How Much Does Alternator Replacement Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Alternator Replacement Include?
The alternator charges your car battery and powers electrical systems while the engine runs. Symptoms of failure include dim lights, dead battery, warning light, and electrical issues.
The national average cost for alternator replacement is $550 per alternator. Most homeowners pay between $300 and $900, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Part
New OEM: $200-$500. New aftermarket: $150-$350. Remanufactured: $100-$250
Vehicle
Economy car: $300-$500. Midsize sedan: $400-$650. Truck/SUV: $500-$800. Luxury/European: $600-$900
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓New vs remanufactured
- ✓Labor time
- ✓Accessibility of alternator
- ✓Warranty
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Remanufactured alternators cost 30-50% less than new and carry similar warranties
- 2.Independent shops are typically 30-50% cheaper than dealerships
- 3.Get a diagnostic test first ($50-$100) — symptoms may be caused by a simpler issue
- 4.Some auto parts stores test alternators free while still on the car
📈 Alternator Replacement Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +18.0% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $466 | — |
| 2021 | $486 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $518 | +6.6% |
| 2023 | $533 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $550 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Alternator Replacement Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $246 | $451 | $738 |
| Alaska | $384 | $704 | $1,152 |
| Arizona | $285 | $523 | $855 |
| Arkansas | $240 | $440 | $720 |
| California | $405 | $743 | $1,215 |
| Colorado | $324 | $594 | $972 |
| Connecticut | $366 | $671 | $1,098 |
| Delaware | $315 | $578 | $945 |
| Florida | $294 | $539 | $882 |
| Georgia | $270 | $495 | $810 |
| Hawaii | $426 | $781 | $1,278 |
| Idaho | $276 | $506 | $828 |
| Illinois | $315 | $578 | $945 |
| Indiana | $264 | $484 | $792 |
| Iowa | $258 | $473 | $774 |
| Kansas | $255 | $468 | $765 |
| Kentucky | $252 | $462 | $756 |
| Louisiana | $261 | $479 | $783 |
| Maine | $306 | $561 | $918 |
| Maryland | $345 | $633 | $1,035 |
| Massachusetts | $390 | $715 | $1,170 |
| Michigan | $276 | $506 | $828 |
| Minnesota | $306 | $561 | $918 |
| Mississippi | $234 | $429 | $702 |
| Missouri | $261 | $479 | $783 |
| Montana | $285 | $523 | $855 |
| Nebraska | $264 | $484 | $792 |
| Nevada | $306 | $561 | $918 |
| New Hampshire | $336 | $616 | $1,008 |
| New Jersey | $375 | $688 | $1,125 |
| New Mexico | $270 | $495 | $810 |
| New York | $396 | $726 | $1,188 |
| North Carolina | $270 | $495 | $810 |
| North Dakota | $270 | $495 | $810 |
| Ohio | $270 | $495 | $810 |
| Oklahoma | $249 | $457 | $747 |
| Oregon | $330 | $605 | $990 |
| Pennsylvania | $306 | $561 | $918 |
| Rhode Island | $345 | $633 | $1,035 |
| South Carolina | $261 | $479 | $783 |
| South Dakota | $255 | $468 | $765 |
| Tennessee | $258 | $473 | $774 |
| Texas | $279 | $512 | $837 |
| Utah | $285 | $523 | $855 |
| Vermont | $324 | $594 | $972 |
| Virginia | $315 | $578 | $945 |
| Washington | $345 | $633 | $1,035 |
| West Virginia | $240 | $440 | $720 |
| Wisconsin | $282 | $517 | $846 |
| Wyoming | $276 | $506 | $828 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an alternator last?
Most alternators last 80,000-150,000 miles or about 7-10 years. High electrical loads (upgraded stereo, winch) can shorten lifespan.
🏙️ Alternator Replacement Cost by City
Compare alternator replacement costs in the most popular US cities:
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Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Alternator Replacement
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