How Much Do Double Glazed Windows Cost in Australia? (2026 Guide)

Double glazing is no longer a luxury in Australia. With BASIX and NCC 2022 pushing thermal performance higher every year, double glazed windows have become the realistic minimum for new builds and serious renovations from Hobart to Cairns.

But what does it actually cost in 2026? Here's the honest answer — including the numbers most installers won't put on their website.

Average cost of double glazed windows in Australia

Supplied and installed, expect to pay roughly:

• uPVC double glazed windows: $850 – $1,400 per m²
• Aluminium double glazed windows (thermally broken): $1,100 – $1,800 per m²
• Timber double glazed windows: $1,400 – $2,400 per m²

A typical Australian home with 12–15 windows replaced end-to-end usually lands between $18,000 and $35,000 depending on frame material, glass spec and access.

What drives the price

1. Frame material

uPVC is the value champion: best insulation per dollar and zero maintenance. Aluminium wins on slim sightlines for contemporary builds — but only thermally broken aluminium is worth specifying with double glazing, otherwise the frame undoes the glass.

2. Glass specification

Standard 4-12-4 argon-filled IGU is the baseline. Add low-E coating for ~10–15% more. Acoustic laminated inner pane (great near main roads or flight paths) adds another 20–30%.

3. Opening style

Fixed picture windows are cheapest. Awning and casement add hardware cost. Tilt & turn — common on European-built uPVC — sits at the top of the range but gives you ventilation, easy cleaning and emergency egress in one unit.

4. Where you live

Melbourne and Sydney metro are the most competitive markets. Perth, Adelaide and regional QLD typically carry a 10–20% freight and install premium.

Is double glazing worth it in Australia?

For heating-dominated climates (VIC, TAS, ACT, southern NSW), payback through reduced energy bills is typically 7–12 years and the comfort difference is immediate. In tropical QLD and northern WA, the case is more about cutting cooling load and blocking solar heat gain — specify low-E coatings rather than skipping double glazing.

Rule of thumb: if you can feel cold radiating off your existing windows in winter, or hear traffic clearly through them, double glazing will pay you back in comfort long before it pays you back in dollars.

How to keep the price honest

• Get three written quotes on the same glass spec — don't compare 4-12-4 to 4-16-4 low-E.
• Ask for the Uw value (whole-window U-value), not just the glass U-value.
• Confirm WERS certification for the exact frame + glass combination.
• Check the warranty on the IGU seal — anything under 10 years is a red flag.