Key takeaways
- Typical cost: $1,300–$3,000 per installed panel, about $2,150 on average.
- Average upgrade: about $2,150
- 100→200 amp: $1,300–$3,000
- Panels last about 25–40 years
- Timeline: Most panel upgrades take about 4–8 hours of labor, plus utility scheduling.
- Permits: A permit is required, typically $50–$300; the electrician usually pulls it.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost at a glance
An electrical panel upgrade typically costs $1,300–$3,000, with an average around $2,150. Amperage, meter and service changes, and subpanels drive the price.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100-amp panel installed | $800–$1,500 | |
| 150-amp panel installed | $1,300–$1,600 | |
| 200-amp panel / 100→200 amp upgrade | $1,300–$3,000 | |
| 400-amp service | $2,000–$4,000 | |
| Meter box | $200–$800 | Must match the new service |
| Subpanel | $400–$1,750 |
Prices run lowest in states like Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama and highest in Hawaii, California and Alaska. See the full breakdown and cost by state →
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost questions
- What is the cost of 100-amp panel installed? The typical cost of 100-amp panel installed is $800–$1,500.
- What is the cost of 150-amp panel installed? The typical cost of 150-amp panel installed is $1,300–$1,600.
- What is the cost of 200-amp panel / 100→200 amp upgrade? The typical cost of 200-amp panel / 100→200 amp upgrade is $1,300–$3,000.
- What is the cost of 400-amp service? The typical cost of 400-amp service is $2,000–$4,000.
- What is the cost of meter box? The typical cost of meter box is $200–$800. Must match the new service.
- What is the cost of subpanel? The typical cost of subpanel is $400–$1,750.
- What is the cost of permit? The typical cost of permit is $50–$300. Electrician usually pulls it.
- What is the cost of move the panel? The typical cost of move the panel is $800–$3,000.
- What is the cost of main breaker replacement? The typical cost of main breaker replacement is $200–$300. $500–$2,000 if the bus bar is damaged.
- What is the cost of AFCI/GFCI breakers? The typical cost of AFCI/GFCI breakers is $35–$60 each. Often required by code.
Signs you need a panel upgrade
- Breakers trip often
- Lights flicker or dim when appliances run
- You rely on power strips or can't run appliances together
- The panel buzzes, feels hot or smells burnt
- Rust or visible damage
- A Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, or plans for an EV charger or heat pump
Cost by amperage
| Service | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 100 amps | $800–$1,500 |
| 150 amps | $1,300–$1,600 |
| 200 amps | $1,300–$3,000 |
| 400 amps | $2,000–$4,000 |
Most modern homes with central air, electric appliances or an EV charger are planned around 200-amp service.
Repair or replace?
A single failed breaker can be replaced for far less than a new panel; a main breaker runs $200–$300. Replace the panel if the bus bar is damaged, the panel is 25–40 years old, or it's a model with known safety concerns.
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are widely flagged as outdated. Many electricians recommend replacing them.
Common electrical panel upgrade questions
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
Most panel upgrades cost about $1,300–$3,000. A 100-to-200-amp upgrade typically runs $1,300–$3,000 nationally.
Do I need a 200 amp panel?
Most modern homes with central air, electric appliances or an EV charger are planned around 200 amps. A load calculation tells you for sure.
Is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel dangerous?
Both are widely flagged as outdated, and many electricians recommend replacing them.
How much does a subpanel cost?
A subpanel typically costs $400–$1,750 installed and can add circuits for a garage, addition or EV charger.
Timeline, permits and DIY
How long it takes
Most panel upgrades take about 4–8 hours of labor, plus utility scheduling.
Permits
A permit is required, typically $50–$300; the electrician usually pulls it.
DIY or hire a pro?
Not a DIY job: a licensed electrician must do the work and coordinate with the utility.
Questions to ask contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Did you do a load calculation for my home?
- Does the quote include the meter, permit and utility coordination?
- Which breakers will be AFCI or GFCI to meet code?
- Will the power be off, and for how long?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Have the panel inspected if breakers trip often
- Never ignore buzzing or burning smells
- Label circuits clearly
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Often. Adding a Level 2 charger is a common reason to upgrade older or smaller panels; a load calculation will tell you.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
About 4–8 hours of labor, plus time for the utility to disconnect and reconnect service.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes. Permits typically cost $50–$300, and the electrician usually pulls it.
How long does an electrical panel last?
About 25–40 years.
Can I upgrade my own electrical panel?
No. A licensed electrician must do the work and coordinate with the utility.
In-depth electrical panel upgrade guides
Electrical Panel Upgrade by city
Sources: This Old House — Cost to upgrade an electrical panel · Angi — Cost to upgrade an electrical panel. Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.