Many people associate tinted windows with cars, but homes can benefit from tinting as well. The national average cost of home window tinting is around $600,* but this price is affected by different variables. For instance, it can cost as low as $5 per square foot for a standard kitchen window do-it-yourself (DIY) tint job. A bigger project, like professionally installing smart window film on your patio doors, can greatly increase that price.

Tinted windows help make your home more energy efficient and add an extra layer of privacy. Discover how much tinting home windows costs—and how to save. We’ll explore everything you need to know about tinted windows in this cost guide.

*Cost data sourced from Angi, Fixr, and Home Advisor.

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Signs That You Need To Tint Your Windows

Tinting windows provides many benefits, from increased energy efficiency to added privacy. If you’re considering tinting your windows, here are signs that it’s time for an upgrade:

• High energy bills: If your energy bills have become excessively high despite no changes in your home, you may need to tint your windows. Window tinting can help regulate home temperatures, leading to improved energy efficiency and lower bills. 
• Sun damage: Sun damage or fading on furniture, carpets, curtains, or other items may be a sign it’s time to add window tint. The right window film will reflect sunlight and block damaging UV rays. 
• Glare: If you’re having difficulty seeing screens, such as TVs and computer monitors, due to glare, window tinting can help. A quality tint film will reduce glare while still allowing natural light into your home. 
• Fading, cracking, or bulging window tints: When your window tint film begins to fade, crack, bulge, peel, or become discolored, it’s a good time to consider replacing it.
• Privacy: Window tinting can be an effective solution if your home lacks privacy. You can choose from different window film darkness levels so neighbors can’t peek inside your home.

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How Much Does It Cost to Tint Windows for Your Whole House?

The cost of tinting all of the windows in your house costs an average of $5 per square foot or roughly $60 per window. The cost varies by the number and size of windows that you are replacing.

Number of Windows	Average Cost
5–6	$300–$360
8–10	$480–$600
13–15	$780–$900
18–20	$1,080–$1,200
23–25	$1,380–$1,500

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What Factors Affect Tinting Home Windows Cost?

Window tinting prices depend on many factors, such as your location and the number of windows you want tinted. Consider the following factors to budget for this home improvement project:

• Style: Homeowners can choose from various window tinting styles, such as standard, frosted, and decorative. Prices range from $5–$45 per square foot.
• Type: You can either spray windows with tint or cover them with long-lasting tinted film. Spray costs $5–$11 per square foot, and film costs $7–$11 per foot.
• Shape: Your window’s shape helps determine the tinting job’s complexity. For example, French doors cost $10–$19 per square foot, while rectangular windows cost $5–$10 per square foot. 
• Film type/quality: Films come in metalized, ceramic, and carbon varieties with a price range of $5–$10 per square foot.

Window Tint Cost by Style

Whether you’re trying to keep your home cool in summer or add a bit of privacy, each tint style offers unique benefits. Here’s a breakdown of common window tint styles and their associated costs:

Window Tint Cost by Type

Window tinting services will either spray your windows or cover them with an adhesive film. Each type of window film has pros and cons and its own price point.

Spraying

Spray-on tints are used more for car window tinting than for home window tinting, but work for both. The product comes in an aerosol can and provides a uniform level of tinting when properly applied. Retailers sell spray tints in various colors. Spray tints are less durable than film tints and therefore less expensive, costing about $5–$11 per square foot.

Film Tinting

For film tinting, installers apply a pre-cut sheet of tinted film directly to a window’s surface using an adhesive. The film is more difficult to remove and takes longer to install, but it’s more durable and provides a more uniform look than spray. Tinted film costs about $7–$11 per square foot.

Window Tint Cost by Shape

A window’s size, shape, and location all affect how much it costs to tint. For example, a ground-level window is easier to access and thus more affordable to tint. Some types of tint may only apply to select window shapes. Consider these cost factors:

Window Tint Cost by Film Type and Quality

The film type you select depends on your desired privacy level, energy efficiency, and style. Regardless of the type, most manufacturers offer a warranty in case the film bubbles, peels, or splits.

