERT ($3,500-$7,000) — direct-vent or B-vent unit, gas line run if not present (+$500-$1,500), millwork/surround. WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE ($8,000-$25,000) — full masonry build with chimney is most expensive; pre-fab wood-burning insert with venting cheaper ($4-8k). ELECTRIC FIREPLACE ($600-$3,500) — plug-in or hardwired unit, no venting, no fuel line, just an outlet. EXISTING-FIREPLACE CONVERSION (wood-to-gas): $2,500-$5,500 (gas line + insert + surround). State multipliers apply: Hawaii 1.5x, California 1.4x, Mississippi 0.85x. Permits typically required for gas + wood-burning ($150-$500); electric usually no permit. NFI-certified installer recommended for gas/wood (insurance/code requirements). Per HomeAdvisor 2026: median spend up 7% YoY 2025-2026 driven by gas appliance + chimney-liner costs.
Where does fireplace installation cost the most/least in 2026?▼
Most expensive states (gas insert) 2026: HAWAII $7,200, CALIFORNIA + NEW YORK $6,500, ALASKA $6,800, MASSACHUSETTS $6,200, NEW JERSEY $6,000. Least expensive: MISSISSIPPI $3,950, ALABAMA $4,200, KENTUCKY $4,200, ARKANSAS + LOUISIANA $4,000-4,100. Cost drivers: (1) labor — California gas-fitter $90-$140/hr vs Mississippi $40-$60/hr. (2) chimney costs — northeast/midwest masonry chimneys cost more (cold climates). (3) permit fees — Massachusetts $300-$500 typical vs $150 in TN. (4) shipping — Hawaii adds 15-25% on units. (5) demand — ski/cabin markets (CO/UT/MT) charge premium for high-output units. Cheapest CA city: Bakersfield (~10% below state median). Most expensive Texas city: Austin (~12% above TX median). Wood-burning new builds (full masonry) cost most in HI ($21k), CA ($18.5k), NY ($16.5k), MA ($15.8k); cheapest in MS/AR ($9.2k).
Gas vs wood vs electric fireplace — which is best in 2026?▼
Decision matrix 2026: GAS FIREPLACE — best for daily use, instant on/off, controlled heat, cleanest. Operating cost $80-$300/yr (depends on natural gas price, ~$0.80-$1.40 per hour run time at typical 30k BTU). Pros: minimal maintenance, consistent heat, programmable, 99% efficient direct-vent units. Cons: requires gas line, $4-7k install, no real flames look. WOOD-BURNING — best for ambiance + power outage backup. Operating cost $0-$500/yr (firewood + chimney sweep). Pros: real flames, off-grid heat source, traditional. Cons: $8-25k install, weekly maintenance (ash, wood storage), worst air quality (PM2.5 emission), 60-80% of heat goes up chimney, EPA tightening regs (2026 PM2.5 standards exclude legacy wood stoves in some metros). ELECTRIC — best for renters/condos/decoration. Operating cost $50-$200/yr at typical use. Pros: $600-3.5k cheapest, no permit, no fuel line, can move to new home. Cons: limited heat output (max ~5,000 BTU), looks artificial up close, electric rate ~$0.13/kWh adds up if main heat. RECOMMENDATION 2026: gas insert for primary residence in heating climate; wood for rural/cabin homes with chopping/storage capacity; electric for apartments, secondary rooms, or staging. ROI ranking: wood-burning highest ROI in cold/rural states (MN/VT/ME 78-81%), gas mid-tier nationwide (65-75%), electric lowest (often 40-55% recoup, but cheap entry).
What is the resale ROI of a fireplace?▼
Fireplace ROI on home resale 2026 per NAHB Cost vs Value Report data: top 10 best ROI states 2026: Vermont (81%), Maine (80%), New Hampshire (80%), Alaska (78%), Minnesota (78%), Colorado (76%), Massachusetts (76%), Montana (76%), Oregon (76%), Washington (76%). Wood-burning fireplaces recoup BEST in cold rural states (MN/VT/ME/WY 76-81%) where buyers value backup heat + ambiance. Gas inserts recoup 65-75% in suburban metros. Electric fireplaces recoup 40-55% (treated as decorative furniture by appraisers, not real-property heat source). Why fireplaces sometimes hurt resale: (1) old wood-burning units in CA/CO non-attainment areas have wood-burn restrictions that lower buyer interest. (2) gas log sets in ALL-electric homes complicate insurance. (3) sealed/decorative-only mantels in starter homes can feel dated. RULE: fireplace adds 6-12% perceived home value when it MATCHES the home (gas insert in suburban tract home, wood-burning in cabin/rural, electric in condo). Mismatch = no premium. Realtors confirm 2026 buyer surveys (NAR Profile of Home Buyers): "fireplace" ranks in top 10 most-desired features only in cold-climate metros; lukewarm in southern/sunbelt markets.
