Headlight Bulb Replacement Cost
Reviewed by GarageDex editorial
GarageDex's price data shows a replacement headlight bulb costs $5 to $25 for standard halogen, $20 to $80 for an LED equivalent, and $30 to $100 for HID, per bulb. If fitting means removing the bumper or airbox, a shop adds about $20 to $60 per bulb in labour. Always replace headlight bulbs in pairs.
For your exact carFind your headlight bulb sizeLook it upHeadlight bulb prices at a glance
| Bulb type | Per bulb |
|---|---|
| halogen | $5 to $25 |
| LED | $20 to $80 |
| HID | $30 to $100 |
| Shop labour, awkward access | $20 to $60 |
Ranges aggregated from published 2026 US repair-cost and parts price guides, including RepairPal and Car Talk. Prices vary by region, brand, and vehicle - treat these as a sanity check on a quote, not a fixed price.
The exception: sealed LED headlights
A growing share of new cars ship with factory LED headlights that have no bulb to replace. The LEDs are built into the headlight assembly, so a failure means buying the whole unit. That is the difference between a cheap bulb and a large repair bill, so check which your car has before you order anything.
Keep it at the low end
On many cars the bulb twists out from behind the headlight in minutes. Follow how to change a headlight bulb, and look up the exact bulb code for your car so you buy the right one the first time. Deciding on a type? See halogen vs LED vs HID.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to replace a headlight bulb?
The bulb itself is $5 to $25 for halogen or $20 to $80 for LED. On cars where the bulb is easy to reach it is a free five-minute DIY job. Where access is awkward, a shop adds around $20 to $60 per bulb.
Should I replace both headlight bulbs at once?
Yes. Both bulbs are the same age, so when one fails the other usually follows soon after. A new bulb next to an old one also throws visibly different light.
Why is my headlight replacement quoted so high?
Many newer cars have factory LED headlights with no replaceable bulb. The light source is built into the headlight assembly, so a failure means replacing the whole unit, which costs far more than any bulb.
Are LED replacement bulbs worth it?
They last longer and run brighter, but a plug-in LED in a housing designed for halogen can scatter light and glare other drivers. Check that the bulb is designed and legal for your headlight housing.
Need your car's exact spec?
Find your headlight bulb size