Cost guides › Electrical
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Los Angeles (2026)
Updated: Oct 27, 2026 · Sources accessed: 2026-10-27
Adding an EV charger, a heat pump or an ADU often means a bigger panel. Here is what published sources say a panel upgrade costs.
Los Angeles ranges published by a local electrician
| Job | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 100-amp panel replacement[1] | $1,500–$2,800 | 911 Electric |
| 100A to 200A panel upgrade[1] | $2,500–$4,500 | 911 Electric |
| 200-amp upgrade with meter and service-entrance work[1] | $3,500–$6,000 | 911 Electric |
| 400-amp service upgrade[1] | $5,000–$10,000+ | 911 Electric |
| Subpanel addition[1] | $900–$2,500 | 911 Electric |
| City permit and inspection fees (varies by city)[1] | $150–$500 | 911 Electric |
National averages, for comparison
| Job | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade from 100 to 200 amps[2] | $1,300–$1,600 | HomeGuide |
| Install a new 200-amp panel[2] | $1,800–$2,500 | HomeGuide |
| Upgrade from 200 to 400 amps[2] | $2,000–$4,000 | HomeGuide |
These are published ranges, not quotes. LeadsToBids does not set, check or guarantee prices; the final price is the one on your written quote.
What changes the price
- Meter and service-entrance work, panel relocation and code corrections (missing grounds, old wiring) push the price up.[1]
- Federal Pacific (FPE) and Zinsco panels almost always need a full replacement.[1]
- Your utility may need to install a new meter: $200–$500.[2]
- In most City of LA neighborhoods, LADBS issues the permit and LADWP asks for a free meter spot before a new panel of up to 320 amps.[1]
Before you hire
- Get at least 3 written quotes for the same scope of work, and compare line by line.
- Check the contractor’s license on the California Contractors State License Board website (cslb.ca.gov).
- Ask whether the permit, haul-away and cleanup are included in the price.
Homeowner?
Ask local, licensed contractors for written quotes, and use the ranges above to compare them.
Are you a contractor?
Get a simple website in English and Spanish with a quote form, so homeowners searching for this job can find you. 14-day free trial of your website. No contract.
Questions
How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost in Los Angeles?
One Los Angeles-area electrician publishes $2,500–$4,500 for a 100A to 200A upgrade, and $3,500–$6,000 when the meter and service entrance also change. National averages are lower ($1,300–$2,500).
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade in LA?
Yes. The electrician cited here says a panel upgrade needs a permit and an inspection everywhere in Los Angeles County, and a licensed electrician should pull it.
Can a panel be replaced without rewiring the house?
Often, yes, if the existing wiring is in good condition and up to code, according to the same source.
Sources
- 911 Electric: Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in Los Angeles (2026 Guide). Typical ranges published by one Los Angeles-area electrician. Source date: Updated Oct 16, 2026. Accessed: 2026-10-27.
- HomeGuide: Cost to replace or upgrade an electrical panel. National averages. Source date: Dec 30, 2024. Accessed: 2026-10-27.