How Much Does it Cost to Install Window Security Bars in 2025?

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

Whether you’re trying to deter break-ins at ground-level windows or add fall protection to a child’s room, window security bars provide a reliable extra layer of security. Homeowners spend an average of $940, with most projects falling between $725 and $1,750. Depending on factors such as location, window size, and material, you could pay as little as $200 or as much as $2,350. 

Burglar Bars Price by Type

Burglar bars typically cost between $90 and $1,000, depending on the window size and the material used. Most window bars are made of steel or aluminum, with heavier options available in wrought iron. Custom and decorative designs are usually on the higher end of the price range. 

Below are the average costs for the most popular types:

Aluminum and Steel Metal Window Security Bars

Steel and aluminum window security bars are the most popular options, starting at $90 per window. They come in expandable styles and often feature a white powder-coated finish to match lighter-colored homes.

Wrought Iron Window Bars

Wrought iron window bars range from $100 for a small 27-by-13-inch window to over $1,000 for a custom design (installation not included). Their strength and ease of customization make them a favorite among homeowners, and they are readily available in a variety of designs.

Transparent Burglar Bars

Transparent burglar bars start at $150 for a small window and are a more expensive option than traditional steel or aluminum bars. Made from the same materials used in riot shields and airplane windows, they offer bullet-proof strength and are resistant to rust and corrosion. While they are newer to the market and may have limited availability in the U.S., their benefits include:

• Difficult to break without special tools

• Easy to clean

• Exceptional durability

Decorative Security Bars for Residential Windows

Decorative security bars start at around $100 per window for small sizes, with prices exceeding $1,000 for larger, custom-designed models with quick-release features. Typically made from wrought iron, steel, or aluminum, these bars, while more expensive than standard styles, offer benefits such as:

• A variety of colors to choose from

• Design options include scrolls, flowers, and custom motifs

• Enhanced aesthetic appeal, adding character to your home

Interior vs. Exterior Bars

There's no significant difference in price between interior and exterior burglar bars. Most mount to the outside of a home or building. Interior security bars can make break-ins more challenging for burglars because they are mounted on the inside of a window, requiring intruders to break the window before encountering the security bars.

Installing Bars on Windows Cost

The average cost to install bars on most windows is $150 per window, excluding materials. Picture windows and other oversized windows will typically cost around $300 per window, due to the need for multiple professionals to lift and install the bars.

Fire Escape Window Gates Prices

Fire escape window gates cost between $300 and $450, including installation. Before purchasing, ensure it complies with the proper safety regulations established by your local fire department.

Cost to Remove Burglar Bars

A skilled handy person can remove bars from one small window for approximately $70. The cost to remove them will depend on the number of windows and their size. In general, removal is less expensive because it takes less time, without the need for measuring, drilling pilot holes, or anchoring screws.

Placement of Window Security Bars

The placement of your security bars will affect purchase price and installation costs. Some of the most popular places to add window security bars include:

Basement Window Security Bars

The cost of basement window security bars is lower than average, ranging from $100 to $200, including installation, because they tend to be smaller.

Egress window installation costs between $100 and $700 per window. Basement windows and egress windows, found in basements with living spaces, are popular locations for security bars. Their location makes them common entry points for burglars.

Ground Floor Homes or Apartments

Security bars for picture windows and doors can cost over $200 due to their larger size compared to egress windows. Burglars can hide behind bushes or trees as they try to gain entry through a ground-floor window or door. Bedroom fire escapes are another popular point of entry for criminals, highlighting the need for security bars.

Bars for a Child's Room

Child-safety bars are becoming increasingly popular among parents who want to prevent falls while adding an extra layer of security. Security bars for a child's room not only provide added protection from burglars but also help prevent a small child from falling out of a window. Just make sure to establish a means of entry in case a fire blocks the main door or exit.

DIY Window Security Bars vs. Hiring a Pro to Build & Install

Installing security bars requires precision to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Improper installation can impede emergency exits during fires or other hazards. Therefore, hiring a professional window installer near you is the best way to guarantee effective and safe installation. If you choose to DIY, ensure you're adequately trained. Enhance your home's security by hiring a professional installer.

Most homeowners ultimately hire a licensed installer to ensure the bars meet local safety codes and operate correctly in an emergency.

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.