Window replacement cost in Lake Charles, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (10 windows)
- $4,050 – $13,600
- Per window
- $403 – $1,360
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −10%
- US $9,750
- Rank of 300 metros
- #275
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to replace windows in Lake Charles, plan on $4,050 to $13,600 for 10 windows, all in. Per window, that is $403 to $1,360 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 10% lower than the national one. Glaziers earn a median of $23.07 an hour in the Lake Charles area, 16% below the US median of $27.44.
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Estimated cost for 10 windows in Lake Charles, LA, standard level
$6,900 to $10,700
About $690 to $1,073 per window before permits. Labor is about 25% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5,100 | $8,200 |
| Labor | $1,800 | $2,550 |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $6,900 | $10,700 |
Cost breakdown for 10 windows in Lake Charles, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,750 | $6,650 | $10,500 | 75% |
| Labor | $1,300 | $2,200 | $3,050 | 25% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Total | $4,050 | $8,800 | $13,600 | 100% |
Where the Lake Charles price comes from
Labor is 25% of the midpoint bill here, against 27% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is glaziers (50%), carpenters (40%), general maintenance and repair workers (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Lake Charles the blended ratio comes out at 0.82.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Lake Charles metro is 93.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 10 windows comes to $6,650, compared with $7,100 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (85.9) and land at $0 to $0.
Climate in Lake Charles: timing your windows job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Lake Charles (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
September through May is the stretch where exterior installation runs into the fewest weather problems in Lake Charles (9 of 12 months). June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Lake Charles gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, June and August (6.5 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 3.3 and 3.7 inches. The station averages about 88 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 43 | 5.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 67 | 47 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 53 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 59 | 4.4 | Workable |
| May | 85 | 67 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 91 | 74 | 6.5 | Hot |
| Jul | 92 | 76 | 5.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 93 | 75 | 6.2 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 71 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 82 | 60 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 72 | 51 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 65 | 45 | 4.6 | Workable |
Planning more than one job in Lake Charles?
Because every project leans on different trades, Lake Charles's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, garage door runs −9% and patio door −13%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio door | 1 door | $530 – $5,200 | −13% |
| Front door | 1 door | $420 – $2,250 | −10% |
| Storm door | 1 door | $300 – $840 | −12% |
| Vinyl siding | 2,100 sq ft of wall | $7,450 – $22,300 | −12% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $630 – $3,350 | −9% |
Lake Charles labor market for windows
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Lake Charles is 0.82 times the national level.
For glaziers (47-2121, weighted 50%) the local median is $23.07 an hour, which is 16% below the national $27.44. The middle half of them earn between $17.28 and $28.47 an hour. BLS counts 40 of them working in the area, 3.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 3.8), so the local bench is about average.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 40%) the local median is $22.08 an hour, which is 24% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $16.13 and $28.48 an hour. BLS counts 630 of them working in the area, 62.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
General maintenance and repair workers (49-9071), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.20 an hour, 7% below the US median of $23.84. The middle half of them earn between $17.30 and $32.79 an hour. About 1,350 work in the metro. That is 132.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 98.4 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the glaziers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($28.47 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $260. At the 25th percentile ($17.28) it shrinks by about $280. The total moves by 3.0% or 3.2%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 101,690 jobs in the Lake Charles area. That makes it the 202nd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.07% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glaziers (47-2121) | 50% | $17.28 | $23.07 | $28.47 | $27.44 | 0.84 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 40% | $16.13 | $22.08 | $28.48 | $29.12 | 0.76 | metro |
| General maintenance and repair workers (49-9071) | 10% | $17.30 | $22.20 | $32.79 | $23.84 | 0.93 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.82 | |||||
How Lake Charles compares
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Lake Charles. Alexandria is the lowest at about $8,800 (midpoint, 10 windows), 95 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles, LAthis page | $4,050 – $13,600 | $8,800 | |
| Beaumont, TX60 miles | $4,150 – $13,900 | $9,050 | +2% |
| Lafayette, LA65 miles | $4,000 – $13,600 | $8,800 | level |
| Alexandria, LA95 miles | $4,000 – $13,600 | $8,800 | level |
| Baton Rouge, LA125 miles | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +2% |
| Houston, TX130 miles | $4,250 – $14,500 | $9,400 | +6% |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $4,050 – $13,700 | $8,850 | level |
| United States | $4,500 – $15,000 | $9,750 | +11% |
Across 300 US metros, Lake Charles comes in at #275 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $11,800; the cheapest is Laredo, TX at $8,350 (midpoints, 10 windows). Statewide, Lake Charles is 0% below the Louisiana figure.
