Socket to Me: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Electrical Outlets?

By Sarah Stasik

November 22, 2025

It's finally here: the day you create the family room everyone will love. New paint for Mom, a recliner for Dad and a sleek wall-mounted flat-screen and gaming system for the kids. When it's time to plug everything in, though, you notice the outlets are outdated, inconveniently placed or simply not numerous enough to safely power your new entertainment space.

This May Also Interest You: How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Suddenly, a project that mostly involved aesthetics now means some electrical work, and you're wondering how much new outlets might add to the cost.

Whether you're replacing a worn-out socket or adding a whole new electrical outlet, understanding price helps you manage your project budget. Below, we break down pricing factors, including parts and the labor cost to replace outlets if you use an electrician.

Can I Install an Outlet Myself, or Do I Need to Call an Electrician?

Whether you should install a new electrical outlet yourself or update an old one depends on your comfort level and experience with electrical work. Installing or replacing outlets involves working directly with your home's wiring, so it's not something to approach with only a can-do attitude and a quick YouTube search.

Before you hit the hardware store for DIY supplies, consider the potential downsides of installing an outlet yourself:

Improperly wired outlets could create a fire hazard in your home.
An error could lead to violations of building codes, leading to costly corrections in the future.
You run the risk of personal injury or electrical shock.
A poorly installed outlet could cause electronics to malfunction or become damaged.
If damage occurs related to the outlet, your home insurance policy might not cover it, as DIY work could void that part of the policy.

However, you might consider handling the job yourself if you are a licensed electrician, have a strong background in construction or electrical work or are just swapping out outlets of similar types with no wiring changes.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Standard Outlet?

On average, you can expect to pay $80 to $200 (CAD 112 to CAD 280). However, standard outlet replacement cost depends on a variety of factors, including:

Accessibility. When outlets are located in hard-to-reach places, it can take more time to access them and complete installation. This can increase your labor costs.
Wall material. When installing an outlet where none existed — or if the hole needs to be made bigger to accommodate a larger outlet — wall material can impact labor time. Drywall is much easier to cut into than plaster or brick, for example.
Distance from the electrical panel. If new wires are run to upgrade an outlet or support a new one, the distance from the electrical panel can impact how much wire is required — and how long it takes to situate it.
Existing wiring conditions. Often, you can use existing wiring for an upgraded outlet. However, if wiring is damaged or outdated, you may need to pay for an upgrade there too.
Electrical panel capacity. If you want to add more outlets than your electrical panel can support, you'll have to upgrade the panel. That's a much bigger and more expensive job than a simple outlet swap.
Local labor rates. Electrician fees vary based on geographic locations. The cost of installing an outlet in one state may be very different from the same work in another state.
Outlet type. GFCI outlets tend to be more expensive than standard outlets, as do outdoor or floor outlets.
Permit requirements. If your city or locale requires permits for outlet replacements, that cost may be included in the price of the job.

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Electrical Outlet Replacement Costs

In general, the $80 to $200 (CAD 112 to CAD 280) average price above is for the replacement of an existing standard electrical outlet. Specific pricing factors that can impact that cost include:

Outlet installation labor. Expect to pay $50 to $130 (CAD 70 to CAD 182) per hour.
New outlet and supplies. The average cost of a standard outlet is up to $7 (CAD 9.80), but for the outlet and all supplies, the cost may be up to $40 (CAD 56).
Wiring. If you need any replacement wiring, the cost is $7 to $10 (CAD 9.80 to CAD 14) per foot.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electrical Outlet Where There Wasn't One Before?

It will cost at least as much as replacing an existing outlet. However, because there's more labor and parts for a whole new installation, expect the job to come in at a higher price point. Some things that increase the cost include:

Added time. Electricians may need to spend some time figuring out where exactly to put the outlet and cut into the wall. They'll have to add wiring and tie the new outlet into your home electrical system.
Additional wiring. You may not need extra wiring for a swap job, but a new installation guarantees you'll pay for wires.
Electrical inspections. In some cases, electrical upgrades and additions require an electrical inspection. This typically occurs when the work requires a permit.

The cost to move an outlet from one location in a room to another is similar to the cost to install a completely new outlet, but if you can reuse the existing outlet, you may save on parts.

What's the Cost Difference Between GFCI and Regular Outlets?

Ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, outlets enhance safety by protecting you from electrical shocks; they're particularly important in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. GFCI outlets cost $12 to $40 (CAD 17 to CAD 56) compared to $1 to $7 (CAD 1.40 to CAD 9.80) for standard outlets.

Other types of outlets you might need and their price points include:

Smart outlets with Wi-Fi and/or USB ports: $20 to $50 (CAD 28 to CAD 70)
Floor outlets: $40 to $70 (CAD 56 to CAD 98)
Outdoor outlets: $15 to $30 (CAD 21 to CAD 30)

Get a Quote to Understand the Cost to Add an Outlet

If you need to replace or add an outlet, getting a quote for the electrician cost per outlet is the only real way to know how much you might end up out of pocket for the job. Read reviews and get several quotes so you can choose a qualified professional who fits your budget.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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