Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) Cost & Calculator

Name: Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) 2026 material cost dataset entry
Creator: HammerIO
License: https://hammerio.com/terms/

14/2 Romex is the standard residential wiring for 15-amp lighting and general outlet circuits. It contains two insulated 14-gauge copper conductors plus a bare ground wire in a non-metallic sheath.

Unit Price

$0.45

per linear foot

Labor Cost

$4.00

per linear foot

Durability

years lifespan

Sustainability

3/5

Average

Category: Electrical

Range: $0.30 – $0.70/linear foot

Waste Factor: 10%

Avg Project: $1,200

Material estimate workflow

Estimate Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) Cost Before You Order or Compare Bids

Step 1

Price Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) by the right unit

Start with the measured quantity in linear foots, then compare the current unit range of $0.30 to $0.70 per linear foot.

Step 2

Add waste, labor, and install accessories

Apply the default 10% waste factor, then include labor, fasteners, trim, adhesives, delivery, rental tools, and other project-specific accessories.

Step 3

Use the result to check written bids

Compare the calculator result against supplier units and contractor line items, then verify code, permit, and site-condition assumptions before ordering.

Contractor Takeoff Notes

How to Budget Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) Without Missing Hidden Costs

Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) should be budgeted as a complete installed assembly, not only as a commodity unit price. Quantity, waste, labor, local supply, code requirements, and the accessories needed for installation drive the final project cost.

$494

sample total for 111 linear foots

Price drivers

+Unit price ranges from $0.30 to $0.70 per linear foot, with $0.45 as the national midpoint used in this calculator.
+Labor is modeled at $4.00 per linear foot, but local contractor rates and project access can move that number sharply.
+The default 10% waste factor covers typical cuts and field losses; complex layouts need a larger buffer.

Ordering checks

+Measure the installed quantity in linear foots before adding waste or accessories.
+Confirm grade, thickness, profile, warranty, and code requirements before comparing quotes.
+Price delivery, fasteners, adhesives, trim, reinforcement, disposal, and rental equipment separately.

Quote risks

!A low material price can still produce an expensive job when labor, accessories, or rework are missing from the estimate.
!Regional supply shortages, minimum delivery charges, and permit requirements can change the final installed cost.

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Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) Cost Calculator

Quantity Needed: 100 linear foots

1 linear foot1,000 linear foots

Options

Include 10% waste factor (+10 linear foots)Include labor ($4.00/linear foot)

Order quantity: 111 linear foots (100 + 10% waste)

Material Cost

$50

incl. $5 waste buffer

Labor Cost

$444

Total Estimated Cost

$494

Based on 111 linear foots at $0.45/linear foot + $4.00/linear foot labor. Actual costs vary by location and supplier.

Specifications

Conductor14 AWG copper

Conductors2 + ground

Ampacity15 amps

JacketNon-metallic (NM-B)

Price Comparison with Alternatives

Material	Price	Durability	Sustainability	Cost/Year
Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) (current)	$0.45/linear foot	40 yrs	3/5	$0.01
Romex Wire (12/2 NM-B)	$0.65/linear foot	40 yrs	3/5	$0.02

Cost/Year = unit price divided by expected lifespan. Lower cost/year indicates better long-term value. Note: units may differ between materials.

Best Uses

15-amp lighting circuits
Bedroom outlets
Switch legs
General lighting

Material Details

Average Project Cost

$1,200

Typical project using this material

Sustainability Rating

Average — moderate environmental impact

Waste Factor

10%

Order 10% extra to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting

Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B): Complete Buying Guide 2026

14/2 Romex is the standard residential wiring for 15-amp lighting and general outlet circuits. It contains two insulated 14-gauge copper conductors plus a bare ground wire in a non-metallic sheath. In 2026, romex wire (14/2 nm-b) prices average $0.45 per linear foot, with a typical range of $0.30 to $0.70 depending on your region, supplier relationships, and order quantity.

When budgeting for a project using romex wire (14/2 nm-b), factor in approximately 10% additional material for waste, plus labor costs averaging $4.00 per linear foot for professional installation. A typical project using this material runs approximately $1,200 including both materials and labor.

With an expected lifespan of 40 years, romex wire (14/2 nm-b) represents a cost of approximately $0.01 per linear foot per year of service life. This solid lifespan provides good value for most residential and commercial applications.

For searchers comparing bids, the key number is not only the shelf price. The installed cost for romex wire (14/2 nm-b) depends on accessory materials, waste, job access, minimum order size, delivery, regional labor rates, and whether the project needs permit or code-driven upgrades. This page combines the HammerIO material database with 2026 cost modeling, contractor takeoff assumptions, and public construction cost references.

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Methodology & Data Sources — Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) Cost Data

How we calculate Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) costs: Our pricing model combines the HammerIO material database, RSMeans-style construction assemblies, EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing guidance for sustainability ratings, DOE Building Technologies Office benchmarks for energy-related materials, and contractor takeoff assumptions. Unit prices are reviewed quarterly and cross-checked against common supplier ranges where available.

Unit price ($0.45/linear foot): National midpoint estimate for mid-market grade materials sourced through standard supply channels.
Average project cost ($1,200): Derived from material quantity, labor allowance, waste, and typical residential/light commercial installation assumptions.
Waste factor (10%): Per NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) construction waste estimation guidelines, accounting for cuts, breakage, and field adjustments.
Durability (40 years): Lifespan estimates sourced from HUD Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide and manufacturer warranty data aggregated by DOE ORNL.
Sustainability rating (3/5): Composite score from EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing criteria, including embodied carbon, recyclability, and VOC emissions per LEED v4.1 thresholds.

Disclaimer: Construction material prices vary significantly by region, supplier, project volume, and market conditions. The figures shown represent national averages and should be used for budgeting and comparison purposes only. Always obtain local contractor quotes before committing to a project budget.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 31, 2026 · Pricing sourced from the HammerIO 2026 material database, RSMeans-style assemblies, public agency guidance, and contractor takeoff assumptions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does romex wire (14/2 nm-b) cost in 2026?

Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) costs an average of $0.45 per linear foot in 2026. Prices range from $0.30 to $0.70 per linear foot depending on your location, supplier, and quantity purchased. A typical project using romex wire (14/2 nm-b) costs approximately $1,200.

How long does romex wire (14/2 nm-b) last?

Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) has an expected lifespan of approximately 40 years when properly installed and maintained. Actual durability depends on climate exposure, installation quality, and maintenance practices. This provides good long-term value for most residential applications.

What is romex wire (14/2 nm-b) used for?

Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) is commonly used for 15-amp lighting circuits, Bedroom outlets, Switch legs, General lighting. It falls in the Electrical category of construction materials. 14/2 Romex is the standard residential wiring for 15-amp lighting and general outlet circuits. It contains two insulated 14-gauge copper conductors plus a bare ground wire in a non-metallic sheath.

How much waste should I plan for with romex wire (14/2 nm-b)?

Plan for approximately 10% waste when ordering romex wire (14/2 nm-b). For a project requiring 100 linear foots of material, you should order 111 linear foots to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting. Waste factors vary by project complexity and installer experience.

What are alternatives to romex wire (14/2 nm-b)?

Common alternatives to Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) include Romex Wire (12/2 NM-B). Each alternative offers different trade-offs in terms of cost, durability, and performance. Romex Wire (12/2 NM-B) costs $0.65 per linear foot and lasts approximately 40 years.

Is romex wire (14/2 nm-b) sustainable?

Romex Wire (14/2 NM-B) has a sustainability rating of 3 out of 5 (Average). This material has an average environmental impact. Consider locally sourced options when available to reduce transportation-related emissions.