AC Installation Cost: 2026 Price Guide
A new central AC system includes the outdoor condenser, a matching indoor evaporator coil and the refrigerant line set. Tonnage and SEER2 rating set most of the price, along with how much of the old system can stay. Across the U.S., most homeowners pay $4,200 to $9,500.
AC Installation Cost by State
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,200 to $9,500 |
| Alaska | $4,000 to $9,200 |
| Arizona | $5,400 to $12,200 |
| Arkansas | $4,000 to $9,000 |
| California | $5,400 to $12,300 |
| Colorado | $4,600 to $10,300 |
| Connecticut | $4,100 to $9,300 |
| Delaware | $4,100 to $9,300 |
| District of Columbia | $5,600 to $12,700 |
| Florida | $5,200 to $11,900 |
| Georgia | $4,400 to $10,000 |
| Hawaii | $6,700 to $15,200 |
| Idaho | $4,100 to $9,200 |
| Illinois | $4,100 to $9,300 |
| Indiana | $3,700 to $8,400 |
| Iowa | $3,800 to $8,500 |
| Kansas | $4,100 to $9,200 |
| Kentucky | $3,800 to $8,600 |
| Louisiana | $4,400 to $9,900 |
| Maine | $3,700 to $8,300 |
| Maryland | $4,800 to $10,900 |
| Massachusetts | $4,700 to $10,700 |
| Michigan | $3,600 to $8,100 |
| Minnesota | $4,100 to $9,400 |
| Mississippi | $4,000 to $9,000 |
| Missouri | $4,100 to $9,200 |
| Montana | $3,800 to $8,500 |
| Nebraska | $3,800 to $8,600 |
| Nevada | $5,100 to $11,500 |
| New Hampshire | $4,000 to $9,100 |
| New Jersey | $4,700 to $10,600 |
| New Mexico | $3,900 to $8,700 |
| New York | $4,800 to $10,900 |
| North Carolina | $4,300 to $9,800 |
| North Dakota | $3,700 to $8,300 |
| Ohio | $3,700 to $8,300 |
| Oklahoma | $4,000 to $9,100 |
| Oregon | $4,200 to $9,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,800 to $8,600 |
| Rhode Island | $4,000 to $9,000 |
| South Carolina | $4,400 to $9,900 |
| South Dakota | $3,700 to $8,400 |
| Tennessee | $4,200 to $9,500 |
| Texas | $4,800 to $10,900 |
| Utah | $4,700 to $10,700 |
| Vermont | $3,800 to $8,600 |
| Virginia | $4,900 to $11,100 |
| Washington | $4,600 to $10,400 |
| West Virginia | $3,500 to $7,900 |
| Wisconsin | $3,700 to $8,400 |
| Wyoming | $3,700 to $8,400 |
When It Makes Sense
- The AC is 12 to 15 years old or more
- It still runs on R-22 refrigerant
- It has had more than one refrigerant leak
- The house can't reach the thermostat setting on hot afternoons
- Summer electric bills keep going up
What Moves the Price
- Tonnage, based on house size and local climate
- SEER2 rating and whether the compressor is single-stage or variable-speed
- Whether the coil and line set also need replacing
- Electrical work such as a new disconnect, breaker or wiring
- The pad, permit and refrigerant (R-410A or the newer R-454B)
Common Questions
What size AC do I need?
It depends on square footage, insulation, windows and climate. The rough rule is a ton for every 450 to 650 sq ft, but only a Manual J calculation gives you a real number.
How long does a new AC last?
With yearly maintenance, 12 to 17 years. Salt air and extreme heat shorten that.
AC Installation in Major Cities
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Nashville, TN
- Washington, DC
- El Paso, TX
- Las Vegas, NV
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Louisville, KY
- Portland, OR
- Memphis, TN
- Baltimore, MD
- Milwaukee, WI
- Albuquerque, NM
- Tucson, AZ
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Atlanta, GA
- Mesa, AZ
- Kansas City, MO
- Raleigh, NC
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Omaha, NE
- Miami, FL
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Bakersfield, CA
- Tulsa, OK
- Tampa, FL
- Arlington, TX
- Aurora, CO
- Wichita, KS
- Cleveland, OH
- New Orleans, LA
- Henderson, NV
- Urban Honolulu, HI
- Anaheim, CA
- Orlando, FL
- Lexington, KY
- Stockton, CA
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