Cost to Ductwork Installation in Boston, MA (2026)
If you’re budgeting a ductwork installation in Boston, most projects run $2,404-$9,617, 20% above the $3,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Duct Material: Flex vs. Sheet Metal vs. Fiberglass. On its own it can swing the cost by $3 - $20 per linear foot, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Before replacing ducts, have a duct leakage test done ($150-$300) - if your system leaks less than 10% of total flow, sealing may be sufficient instead of replacement, saving thousands.
In the Northeast (where Boston sits): HVAC labor rates run $100-$150/hour in major northeastern markets. Older homes with plaster walls and complex layouts add significant time. Many utilities offer duct sealing rebates that offset some of the cost.
$2,404-$9,617 in Boston
20% above the national average · 1.20x cost multiplier
In Boston, a ductwork installation runs $2,404 to $9,617 on average - about 20% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Northeast 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 Boston
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per linear ft | $12 | $24 | $48 |
| Materials | $696 | $1,740 | $4,060 |
| Labor | $1,480 | $3,084 | $7,401 |
| Permits | $348 | $580 | $928 |
| Total | $2,524+20% vs. national avg | $5,404+20% vs. national avg | $12,389+20% vs. national avg |
Budget
Flex duct replacement, accessible attic or crawl space, straightforward run
Mid-Range
Sheet metal main trunk with flex branches, new system for 1,500 sq ft
Premium
Sheet metal throughout, exposed basement, complex multi-zone layout, test and balance
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Boston may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Duct (Flex Duct) | $4 - $8 per linear foot installed | Branch runs in accessible attics, budget-conscious repairs, short runsCheap, fast to install, flexible routing around obstacles, widely available |
| Sheet Metal (Galvanized Steel) | $12 - $25 per linear foot installed | Main trunk lines, commercial applications, high-performance systemsDurable (40+ year lifespan), smooth interior for maximum airflow, takes mastic sealant well |
| Fiberglass Duct Board | $10 - $18 per linear foot installed | Conditioned attic spaces, commercial buildings, systems with quietness requirementsBuilt-in insulation (R-4 to R-6), lightweight, quieter than metal |
| Insulated Flexible Duct | $6 - $12 per linear foot installed | Branch runs in unconditioned attics or crawl spaces where insulation is neededCombines flex routing with R-6 to R-8 insulation in one product |
| Spiral Round Duct | $15 - $30 per linear foot installed | Exposed basement or industrial-aesthetic installations, high-efficiency systemsExtremely smooth interior (lowest friction loss), visually attractive for exposed installations |
Other Projects in Boston
Boston Estimate
Typical Range
$2,404-$9,617
vs. National Average
20% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.20x
Cost Per linear ft
$12-$48
This 1.20x estimate prices Boston 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 →