Other Louisiana metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $4,050 – $13,700 | $8,900 | +1% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +2% |
| Lafayette, LA | 179,570 jobs | $4,000 – $13,600 | $8,800 | level |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $4,050 – $13,600 | $8,800 | level |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $4,000 – $13,600 | $8,800 | level |
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $4,050 – $13,600 | $8,850 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Lake Charles's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Lake Charles against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, IN | 102,200 jobs | $4,400 – $14,600 | $9,500 | +8% |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $4,550 – $14,800 | $9,700 | +10% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $4,150 – $14,000 | $9,050 | +3% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 98,500 jobs | $4,850 – $16,100 | $10,500 | +19% |
Window replacement: what moves the price in Lake Charles
Permit
Window permits are $50-$200 each, or $400-$600 total for a multi-window job, and are often only needed when you change the opening (HomeGuide). No permit fee is included here because many cities do not ask for one on same-size replacements.
Frame material
Vinyl windows run $350-$1,500 each installed, fiberglass $400-$2,000, composite $400-$2,300, and wood $800-$3,800 (HomeGuide).
Window type
Single-hung and picture windows are cheapest; bay and bow windows can reach $3,000-$8,000+.
Pick a size, pick a tier: window replacement pricing in Lake Charles
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Lake Charles wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$4,050 to $7,850
Standard vinyl single-hung, same openings
Standard
$6,900 to $10,700
Mid-grade vinyl or composite, a few larger units
Premium
$9,750 to $13,600
Fiberglass or wood, large or custom sizes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| a few windows (5 windows) | $2,000 – $3,950 | $3,450 – $5,350 | $4,900 – $6,800 |
| small house (10 windows) | $4,050 – $7,850 | $6,900 – $10,700 | $9,750 – $13,600 |
| average house (15 windows) | $6,050 – $11,800 | $10,300 – $16,100 | $14,700 – $20,400 |
| whole house (25 windows) | $10,100 – $19,600 | $17,200 – $26,800 | $24,400 – $34,000 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $6,900 to $10,700 for Lake Charles, LA is attached.
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The report lays out the window replacement numbers for Lake Charles, LA line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Window replacement in Lake Charles: your questions
+How much does it cost to replace windows in Lake Charles?
For 10 windows, expect $4,050 to $13,600 in the Lake Charles area. A standard-spec job lands at $6,900 to $10,700. Small jobs usually cost more per window and large ones less.
+What is the price per window for windows in Lake Charles?
About $403 to $1,360 per window for materials and labor, plus $0 to $0 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $450 to $1,500.
+Is windows cheaper in Lake Charles or Beaumont?
Beaumont is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 10 windows there is $9,050, which is 2% more than Lake Charles ($8,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Lake Charles?
About 25% at the midpoint, or $2,200 out of $8,800. Materials are 75% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 27%.
+What would average house (15 windows) cost in Lake Charles?
$6,050 to $20,400. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does windows need a permit in Lake Charles?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $0 for fees in the Lake Charles area (our national range of $0 to $0 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Lake Charles expensive for windows compared with the rest of Louisiana?
Lake Charles is 0% below the Louisiana statewide estimate ($8,850 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do glaziers earn in Lake Charles?
The BLS median is $23.07 an hour in the Lake Charles area, compared with $27.44 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $17.28 to $28.47.
+What do basic and premium windows work cost in Lake Charles?
For 10 windows, basic work runs $4,050 to $7,850 and premium work $9,750 to $13,600. Basic means: standard vinyl single-hung, same openings. Premium means: fiberglass or wood, large or custom sizes.
+When is the best time to replace windows in Lake Charles?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Window replacement near Lake Charles
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 65% of the low installed price and 75% of the high one, from HomeGuide's statement that the window unit is 65-75% of replacement cost.