- Across Australia, double glazed window replacement generally runs $800 to $1,800 per window supplied and installed in 2026.
- Adelaide sits at the lower end, roughly $600 to $1,500 per window, because trade rates there are lower than in Sydney and Canberra.
- Sydney and Canberra typically land between $800 and $1,800 per window, with Sydney glaziers charging around 15 to 25 per cent more than regional areas.
- A whole home of 10 to 15 windows commonly totals $15,000 to $40,000 depending on frame material, glazing package and access.
- Material and specification drive far more of the price than which city you live in, so always compare quotes on a like for like basis.
The cost of window replacement can vary from city to city, and the basic story is that Adelaide should be a little less expensive than the other two. That is because labour costs in Sydney and Canberra tend to be higher.
That’s not to say it’s not worth shopping around within your city. It’s always a good idea to get a few prices rather than going for the first one. You might even find a contractor in Adelaide that also works further from home, and if they’re interested in your project they might be able to give you a good quote.
Most of the cost variables are going to be caused by other factors, though.
Average Window Replacement Cost by City
The figures below are indicative 2026 market ranges for double glazed replacement windows, supplied and installed. They are drawn from Australian trade and cost guide data, and every home is different, so treat them as a budgeting starting point rather than a quote.
| City | Typical cost per double glazed window, supplied and installed | Typical whole home project (10 to 15 windows) | What drives local pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $600 to $1,500 for standard aluminium, $800 to $1,500 for uPVC | Around $15,000 to $35,000 | The lowest trade rates of the three cities and shorter travel distances across the metro area |
| Sydney | $800 to $1,800, with standard casement units commonly $1,000 to $1,800 | Around $18,000 to $40,000 | Higher trade rates, difficult access and parking, plus strata and apartment requirements |
| Canberra | $800 to $1,800, with higher performance specifications more common | Around $18,000 to $40,000 | Higher trade rates than Adelaide, colder winters pushing demand toward premium glazing, and 7 star energy requirements under the National Construction Code |
The gap between the cities is real but smaller than most people expect. Glass and frames cost broadly the same wherever they are delivered, so the difference sits almost entirely in the labour component, which is usually $150 to $300 per window for a straightforward installation.
National Benchmarks Worth Knowing
- Retrofit double glazing: roughly $550 to $1,100 per window where the existing frame can accept a slim insulated glass unit.
- Full window replacement, double glazed: roughly $900 to $2,000 per opening depending on frame material and size.
- Secondary glazing: around $400 to $850 per window, the cheapest of the three approaches.
- Sliding and stacker doors: commonly $3,000 to $7,000 per unit, well above any window.
- Thermally broken aluminium: typically 15 to 30 per cent above standard aluminium.
A Note on ACT Support
Canberra homeowners have an extra option. The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme offers low interest loans to eligible households for energy efficient upgrades, which can help spread the upfront cost of a glazing project. Eligibility, loan limits and the product list change over time, so check the current guidelines before you budget around it.
How Materials Affect the Cost of Window Replacement
Which is the cheapest material for replacement windows? You can get a joiner and a glazier to knock you up some cheap windows, but that’s not the way to go about refurbishing a building. You’d just be asking for trouble further down the line, because cheap wood doesn’t last long in the harsh conditions windows are exposed to.
They’re out there in the wind and rain and also getting baked by the sun, so it’s hardly surprising if they tend to give up the ghost after a few years. Plus, if you’re going for single glazing, you’re leaving yourself open to the fury of energy bills.
It is possible to get some great wooden windows, double glazed and efficient, but you’ll be paying extra for the privilege. By all means talk to a timber windows specialist and get a guide price, but do insist on openness and a realistic estimate along with some sort of guarantee of longevity.
uPVC windows are often cheaper than aluminium, particularly the aluminium ones with thermal breaking incorporated. What this means is that between the layers of aluminium there’s a buffer layer of something like nylon, which interrupts the temperature transfer, because metal is notoriously good at letting heat or cold penetrate from one side to the other.
| Frame material | Indicative cost per double glazed window installed | Why it sits where it does |
|---|---|---|
| Standard aluminium | $600 to $1,500 | Widely produced, slim profiles, lowest material cost of the mainstream options |
| uPVC | $800 to $1,500 | Strong thermal performance without a thermal break, competitive on price |
| Thermally broken aluminium | Typically 15 to 30 per cent above standard aluminium | Extra polyamide componentry and more complex extrusions |
| Timber | $800 to $2,000 or more | Higher material cost, more labour in manufacture and finishing |
Glazing choice sits alongside frame material in the budget. A clear double glazed unit is the baseline, while acoustic laminates, solar control coatings, argon fills and triple glazing all add cost and all solve different problems. The Your Home guide to glazing explains what each option actually does, which is useful context before you compare quotes.
