How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Include?
Catalytic converter replacement is one of the most expensive exhaust system repairs. The converter contains precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) that make it costly. It's required for emissions compliance.
The national average cost for catalytic converter replacement is $2,000 per converter. Most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $3,500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Part Source
Aftermarket: $500-$1,500. OEM: $1,500-$3,500. CARB-compliant: $1,000-$2,500
Vehicle
Standard car: $1,000-$2,000. Truck/SUV: $1,500-$3,000. Luxury: $2,000-$4,000+
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓OEM vs aftermarket
- ✓Number of converters
- ✓Direct-fit vs universal
- ✓State emissions requirements
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Aftermarket converters cost 40-60% less than OEM but may not be legal in all states (California requires CARB-compliant)
- 2.Independent muffler shops charge less than dealerships
- 3.Check if the repair is covered under your vehicle's emissions warranty (often 8 years/80K miles)
- 4.Get multiple quotes — prices vary dramatically
📈 Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,699 | — |
| 2021 | $1,770 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,885 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,938 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $2,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Catalytic Converter 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 | $820 | $1,640 | $2,870 |
| Alaska | $1,280 | $2,560 | $4,480 |
| Arizona | $950 | $1,900 | $3,325 |
| Arkansas | $800 | $1,600 | $2,800 |
| California | $1,350 | $2,700 | $4,725 |
| Colorado | $1,080 | $2,160 | $3,780 |
| Connecticut | $1,220 | $2,440 | $4,270 |
| Delaware | $1,050 | $2,100 | $3,675 |
| Florida | $980 | $1,960 | $3,430 |
| Georgia | $900 | $1,800 | $3,150 |
| Hawaii | $1,420 | $2,840 | $4,970 |
| Idaho | $920 | $1,840 | $3,220 |
| Illinois | $1,050 | $2,100 | $3,675 |
| Indiana | $880 | $1,760 | $3,080 |
| Iowa | $860 | $1,720 | $3,010 |
| Kansas | $850 | $1,700 | $2,975 |
| Kentucky | $840 | $1,680 | $2,940 |
| Louisiana | $870 | $1,740 | $3,045 |
| Maine | $1,020 | $2,040 | $3,570 |
| Maryland | $1,150 | $2,300 | $4,025 |
| Massachusetts | $1,300 | $2,600 | $4,550 |
| Michigan | $920 | $1,840 | $3,220 |
| Minnesota | $1,020 | $2,040 | $3,570 |
| Mississippi | $780 | $1,560 | $2,730 |
| Missouri | $870 | $1,740 | $3,045 |
| Montana | $950 | $1,900 | $3,325 |
| Nebraska | $880 | $1,760 | $3,080 |
| Nevada | $1,020 | $2,040 | $3,570 |
| New Hampshire | $1,120 | $2,240 | $3,920 |
| New Jersey | $1,250 | $2,500 | $4,375 |
| New Mexico | $900 | $1,800 | $3,150 |
| New York | $1,320 | $2,640 | $4,620 |
| North Carolina | $900 | $1,800 | $3,150 |
| North Dakota | $900 | $1,800 | $3,150 |
| Ohio | $900 | $1,800 | $3,150 |
| Oklahoma | $830 | $1,660 | $2,905 |
| Oregon | $1,100 | $2,200 | $3,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,020 | $2,040 | $3,570 |
| Rhode Island | $1,150 | $2,300 | $4,025 |
| South Carolina | $870 | $1,740 | $3,045 |
| South Dakota | $850 | $1,700 | $2,975 |
| Tennessee | $860 | $1,720 | $3,010 |
| Texas | $930 | $1,860 | $3,255 |
| Utah | $950 | $1,900 | $3,325 |
| Vermont | $1,080 | $2,160 | $3,780 |
| Virginia | $1,050 | $2,100 | $3,675 |
| Washington | $1,150 | $2,300 | $4,025 |
| West Virginia | $800 | $1,600 | $2,800 |
| Wisconsin | $940 | $1,880 | $3,290 |
| Wyoming | $920 | $1,840 | $3,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my catalytic converter needs replacing?
Symptoms include check engine light (P0420 code), rotten egg smell, reduced performance, and failed emissions test.
🏙️ Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost by City
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