Cost Guide · Updated May 2026
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
Upgrading an electrical panel costs $1,300–$4,000 on average (about $2,150 nationally). The common 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade runs $1,300–$3,000; complex jobs with extra code, meter, or wiring work can exceed $4,500.
Cost breakdown
| Scope | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Typical panel upgrade (range) | $1,300–$4,000 |
| National average | ~$2,150 |
| 100A → 200A upgrade (common) | $1,300–$3,000 |
| Complex / heavy-up with code work | $3,000–$4,500+ |
What's included
- A new panel and breakers, and often a new meter base
- Grounding and bonding to current code
- Labor, permit, inspection, and utility coordination
- Usually separate: whole-home rewiring or new circuits
Signs you need an upgrade
- You still have a 100-amp (or fuse) panel
- Frequent breaker trips or flickering lights
- Adding an EV charger, AC, or major appliances
- A known-hazard panel (e.g., Federal Pacific or Zinsco)
What moves the price
- Target amperage (100A, 200A, 400A)
- Panel location, accessibility, and a possible relocation
- Age and condition of existing wiring and grounding
- Permits, inspection, meter/utility coordination, and your region
How to save on a panel upgrade
- Bundle the upgrade with other electrical work (rewire, EV charger, solar) to share labor and permits.
- Get multiple licensed-electrician bids.
- Check for utility or energy-efficiency rebates in your area.
- Make sure permits and inspection are included — unpermitted work causes resale headaches.
FAQ
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
An electrical panel upgrade costs $1,300–$4,000 on average, with a national average around $2,150. The common 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade typically runs $1,300–$3,000, though complex jobs with extra code or meter work can exceed $4,500.
How much to upgrade to a 200-amp panel?
Upgrading from 100 to 200 amps most commonly costs $1,300–$3,000, depending on the panel, wiring condition, and how much code-compliance and meter work is required.
Why does a panel upgrade cost so much?
Labor and code. The panel itself is a few hundred dollars, but the work requires a licensed electrician, often a permit and inspection, and may involve meter, grounding, and wiring updates to meet current code.
What affects the price?
Target amperage, the panel's location and accessibility, the age and condition of existing wiring, permit and code requirements, utility/meter coordination, and your region.
For electricians
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Try the free estimate generatorCost ranges are national estimates compiled from cost-data sources including Angi, HomeAdvisor, and This Old House (2025–2026). Actual prices vary by amperage, wiring condition, code requirements, and region. This is a planning guide, not a quote. More: all cost guides.