How Much Does Window Tinting Cost? (Updated 2023)

Window tinting is a stylish and convenient way to decorate and protect your vehicle or home. The first question most owners ask is how much is window tinting, but no one can precisely answer it.

You should be aware that numerous factors affect tint costs, primarily the tint type and window size and number. Since tint installation is pretty complicated, it is better to have the car or home professionally tinted. However, you can also organize a DIY project if you are skillful enough.

 

Window Tinting Cost and Factors Influencing It

1. Vehicle type

The car make, model, size, and production year are essential when determining window tinting price. Plus, you need to pay more for a vehicle with more windows.

Window tinting costs by the vehicle type
Vehicle type	Price
Large coupe	$300 to $430
Wagon	$250 to $400
SUV	$250 to $380
Sedan	$250 to $330
Small hatch	$200 to $325
Van	$200 to $500
Utility vehicle	$200 to $350

 Tinting pricing categories depend on the vehicle type and the number of windows it features.

Coupe Window Tinting Cost

• Rear and all sides windows – $190 to $550
• Windshields – $120 to $300
• Front two windows – $100 to $260
• Back windows – $80 to $260
• Sunroof – $60 to $160
• Single window – $60 to $130

Sedan Window Tinting Cost

• Rear and all sides windows – $190 to $550
• Windshields – $120 to $300
• Panoramic sunroof – $120 to $300
• Front two windows – $100 to $260
• Back windows – $80 to $260
• Sunroof – $60 to $160
• Single window – $60 to $130

SUV Window Tinting Cost

• Rear and all sides windows – $260 to $715
• Windshields – $120 to $300
• Panoramic sunroof – $120 to $300
• Back windows – $80 to $260
• Sunroof – $60 to $160
• Single window – $60 to $130

Van Window Tinting Cost

• Rear and all sides windows – $260 to $715
• Windshields – $120 to $300
• Panoramic sunroof – $120 to $300
• Back windows – $80 to $260
• Sunroof – $60 to $160
• Single window – $60 to $130

Tesla Window Tinting Cost

• Windshields – $200 to $300
• Windshield for Tesla model X – $725
• Panoramic sunroof – $200 to $300
• Panoramic sunroof for Tesla model Y – $725
• Front two windows – $180 to $260
• Back windows – $150 to $260
• Sunroof – $90 to $160
• Single window – $80 to $130
• Rear and all sides windows for:
• Tesla model S – $400 to $600
• Tesla models X and Y – $450 to $715
• Tesla model 3 – $855

Truck Window Tinting Cost

• Windshields – $120 to $300
• Panoramic sunroof – $120 to $300
• Back windows – $80 to $260
• Sunroof – $60 to $160
• Single window – $60 to $130
• Rear and all sides windows for:
• Crew cab – $210 to $600
• Extended cab – $190 to $550
• Standard cab – $160 to $460

 

2. Number of windows

As expected, overall costs will also depend on the window number planned for tinting. Additionally, more sizable windows will be more expensive than smaller ones.

If you plan to tint windows in your home, the final price will depend on the tint type you choose as well as window location, style, number, and size. The price will be higher for upstairs windows because they are not easily accessible, and professionals will need more equipment to finish the job.

Keep in mind that some companies accept only tinting projects according to windows number. In that case, you need to tint a required minimal window number.

3. Window size, style, and shape

Tinting windows on your car and residential or commercial buildings also depend on their type, size, and shape. In most cases, the price will vary the most significantly depending on the window type you have:

• Flat windows
• Patio windows
• French windows
• Hurricane windows
• Skylights
• Sliding glass doors
• French doors

While flat windows are quicker to tint, curved models typically require more skill, time, and equipment, so their protection will be more pricey. Since you need larger pieces of film for sizable bay windows and sliding glass doors, their tinting will be particularly expensive.

If you have flat windows, you need to pay $5 to $10 per sq ft for installation, while film prices can be between $2 and $100 per sq ft. For instance, tinting one 3 by 5 feet (0.9 x 1.5 m) window will cost about $210 to $720 on average.

If you want to have tinted door windows, you can pay $7 to $110 per sq ft, but sometimes companies charge a flat rate of $100 to $150 per piece. Most will charge $10 to $19 per sq ft for a French door due to a large amount of waste material.

The rule of thumb is that the price per 1 sq ft (0.09 m2) for tinting is lower with more windows and doors you want to finish. Finally, be prepared that most professionals won’t accept tinting skylights.

 

4. Tint type for cars

As you can guess, the final price directly depends on window tint quality. Let’s take a look.

Ceramic window tint cost

This window film type without metal and dye is the most quality you can find on the current market. It contains non-conductive and non-metallic ceramic particles that won’t block cell phone signals, radios, and GPS.

On the other hand, such advanced technology makes this window tint the most expensive. Unlike a standard non-reflective film that costs $100 to $400 per car, you need to set aside at least $800 for ceramic tint.

Dyed window tint cost

Dyed window tint is the most inexpensive option for window tinting and typically costs $70 to $100 per car. Professionals add a dye and adhesive to a layer before applying it to the vehicle windows.

Unfortunately, it is not a long-term solution because the tint change color over time. Therefore, you can expect it to become purple or brown under UV rays.

Carbon window tint cost

Carbon particles this tint type contains block infrared light effectively, making the car interior cooler. It neither fades quickly nor causes problems with cell phones, GPS, and radio transmission.

On the other hand, this tint creates haze and glare, making driving difficult. With the average price of $100 to $130, it is an affordable option for most drivers and homeowners.

Metalized window tint cost

This tint type contains metallic particles distributed in multiple layers that block the UV rays, reflect the heat, and protect the glass. You will pay this option approximately $130. It is pretty inexpensive, but be aware that metal can interfere with your cell phone, radio, and GPS.

Hybrid window tint cost

This tint type is metalized and dyed combination that entirely darkens windows and successfully blocks sunlight. Nowadays, you can find the ultimate ceramic film hybrid version, known as Nano-ceramic.

This durable option provides higher visibility and heat rejection than any other tint you can find on the market. These variations are not widely available and are still too costly for commercial use.

 

5. Tint types for homes

The primary tint window purposes are UV protection, heat regulation, viewing restriction, and protection against break-ins. When deciding to tint your home or office windows, you can pick out:

• Ceramic tint – It is ideal for large display windows and costs $7 to $9 per square foot.
• Frost and decorative window tint – It provides instant privacy for a modest $6 to $10 per square foot.
• Non-reflective window tint – This type is cost-effective and blocks about 35% of UV rays. You need to pay about $5.50 to $6 per square foot. 
• Mirror tint (silver reflective window film) – It provides ultimate privacy and heat protection and costs $6 to $7 per square foot.
• Clear security window tint – This tint protects your home from forced entry and strengthens windows during a hurricane for $5 to $15 per square foot.

 

6. Tint brand

Famous brands always offer pricey tint types but typically provide high-quality products and a long-term warranty. Since they tend to protect their image, only certified tint shops can apply their films.

 

7. Labor costs

Window tint companies typically charge $5 to $10 per square foot for labor. However, you can expect higher prices in urban areas and when hiring more experienced professionals.

The final price will also depend on used equipment, like lights, proper spray, squeegees, torches, and knives. Removing the existing tint will cost you $25 to $200, plus you should count on an additional $5 to $10 per window when the extra cleaning or removing previous tint residue is necessary.

 

8. Warranties

Warranty coverage will often affect the tinting price. Most top-notch companies offer a lifetime warranty, but that privilege comes with a higher price. You should consider two warranty types:

• Color-safe warranty that ensures window tint replacement in a case of fading or discoloration
• Transferable warranty is valid even after selling the car

Be careful with a lifetime warranty since it has sense only with reputable service providers that have existed for years.

 

Summary

Window tint costs can significantly vary depending on chosen window tint brand. Always consider the vehicle type, number of windows, and the size and model of windows you have installed in your house. Before starting the project on your car, you should check legal regulations in your state and the warranty types offered.