Prices estimated using the NailThePrice Local Cost Model™ — national averages adjusted for San Diego's labor rates, cost of living, and material pricing.
The cost to rewire a house in San Diego ranges from $4,350 to $24,830, with most homeowners paying around $10,550. Your actual cost depends on several factors specific to your home and the San Diego-Chula Vista market.
Larger homes need more wire, more circuits, and more labor hours — cost scales roughly proportionally with square footage.
Modern code requires dedicated circuits for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and outdoor areas, so a full rewire typically installs 20–40+ circuits.
Open walls (during a remodel) cut labor costs dramatically versus fishing wire through finished walls, which may require temporary drywall removal.
Pre-1960s homes often have knob-and-tube or ungrounded wiring that requires complete replacement and may reveal other code issues.
Bringing a home up to current NEC code often requires AFCI/GFCI breakers, grounding, and additional circuits beyond just replacing old wire.
Western states, especially California, have among the highest labor rates in the country. Strict energy codes add requirements but also incentivize efficiency upgrades that save money long-term.
Budget $270–$1215 for permits and inspections. Your contractor typically handles the permit process, but confirm this upfront.
Mild climates offer the most flexible scheduling for electrical work. Year-round availability typically means more competitive pricing and faster turnaround times.
This project requires a licensed professional in San Diego. Attempting whole house rewiring without proper licensing can void insurance and create serious safety hazards.
Compare prices from licensed, insured contractors in San Diego-Chula Vista.
Get Free Quotes from San Diego Pros →The average cost to rewire a house in San Diego ranges from $4,350 to $24,830, with most homeowners paying around $10,550. This estimate includes both labor ($7,380) and materials ($3,160). Costs in San Diego are higher than the national average due to local cost of living and labor market conditions. Get multiple quotes from licensed San Diego contractors to lock in the best price.
Yes, San Diego typically requires a permit for whole house rewiring. Budget $270–$1215 for permit fees and expect 1–2 weeks for approval. Your contractor typically handles the permit application. Working without a required permit can void warranties and create problems when selling your home.
Most whole house rewiring projects in San Diego take 5–14 days to complete. The timeline depends on project scope, contractor availability in the San Diego-Chula Vista metro area, and seasonal demand. Scheduling during San Diego's off-peak season (typically winter months) can reduce wait times and may lower costs.
Warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, two-prong (ungrounded) outlets, discolored outlets, a burning smell, or a home older than 40 years that hasn't been updated. An electrician can inspect for $100–$300.
Usually yes, though you'll have periods without power in different areas. The electrician typically works room by room. For safety, plan to be out during the panel changeover when the entire house loses power for several hours.