How Much Does Timing Belt Replacement Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Timing Belt Replacement Include?
The timing belt synchronizes the engine's valves and pistons. Replacement is a critical maintenance item — a broken timing belt can destroy an engine.
The national average cost for timing belt replacement is $600 per vehicle. Most homeowners pay between $300 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?
Vehicle
4-cylinder: $300-$600. V6: $500-$800. V8/complex: $700-$1,200
Water Pump
Adding water pump replacement: $50-$150 extra in parts (labor is already included)
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓Interference vs non-interference engine
- ✓Water pump replacement at same time
- ✓Labor intensity
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Replace the water pump at the same time — it's minimal extra cost since the labor overlaps
- 2.Independent shops are 30-50% cheaper than dealerships
- 3.Don't skip or delay this service — a broken timing belt can cost $3,000+ in engine damage
Timing Belt 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 | $492 | $820 |
| Alaska | $384 | $768 | $1,280 |
| Arizona | $285 | $570 | $950 |
| Arkansas | $240 | $480 | $800 |
| California | $405 | $810 | $1,350 |
| Colorado | $324 | $648 | $1,080 |
| Connecticut | $366 | $732 | $1,220 |
| Delaware | $315 | $630 | $1,050 |
| Florida | $294 | $588 | $980 |
| Georgia | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| Hawaii | $426 | $852 | $1,420 |
| Idaho | $276 | $552 | $920 |
| Illinois | $315 | $630 | $1,050 |
| Indiana | $264 | $528 | $880 |
| Iowa | $258 | $516 | $860 |
| Kansas | $255 | $510 | $850 |
| Kentucky | $252 | $504 | $840 |
| Louisiana | $261 | $522 | $870 |
| Maine | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| Maryland | $345 | $690 | $1,150 |
| Massachusetts | $390 | $780 | $1,300 |
| Michigan | $276 | $552 | $920 |
| Minnesota | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| Mississippi | $234 | $468 | $780 |
| Missouri | $261 | $522 | $870 |
| Montana | $285 | $570 | $950 |
| Nebraska | $264 | $528 | $880 |
| Nevada | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| New Hampshire | $336 | $672 | $1,120 |
| New Jersey | $375 | $750 | $1,250 |
| New Mexico | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| New York | $396 | $792 | $1,320 |
| North Carolina | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| North Dakota | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| Ohio | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| Oklahoma | $249 | $498 | $830 |
| Oregon | $330 | $660 | $1,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| Rhode Island | $345 | $690 | $1,150 |
| South Carolina | $261 | $522 | $870 |
| South Dakota | $255 | $510 | $850 |
| Tennessee | $258 | $516 | $860 |
| Texas | $279 | $558 | $930 |
| Utah | $285 | $570 | $950 |
| Vermont | $324 | $648 | $1,080 |
| Virginia | $315 | $630 | $1,050 |
| Washington | $345 | $690 | $1,150 |
| West Virginia | $240 | $480 | $800 |
| Wisconsin | $282 | $564 | $940 |
| Wyoming | $276 | $552 | $920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a timing belt be replaced?
Every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer's recommendation. Check your owner's manual.
Does my car have a timing belt or chain?
Many modern vehicles use timing chains which last much longer. Check your manual or ask your mechanic.