Electrical Panel Upgrade cost breakdown
At a mid-range, national-average baseline, a typical electrical panel upgrade project is estimated at $1,500 to $4,000. The table below breaks the cost down so you can see where your project is likely to land.
| Panel | Typical installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-panel add | $500 to $1,500 | Added capacity |
| 100 amp | $1,000 to $2,500 | Older or small homes |
| 200 amp | $1,500 to $4,000 | Most common upgrade |
| 400 amp | $4,000 to $8,000 | Large homes, heavy load |
What drives electrical panel upgrade cost
- Panel amperage (100A, 200A, 400A).
- Like-for-like swap versus a full service upgrade.
- New meter, mast, or grounding work.
- Number of circuits added.
- Permit and utility coordination.
- Regional labor rates.
Key cost factors
Amperage
Most homes upgrade to 200 amps for modern loads like EV chargers, heat pumps, and electric appliances. 400 amp service is for large homes or heavy electrical demand.
Swap vs service upgrade
Replacing the panel alone is cheaper. A full service upgrade that includes a new meter, mast, and utility connection costs more but is needed when increasing capacity.
Permits
Panel work requires a permit, inspection, and usually a brief power shutoff coordinated with the utility.