Electrical wiring costs depend heavily on the scope of work — running a single new circuit costs $200–$500, while fully rewiring a 2,000 sq ft house runs $8,000–$20,000+ in the US. In Poland, full rewiring costs PLN 15,000–40,000, and in the Netherlands €6,000–€18,000. Licensed electricians charge $50–$130/hour in the US, and wiring work almost always requires permits and inspections.
Average wiring costs by project type
| Project type | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Add a single outlet or switch | $150–$400 |
| Run a new 20-amp circuit | $200–$500 |
| Add a dedicated 240V circuit (EV charger, dryer) | $500–$1,500 |
| Wire a new room or addition | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Rewire a 1,500 sq ft house | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Rewire a 2,500 sq ft house | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Knob-and-tube removal + rewire | $12,000–$30,000+ |
Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025, Angi, BLS Occupational Employment Statistics.
Wiring costs in the United States
US electricians charge $50–$130 per hour for wiring work, with most residential wiring projects quoted as flat-rate jobs. Running a new circuit from the panel to a room costs $200–$500, including wire, breaker, and labor. Full house rewiring typically costs $4–$8 per square foot — a 2,000 sq ft home runs $8,000–$16,000. Homes with lathe-and-plaster walls or limited attic access cost 20–40% more due to the difficulty of pulling wire.
All wiring work requires a licensed electrician in every US state. Get 2–3 detailed quotes that specify wire gauge, circuit count, and whether drywall repair is included. Verify the electrician pulls permits — unpermitted work can void your homeowner's insurance and create problems at resale.
What affects the cost?
- House age and existing wiring — older homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring cost more to rewire due to removal and code compliance
- Accessibility — open walls during a renovation are far cheaper to wire than fishing cables through finished walls and ceilings
- Number of circuits and outlets — modern code requires more circuits than older homes had (dedicated circuits for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry)
- Wire type — copper Romex (NM-B) is standard; conduit wiring or aluminum requires different labor and materials
- Permits and inspections — most jurisdictions require electrical permits ($50–$500) with rough-in and final inspections
- Panel capacity — if your panel can't support new circuits, a panel upgrade adds $1,500–$4,000
How to save on wiring costs
- Combine with renovations — rewiring during a kitchen or bathroom remodel (with walls open) cuts costs 30–50%
- Get multiple quotes — pricing varies 30–40% between electricians for the same scope
- Plan circuits carefully — consolidating runs reduces labor time
- Do cosmetic work yourself — patch drywall and paint after the electrician finishes to save on labor
- Ask about phased work — rewire the most critical areas first if budget is tight
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to wire a house?
Wiring a new 2,000 sq ft house costs $4,000–$10,000 in the US ($2–$5 per square foot). Rewiring an existing home runs $8,000–$15,000+ because walls must be opened and closed. Adding a single circuit costs $200–$500. Whole-house rewires include new outlets, switches, panel work, and inspections.
Do I need to rewire an old house?
Yes if you have: knob-and-tube wiring (homes pre-1950), aluminum wiring (1965–1973), cloth-insulated wiring, or frequent breaker trips. These are fire hazards and many insurers will refuse coverage. Modern copper romex wiring is safe for 60+ years if not damaged. Have an electrician inspect any home over 40 years old.
How long does electrical wiring take?
New construction wiring (rough-in): 3–5 days for a 2,000 sq ft home. Final trim (outlets, switches, fixtures): 2–3 days. Whole-house rewire of an existing home: 2–6 weeks because walls must be opened, wiring run, walls patched, then painted. Per-room rewires take 1–2 days each.
Can I wire my own house?
Most jurisdictions allow homeowners to wire their own primary residence with a permit and inspection. However, mistakes are dangerous (fire, electrocution) and can void homeowner's insurance. DIY wiring rarely passes inspection on the first try. Most homeowners save $0 net once errors and inspection issues are accounted for.