Most appliance repairs land in the low hundreds of dollars, but national averages hide the jobs that drive repair-or-replace decisions. Current 2026 consumer cost guides put a general appliance repair around $179–$200 on average, while refrigerator work can reach $1,000 and major washer repairs can approach $900.
Last reviewed: August 27, 2026. These are national published ranges, not Appliance News price quotes. Labor markets, travel, model design, parts pricing, refrigerant work and diagnostic policies can change a local bill substantially.
2026 National Repair-Cost Ranges
| Appliance | Current published range | Useful benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $150–$400 (Angi); $300–$1,000 (HomeAdvisor appliance-specific guide) | Complex compressor/control/sealed-system work drives the high end |
| Washing machine | $125–$450 typical; up to $900 for major jobs (HomeAdvisor) | Angi average: about $220 |
| Dryer | $100–$430 typical (HomeAdvisor) | HomeAdvisor average: about $180 |
| Dishwasher | $70–$600 overall; $160–$300 typical (HomeAdvisor) | Angi typical repair: about $225 |
| Range/oven/cooktop | $100–$500 (HomeAdvisor general appliance guide) | Controls and gas-system work can push higher |
| Microwave | $50–$400 (HomeAdvisor general appliance guide) | Countertop units often cost little enough that replacement competes with repair |
The disagreement between national guides is itself useful information. HomeAdvisor’s general June 2026 appliance dataset puts the typical repair at $108–$251, averaging $179, while Fixr’s 2025 national range is $100–$300 with a $200 average. Appliance-specific pages often show much wider ranges because a minor switch replacement and a sealed-system repair are fundamentally different jobs.
Diagnostic and Service-Call Fees
There is no single national diagnostic fee. HomeAdvisor’s 2026 dishwasher guide cites $35–$100 diagnostic charges, while its refrigerator guide says to budget $150–$200 for service fees. Bosch publishes a concrete out-of-warranty example: its own technicians charge a $179 call-out fee, plus diagnosis and labor billed at $25 per six minutes, before parts. Independent shops may use flat-rate pricing, hourly labor, a trip fee, or a diagnostic charge that is credited toward the repair.
Refrigerator Repair Costs
Angi’s April 2026 refrigerator guide puts typical repairs at $150–$400. HomeAdvisor’s refrigerator-specific guide is substantially higher at $300–$1,000, with a $650 average, reflecting expensive compressor, control and sealed-system jobs. HomeAdvisor separately puts refrigerant-system repairs at $140–$690, with labor of roughly $150–$250.
Before paying for compressor or sealed-system work, check the warranty. Whirlpool, LG, GE, Miele, Sub-Zero and other brands offer longer coverage on at least some refrigeration components or models. See our warranty guide.
Washer Repair Costs
Angi’s July 2026 washer guide reports an average of $180–$250, with about $220 typical. HomeAdvisor puts the normal range at $125–$450 and says minor inlet-valve work can be under $100 while drum-related repairs can reach $400–$900. Front-load machines can cost more to disassemble for tub and bearing work.
Dryer Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor’s June 2026 dryer guide puts professional repair at $100–$430, averaging about $180, and lists a $50–$80 service fee. Angi gives a broader $10–$550 range because tiny parts and major failures sit at opposite ends of the category. Gas dryers can carry additional cost because gas-system diagnosis and repair require appropriate expertise.
Dishwasher Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor reports $70–$600 overall, with most dishwasher repairs at $160–$300. Angi’s April 2026 guide puts the typical job around $225. Door, seal and latch work tends to be cheaper than circulation motors, heating systems and major electronic controls.
How to Read a Repair Quote
- Ask for the diagnosed failure, not just a symptom.
- Ask whether the quote includes the service call, labor, parts, tax and return visit.
- Request the replacement part number when practical.
- Ask what warranty the repair company provides on its labor and installed part.
- For refrigerators, confirm whether the work involves refrigerant and whether the technician is qualified for that work.
- For gas appliances, use a qualified service professional.
When the Quote Gets Close to Replacement Cost
Compare the all-in repair with a comparable replacement including delivery and installation, then add age and failure type. A costly repair on a young premium appliance can make sense; the same invoice on an appliance near the end of its expected life may not. Use our Repair or Replace guide and Appliance Lifespan Guide together with the quote.
Sources
Reviewed pricing sources include HomeAdvisor’s 2026 general appliance repair guide, its appliance-specific refrigerator, washer, dryer and dishwasher guides; Angi’s 2026 refrigerator, washer and dishwasher guides; and Bosch’s published service pricing.