How long does fireplace installation take?▼
Installation timelines 2026: ELECTRIC FIREPLACE (plug-in or hardwired) — 2-6 hours, same-day. GAS INSERT (existing fireplace, gas line present) — 1-2 days. GAS INSERT (no existing fireplace, new install) — 2-4 days (framing + venting + gas line + drywall + surround). WOOD-BURNING INSERT into existing chimney — 1-2 days. NEW FULL MASONRY WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE + CHIMNEY — 2-4 weeks (foundation work, masonry, chimney up through roof, flashing, code inspection). PERMITTING (gas/wood) — typical 1-3 weeks; longer in HI/CA/NY (4-8 weeks). MATERIAL LEAD TIMES: gas insert units 1-4 weeks (most in stock at distributors), high-end Heat & Glo / Mendota units 6-12 weeks if ordering custom. SCHEDULING: gas-fitters and chimney sweeps booked 2-8 weeks out in fall (Sept-Nov peak demand). PRO TIP: plan installation in spring/summer when installers are 30-50% less busy and pricing more competitive.
Annual operating cost of a fireplace by state — natural gas vs wood vs electric?▼
Annual operating cost 2026 (typical 200 hrs/yr use, EIA residential fuel prices): NATURAL GAS @ 30,000 BTU/hr × 200 hrs = 6 therms × state price. CHEAPEST gas states: TX/LA/OK ($75-$150/yr at $0.80-$1.10 per therm including delivery). MOST EXPENSIVE gas: CA ($220+), NY ($300+), MA ($350+), HI no piped gas (propane $400+). WOOD-BURNING: $0-$500/yr depending on whether you cut your own (free) or buy ($150-$350 per cord, typical home uses 2-3 cords/season). NEW ENGLAND (VT/ME/NH) wood prices high; rural Midwest cheaper. ELECTRIC FIREPLACE: ~$0.13/kWh × 1.5 kWh × 200 hrs = $39 base; Hawaii at $0.45/kWh = $135. PROPANE (off-grid): ~$2.50-$3.50/gal × 5 gal/100 hrs = $125-$175 per 100 hrs use. EFFICIENCY MATTERS: direct-vent gas insert 75-99% efficient (most modern units); wood-burning 60-75% efficient (real masonry); old open wood-burning fireplaces NEGATIVE efficiency in cold climates (suck warm air up chimney while burning). 2026 EIA residential gas price national avg: $1.45/therm; residential electric $0.16/kWh.
Do I need a permit for a fireplace? What about insurance?▼
PERMITTING 2026 by type: GAS FIREPLACE — yes, required in all 50 states (gas line work + venting + combustion clearance) — fees $150-$500. WOOD-BURNING — yes (chimney + structural + ash dump + clearance) — fees $200-$600. ELECTRIC PLUG-IN — no permit. ELECTRIC HARDWIRED — sometimes (electrical permit for new circuit) — $50-$150. INSPECTION required after install for gas/wood. INSURANCE: notify homeowner insurer when adding wood-burning (not just gas/electric) — premium typically rises $25-$100/yr. Some carriers EXCLUDE wood stoves added without inspection. NFI (National Fireplace Institute) certification required by code in many states for gas installer; also satisfies most insurance requirements. EXISTING WOOD CHIMNEY: annual sweep + inspection ~$200-$400; required for insurance compliance in WA/OR/CA + most northeast states. WOOD-BURNING REGULATIONS 2026: California wood-burn-no-burn days (Bay Area, Sacramento), Salt Lake City restrictions on certain inversion days, Denver Front Range. Check local AQMD rules. EPA 2020 NSPS standards apply — only certified low-emission wood stoves can be installed/sold (rules out many older pre-fab inserts).
How do I find a reliable fireplace installer? What about gas-line work?▼
Vetting 2026: (1) NFI Certified Specialist — National Fireplace Institute credential covers wood/gas/pellet — required in many states + insurance. Find at nficertified.org. (2) State HVAC + gas-fitter license verification (every state has online lookup). (3) Insurance verification — request COI showing $1M general liability + workers comp. (4) Detailed line-item bid — unit, venting, gas line, surround, permits, inspection. (5) References from projects 1-3 years old (NOT brand new). (6) Manufacturer authorization — Heat & Glo / Mendota / Napoleon / Lopi only honor warranty if installed by authorized dealers. (7) Houzz/Angi reviews >4.7 with 50+ reviews; read 1-star carefully. RED FLAGS: pressure to skip permits, "we use the gas line that's already there" without inspection, suggesting wood-burning insert in non-attainment area, no NFI cert. GAS-LINE: licensed gas-fitter required in most states (separate from general installer); $90-$200/hr typical; new line run from meter to fireplace $500-$2,500 depending on distance + obstacles + finish materials. CHIMNEY LINER: ~$1,500-$3,500 if new wood-burning; required by code for many gas inserts (stainless flexible liner). Top contractor sites: NFI find-a-pro, Houzz Pro, Angi, BBB. Local: ask realtor or recent remodelers in neighborhood.