How Much Does a Bow Window Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Bow windows cost an average of $3,900, ranging from $1,500 to $15,000. Premade windows can keep the price as low as $1,800, while custom options may reach $18,800 or more. Matching existing windows in design and material choices is important, with vinyl being the least expensive option and wood being the most costly. Hiring a professional window installer ensures your bow windows are installed properly, avoiding costly mistakes in the future.

Bow Windows vs. Bay Windows

There are many different window styles, including bay and bow windows. Choosing the right one for a home's architectural design is important, as both can be costly additions. Bay windows are standardized with three windows generally set at a 15-, 30-, or 45-degree angle. They create more interior space and protrude from the exterior walls.

In contrast, bow windows use at least four equally sized panes set at equal angles, forming a semi-circular "bow." Typically, these do not jut out as dramatically from the exterior and only appear to add a little room to the interior. They are an architectural style commonly found on Victorian-style homes, designed to create a curved shape and let in more light.

Bay window replacement costs less than a same-size bow window because it has fewer panes. However, upgrading from a bow to a bay will cost more because you will need to add floor space, framing, roofing, and siding.

Bow Window Cost Factors

The total cost of your bow window installation project depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at the factors that impact how much you pay for bow windows.

Window Replacement

Expect to pay $2,000 to $4,500 on average to replace a bow window, which is over twice as much as a standard window replacement cost. They run up to two-and-a-half times the price of a same-size bay window because they usually have more panes. Replacing a window with the exact dimensions minimizes costs since no structural or finishing expenses are involved.

New Windows

Bow window prices can range from as low as $1,500 to $15,000 and up, with an average cost of $3,900. Custom or luxury options can push the price above $15,000.

In addition to the price of the window itself, it is important to factor in new framing, drywall, roofing, and siding. In some cases, electrical work may also be required to reroute wiring around the frame.

• Drywall installation cost: $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft.

• Roofing repair cost: $400–$1,900

• Framing repair cost: $500–$2,300

Brand

Most brands are fairly competitive in terms of pricing. It is advisable to talk to an authorized dealer to find the actual prices for what is needed in your area, but some general price ranges for common brands are listed below.

Labor

Hiring a professional installer costs an average of $300 to $1,900 per window for labor, excluding the cost of the window itself. Direct replacements in existing holes do not take long, generally one and a half hours. However, if the hole needs to be expanded or does not exist, expect to pay closer to the high end.

Customizations and Options

Not every window is created equal, which is reflected in the price. There are numerous customization options to make the window match and enhance the home. Each option may add to the price, but does not necessarily cost more compared to other customizations.

Some options to consider include:

• Material: Most bow windows are made from either vinyl or wood. Aluminum or composite options are available but are less common and more expensive.

• Number of panes: Bow windows come in single-, double-, or triple-pane varieties, like any other window. Climate and desired energy efficiency will determine which to choose. Triple-pane windows cost up to 15% more than double-pane windows.

• E-coating: High-efficiency coatings can be added to windows, increasing the initial budget but potentially resulting in energy savings over time.

• Operable vs. inoperable: You must choose between inoperable windows and those that open. Most bow windows installed have one or two operable panes to allow for ventilation.

DIY vs. Hire a Bow Window Installer

It is highly recommended to hire a local window installer for your bow window project. Even with experience, time, and tools, mistakes can cause damage to walls and the foundation if done incorrectly.

Installing a bow window in an existing home requires:

• Bracing the frame

• Cutting an opening

• Properly framing it to bear the load (since exterior walls are load-bearing)

• Installing the window, flashing, and siding

• Repairing the drywall

• Rerouting existing electrical wiring

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.