Wood & Fiberglass Window Replacement cost: Arlington vs McLean (2026)
Arlington and McLean are a near-perfect match on wood and fiberglass window replacement cost in 2026, both landing around $18,950.
Arlington VA
Typically around $18,950
McLean VA
Typically around $18,950
Arlington vs McLean: full breakdown
| Factor | Arlington | McLean |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $18,950 | $18,950 |
| Estimated range | $10,900–$27,000 | $10,900–$27,000 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.08 | ×1.08 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $125 | $125 |
| Labor share | $10,400 | $10,400 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,550 | $8,550 |
These are 2026 planning figures for wood and fiberglass window replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
No real cost edge either way
This is a statistical tie on wood and fiberglass window replacement cost, so let contractor reputation and project timing decide, not geography.
Wood and fiberglass window replacement by type: Arlington vs McLean
We localize each wood and fiberglass window replacement type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Arlington | McLean |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $10,900–$23,800 | $10,900–$23,800 |
| Composite | $11,950–$24,850 | $11,950–$24,850 |
| Aluminum-clad wood | $14,100–$29,150 | $14,100–$29,150 |
| Solid wood | $15,200–$32,400 | $15,200–$32,400 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for wood and fiberglass window replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
Wood and fiberglass window replacement by number of windows: Arlington vs McLean
Wood and fiberglass windows are a premium upgrade — figure roughly $800–$2,500 per window installed depending on material, size, and finish. Cost scales with the number of openings, and wood typically runs higher than fiberglass.
| Size | Arlington | McLean |
|---|---|---|
| 5 windows | $4,950–$11,950 | $4,950–$11,950 |
| 10 windows | $9,800–$21,650 | $9,800–$21,650 |
| 15 windows | $14,650–$30,250 | $14,650–$30,250 |
| 20 windows | $19,500–$38,850 | $19,500–$38,850 |
| 25+ windows (whole home) | $23,800–$48,550 | $23,800–$48,550 |
Wood and fiberglass window replacement numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
What windows pros earn in each metro
About 55% of a wood and fiberglass window replacement bill goes to labor, so wage differences between these two metros matter more than almost anything else. These are real, government-sourced (BLS OEWS) installer wages, not estimates.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro · about 14% above the US average installer wage.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro · about 14% above the US average installer wage.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metro wages for HVAC installers (used as a trade-labor index).
Cheapest time for wood and fiberglass window replacement in either city
Window crews go quiet once the weather turns cold, and manufacturers time their deepest promotions to the same months — so an off-season buyer stacks a labor discount on top of a rebate.
How much should new windows really cost you?
Frame material, glass package and install type decide the price. Our editors on what's worth paying for.
The efficiency case
In extreme climates, triple-pane or premium low-E/gas-fill glass pays back in comfort and bills — and ENERGY STAR units may unlock rebates. Spend on the glass package before the frame upgrade.
The value case
Vinyl, double-pane, low-E windows deliver most of the comfort and efficiency for the lowest price. For whole-home replacements on a budget, they're the sensible default.
The install case
A perfect window installed badly leaks and fails. Full-frame replacement with proper flashing beats a cheap pocket insert in a rotted opening — match the install method to your home's condition, not just the price.
Buy the glass package your climate needs, default to vinyl frames unless you have a reason not to, and never let install quality be the thing you cut to hit a number.
Arlington vs McLean
Is wood and fiberglass window replacement cheaper in Arlington or McLean?
Practically identical — expect around $18,950 for wood and fiberglass window replacement whichever city you're in.
Why does wood and fiberglass window replacement cost more in McLean than Arlington?
McLean's higher labor index (1.08 vs 1.08 in Arlington) is the biggest factor, with the mixed/mixed climate split playing a smaller role.
How much is wood and fiberglass window replacement in Arlington, VA?
wood and fiberglass window replacement in Arlington runs $10,900–$27,000 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $18,950.
Do windows pros really charge more in one city?
Real wage data backs this up — skilled installers earn roughly $35.4/hr in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compared with $35.4/hr in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (BLS OEWS). Labor is about 55% of a wood and fiberglass window replacement job, so that wage gap is what mostly drives the price difference.
When is the cheapest time to buy wood and fiberglass window replacement — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Late fall and winter is the discount window in both Arlington and McLean (roughly 5–15% off), while spring and summer peak tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on wood and fiberglass window replacement cost?
No — the cost is essentially identical between Arlington and McLean. Base the decision on the things that actually vary: contractor reputation, scope, equipment tier and timing.
Compare wood and fiberglass window replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik