PEX vs Copper Cost Calculator
Compare the total installed cost of PEX and copper repiping — materials plus labor per foot — and see the savings.
How it works
PEX total = length × (PEX material + PEX labor) · Copper total = length × (copper material + copper labor) · Savings = copper − PEX
PEX usually wins on both counts: the tubing is cheaper than copper and it installs far faster because it snakes through walls with fewer joints and no soldering. Copper costs more per foot and takes more skilled labor time, though it has a longer track record and does not need protection from UV or rodents. Feeding in real local prices for both material and labor is what makes the comparison honest for your job.
Worked example
Repiping 200 ft with PEX at $0.75/ft material and $1.50/ft labor costs 200 × $2.25 = $450. The same run in copper at $3.50/ft material and $3.00/ft labor costs 200 × $6.50 = $1,300 — so PEX saves $850, about 65% of the copper price.
Frequently asked questions
Is PEX really cheaper than copper?
Almost always, on both material and labor. Copper tubing costs several times more per foot and requires soldering each joint, while PEX uses quick crimp or push fittings and bends around obstacles, cutting installation time sharply.
Does cheaper mean worse?
Not necessarily. PEX resists freeze bursts and scale better than copper and is quieter, but it degrades under UV and can be chewed by rodents, so it needs protection. Copper is proven over decades and fully recyclable. The right choice depends on the application, not just price.
What about fittings and extras?
This estimate rolls fittings into the per-foot labor and material figures. For a precise bid, add manifolds, valves and special fittings separately — copper systems often need more soldered fittings, widening PEX’s labor advantage.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.