How Much Does Car AC Repair Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Car AC Repair Include?
Car AC repair diagnoses and fixes issues with your vehicle's air conditioning system including refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, condenser problems, and electrical issues.
The national average cost for car ac repair is $450 per repair. Most homeowners pay between $150 and $1,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Repair Type
Refrigerant recharge: $100-$250. Leak repair: $200-$500. Compressor: $500-$1,200. Condenser: $400-$900
Vehicle
Standard car: $150-$800. Luxury/European: $300-$1,500
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Type of repair needed
- ✓Parts required
- ✓Refrigerant type
- ✓Vehicle make/model
- ✓Labor rates
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.A simple recharge ($100-$200) fixes many AC issues
- 2.Independent shops charge 30-50% less than dealerships
- 3.Get a proper diagnostic before agreeing to major repairs
- 4.AC problems worsen over time — fixing early is cheaper
📈 Car AC Repair Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $382 | — |
| 2021 | $398 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $424 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $436 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $450 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Car AC Repair 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 | $123 | $369 | $820 |
| Alaska | $192 | $576 | $1,280 |
| Arizona | $143 | $428 | $950 |
| Arkansas | $120 | $360 | $800 |
| California | $203 | $608 | $1,350 |
| Colorado | $162 | $486 | $1,080 |
| Connecticut | $183 | $549 | $1,220 |
| Delaware | $158 | $473 | $1,050 |
| Florida | $147 | $441 | $980 |
| Georgia | $135 | $405 | $900 |
| Hawaii | $213 | $639 | $1,420 |
| Idaho | $138 | $414 | $920 |
| Illinois | $158 | $473 | $1,050 |
| Indiana | $132 | $396 | $880 |
| Iowa | $129 | $387 | $860 |
| Kansas | $128 | $383 | $850 |
| Kentucky | $126 | $378 | $840 |
| Louisiana | $131 | $392 | $870 |
| Maine | $153 | $459 | $1,020 |
| Maryland | $173 | $518 | $1,150 |
| Massachusetts | $195 | $585 | $1,300 |
| Michigan | $138 | $414 | $920 |
| Minnesota | $153 | $459 | $1,020 |
| Mississippi | $117 | $351 | $780 |
| Missouri | $131 | $392 | $870 |
| Montana | $143 | $428 | $950 |
| Nebraska | $132 | $396 | $880 |
| Nevada | $153 | $459 | $1,020 |
| New Hampshire | $168 | $504 | $1,120 |
| New Jersey | $188 | $563 | $1,250 |
| New Mexico | $135 | $405 | $900 |
| New York | $198 | $594 | $1,320 |
| North Carolina | $135 | $405 | $900 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $405 | $900 |
| Ohio | $135 | $405 | $900 |
| Oklahoma | $125 | $374 | $830 |
| Oregon | $165 | $495 | $1,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $153 | $459 | $1,020 |
| Rhode Island | $173 | $518 | $1,150 |
| South Carolina | $131 | $392 | $870 |
| South Dakota | $128 | $383 | $850 |
| Tennessee | $129 | $387 | $860 |
| Texas | $140 | $419 | $930 |
| Utah | $143 | $428 | $950 |
| Vermont | $162 | $486 | $1,080 |
| Virginia | $158 | $473 | $1,050 |
| Washington | $173 | $518 | $1,150 |
| West Virginia | $120 | $360 | $800 |
| Wisconsin | $141 | $423 | $940 |
| Wyoming | $138 | $414 | $920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my car AC blowing warm air?
Most common causes: low refrigerant (leak), failed compressor, clogged condenser, or electrical issue. A diagnostic test ($50-$100) will identify the problem.
🏙️ Car AC Repair Cost by City
Compare car ac repair costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Car AC Repair
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