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What Are Additional Cost Factors of Window Tinting?

The following factors can also impact window tinting prices. Learn more about each in the dropdown sections below:

Labor

Professional window tinting companies typically charge $5–$19 per square foot in labor for window film installation. The exact cost depends on the number of windows being tinted, the job’s complexity, and whether any additional supplies are needed.

Having to update or replace existing windows or window glass may also affect labor costs. This can include removing the old window, cutting new glass, and putting in the new window before tinting begins. Be sure to ask about labor costs when getting a free quote from local window tinting companies.

Scope of Project

Your budget will reflect the number of windows you need tinted. While tinting one window will cost much less than tinting several, the cost per window will usually be lower if you have several done at once. 

If your windows are in an awkward or high-up location, the price may increase due to the additional labor required. Contractors usually charge the same amount for residential properties and commercial buildings.

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Can You Apply Window Tinting Yourself?

Window tinting is a great way to enhance your home’s look, reduce energy costs, and keep your home’s interior comfortable. Professional installation offers more reliable results and may last longer, but DIY tinting can be a viable option for those on a budget. 

The project requires the following tools and supplies:

• Adhesive window film from a high-end window brand
• Spray bottle with soapy water 

DIY Home Window Tinting

Applying home window tinting looks deceptively simple, but there’s more to it than cutting, peeling, and sticking on film. If you don’t cut the pieces precisely or roll them on smoothly, your window film will show cracks, bubbles, or folds. If you’re patient and steady enough, you can tackle this project on your own.

Pros

• Save money
• Complete the project on your preferred schedule
• Enjoy the satisfaction of doing your home window tinting yourself 

Cons

• Can be time-consuming
• Higher risk of making mistakes
• Potential for costly damage if the project is done incorrectly

How to Save on DIY Window Tinting Costs

• Research different window tinting film types and compare prices online. 
• Purchase higher-quality window films, as they should last longer and provide better protection. 
• Clean windows thoroughly before applying the film, and follow instructions closely to avoid damaging the window. 

Professional Home Window Tinting

A window tinting service offers skilled professionals who can apply straight-fitting films to any appropriate surface without bubbles or cracks. Security and solar tints may require a professional installer while a peel-and-stick film does not. 

Professional home window tinting involves several steps. The first step is to assess the windows and determine the type of film that will be used. Next, the window film is cut to size and applied to the windows. 

After the film has been applied, it must cure for several hours (or even days), depending on the type of film and the environment it was installed in. A professional window tinting job can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on your project’s size. 

Many companies hold accreditation from the International Window Film Association, and their employees have taken brand-neutral courses in film application.

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Is Window Tinting Worth It?

Tinting your home’s windows costs $315–$935, depending on your window’s size, type, and the tint film type. You should generally budget around $600 for the whole tinting project.

Homeowners with patience and skill may be able to save money by tinting windows themselves. Square or rectangular windows with clean, clear edges are relatively straightforward to tint. Windows with odd shapes, French doors with lots of small squares, or large picture windows usually require professional help. For more detail, read our guide on home window tinting.

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FAQs About Home Windows Tinting Cost

What are the benefits of tinting my home windows?

Tinting your home windows offers many benefits, including the following:

• Maintaining steady indoor temperatures 
• Keeping your home less visible to strangers
• Improving your home’s value
• Protecting your family from glare and harmful UV rays
• Reducing your cooling costs and heating bills
• Making your windows easier to clean
• Increasing your safety if your windows break

Does tinting home windows affect the value of my home?

Window tinting often improves curb appeal, which can increase your home value.

Can window tinting reduce the heat inside a house?

Tinted windows reduce the heat inside a house by blocking the sun’s heat. This not only makes your home more comfortable but also helps reduce skin cancer risk by blocking UV rays.

Can you see inside tinted house windows at night?

If the lights are on inside your home, you will be able to see inside your tinted house windows at night.

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