Cost to Exterior Shutters Installation in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a exterior shutters installation in Chicago, most projects run $1,416-$4,719, 18% above the $2,400 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Shutter Material. On its own it can swing the cost by $25 - $350/pair, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Choose vinyl over wood shutters for a savings of $75-$300 per pair - from the street, quality vinyl looks nearly identical
In the Midwest (where Chicago sits): Lower costs and labor rates.
$1,416-$4,719 in Chicago
18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a exterior shutters installation runs $1,416 to $4,719 on average - about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $436 | $1,308 | $3,052 |
| Labor | $348 | $836 | $1,394 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $784+21% vs. national avg | $2,144+19% vs. national avg | $4,446+17% vs. national avg |
Budget
Vinyl decorative shutters for 8 windows, surface-mounted with basic hardware
Mid-Range
Composite or painted wood shutters for 8 windows, proper mounting with shutter hardware
Premium
Custom wood or functional (operable) shutters for 8 windows, with period-correct hardware and custom paint/stain
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $25-$60/pair | Budget projects, rental properties, quick curb appeal boostMost affordable, no painting needed, won't rot, lightweight |
| Composite/Engineered | $60-$150/pair | Best value for realistic wood appearance without full maintenanceLooks more like real wood, paintable, resists rot and insects, durable |
| Painted Wood (Pine/Cedar) | $100-$200/pair | Traditional and historic homes, custom color matchingAuthentic appearance, fully customizable, can be stained or painted any color |
| Premium Hardwood (Mahogany/Cypress) | $200-$400/pair | High-end homes, historic restoration, functional hurricane shuttersBeautiful natural grain, extremely durable, naturally rot-resistant, heirloom quality |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$1,416-$4,719
vs. National Average
18% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.18x
This 1.18x estimate prices Chicago labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →