How Much Does Spark Plug Replacement Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Spark Plug Replacement Include?
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine. Worn plugs cause misfires, rough idle, poor fuel economy, and hard starting. Most vehicles have 4-8 spark plugs depending on engine size.
The national average cost for spark plug replacement is $200 for all plugs. Most homeowners pay between $60 and $450, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Engine
4-cylinder: $60-$200. V6: $150-$300. V8: $200-$450
Plug type
Copper: $2-$5 each. Platinum: $5-$15 each. Iridium: $8-$20 each. Double platinum: $10-$25 each
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Number of cylinders
- ✓Plug type
- ✓Accessibility
- ✓Vehicle make
- ✓Coil pack replacement
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.DIY is straightforward on most 4-cylinder engines with basic tools
- 2.Iridium or platinum plugs cost more but last 60,000-100,000 miles
- 3.Don't pay for premium plugs if your car only needs copper
- 4.Bundle with other ignition maintenance (wires, coils) for labor savings
📈 Spark Plug Replacement Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.6% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $170 | — |
| 2021 | $177 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $189 | +6.8% |
| 2023 | $194 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $200 | +3.1% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Spark Plug 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 | $49 | $164 | $369 |
| Alaska | $77 | $256 | $576 |
| Arizona | $57 | $190 | $428 |
| Arkansas | $48 | $160 | $360 |
| California | $81 | $270 | $608 |
| Colorado | $65 | $216 | $486 |
| Connecticut | $73 | $244 | $549 |
| Delaware | $63 | $210 | $473 |
| Florida | $59 | $196 | $441 |
| Georgia | $54 | $180 | $405 |
| Hawaii | $85 | $284 | $639 |
| Idaho | $55 | $184 | $414 |
| Illinois | $63 | $210 | $473 |
| Indiana | $53 | $176 | $396 |
| Iowa | $52 | $172 | $387 |
| Kansas | $51 | $170 | $383 |
| Kentucky | $50 | $168 | $378 |
| Louisiana | $52 | $174 | $392 |
| Maine | $61 | $204 | $459 |
| Maryland | $69 | $230 | $518 |
| Massachusetts | $78 | $260 | $585 |
| Michigan | $55 | $184 | $414 |
| Minnesota | $61 | $204 | $459 |
| Mississippi | $47 | $156 | $351 |
| Missouri | $52 | $174 | $392 |
| Montana | $57 | $190 | $428 |
| Nebraska | $53 | $176 | $396 |
| Nevada | $61 | $204 | $459 |
| New Hampshire | $67 | $224 | $504 |
| New Jersey | $75 | $250 | $563 |
| New Mexico | $54 | $180 | $405 |
| New York | $79 | $264 | $594 |
| North Carolina | $54 | $180 | $405 |
| North Dakota | $54 | $180 | $405 |
| Ohio | $54 | $180 | $405 |
| Oklahoma | $50 | $166 | $374 |
| Oregon | $66 | $220 | $495 |
| Pennsylvania | $61 | $204 | $459 |
| Rhode Island | $69 | $230 | $518 |
| South Carolina | $52 | $174 | $392 |
| South Dakota | $51 | $170 | $383 |
| Tennessee | $52 | $172 | $387 |
| Texas | $56 | $186 | $419 |
| Utah | $57 | $190 | $428 |
| Vermont | $65 | $216 | $486 |
| Virginia | $63 | $210 | $473 |
| Washington | $69 | $230 | $518 |
| West Virginia | $48 | $160 | $360 |
| Wisconsin | $56 | $188 | $423 |
| Wyoming | $55 | $184 | $414 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should spark plugs be replaced?
Copper plugs every 20,000-30,000 miles. Platinum or iridium plugs every 60,000-100,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for your car's specific interval.
🏙️ Spark Plug Replacement Cost by City
Compare spark plug replacement costs in the most popular US cities:
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