What Does Retrofit Double Glazing Mean?
Retrofit double glazing is the replacement of the glazing, and often the sashes, within existing openings rather than rebuilding the opening itself. It usually costs less than a full frame replacement and causes less disruption, though it constrains your choice of frame system. If you’re weighing that against a full replacement, our replacement window options for Sydney homes set out what each approach involves.
Cost of Different Styles and Methods of Operation
Simpler modes of operation are usually cheaper than more complex ones. That means if you go for traditional hinged windows, either side opening or with that flap at the top that opens outwards, costs should be relatively low. Sash windows, the ones that go up and down and used to squeak and stick in the old wooden versions, are also quite simple and therefore inexpensive.
Tilt and turn is a brilliant idea that allows ventilation or complete opening, and while it’s not exactly rocket science, there’s some intricate hardware involved and that adds to the cost.
Roughly in order of cost, from most economical upwards:
- Fixed or picture windows, with no opening hardware at all.
- Awning and casement windows on simple hinges.
- Sash windows.
- Tilt and turn windows with dual action hardware.
- Large sliding and lift slide doors, commonly $3,000 to $7,000 per unit, where size and weight drive up both hardware and installation costs.
- Bi-fold doors, with multiple leaves, tracks and locking points.
These questions of functionality and convenience are always cropping up in purchase decisions, and it’s just a question of whether or not you’re prepared to stump up a few extra dollars upfront. From an economic viewpoint going forward, as long as they close tightly and are draughtproof, you won’t see much difference between one style and another as regards energy bills.
Doors follow the same logic, and are worth budgeting separately since they often carry heavier hardware and larger glass. Our replacement door range covers entry, French, sliding and bi-fold options.
Find a Good Contractor and Get Their Best Price
A good job is going to pay dividends over the years, so the right choice of window replacement contractor is going to have an effect not just on the initial bottom line but on your ongoing costs. A poorly sealed installation will undo the performance of even the best window on the market.
When you compare quotes, check that each one covers:
- The specific frame system and glazing package, not just “double glazed”.
- Removal and disposal of the old windows.
- Making good the reveals, sills and internal finishes.
- Sealing, flashing and drainage details.
- Warranty terms on both the product and the installation.
The best advice, then, is to find companies you like the sound of and who have good reviews. If you’re gathering prices in South Australia, it’s worth seeing what we cover for homes across Adelaide, and you can request a quote online with your measurements or drawings attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a window in Australia in 2026?
Double glazed window replacement generally costs $800 to $1,800 per window supplied and installed, and a whole home of 10 to 15 windows commonly totals $15,000 to $40,000. Retrofitting a double glazed unit into a sound existing frame is cheaper, at roughly $550 to $1,100 per window.
Is it cheaper to replace windows in Adelaide than in Sydney?
Generally yes. Adelaide double glazed windows typically run $600 to $1,500 each installed, while Sydney more often sits between $800 and $1,800, since glaziers in Sydney tend to charge around 15 to 25 per cent more than regional areas. Materials cost much the same in both cities, so the difference is mostly labour.
How much does double glazed window replacement cost in Canberra?
Canberra typically falls in the $800 to $1,800 per window bracket installed, similar to Sydney and above Adelaide. Colder winters and 7 star energy requirements mean higher performance glazing packages are more common in the ACT, which can push a project toward the upper end of the range.
What is the cheapest material for replacement windows?
Standard aluminium is usually the most affordable frame at around $600 to $1,500 per double glazed window installed, with uPVC close behind at $800 to $1,500. Thermally broken aluminium adds roughly 15 to 30 per cent over standard aluminium, and timber sits at the top of the range.
Why do window replacement quotes vary so much?
Most of the difference comes from the frame system, the glazing package, the opening style and hardware, the size and number of openings, access difficulty, and whether making good the reveals is included. Two quotes that look far apart are often specifying quite different products.
We’d like to humbly suggest you start by contacting our team, and we think you’ll be happy with the quote.
