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Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Riverside, CA

Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent

Low$1,750
Typical$2,000
High$2,500

Metro area: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA. Wages: BLS, May 2025. Permit notes checked October 2026.

A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $2,000 installed in the Riverside area, about the same as the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $31 an hour against $31 nationally.

Gas tank water heater (50 gallon, standard vent), installed

Prices for: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Low$1,750
Typical$2,000
High$2,500

Unit $1,080 (online list price, middle of 7 listings) plus installation about $900 for this area. Permit fees and code extras are listed below the table.

How this estimate is built

Prices by size in Riverside

SizeLowTypicalHighNational typical
40 gallon, standard vent$1,700$1,900$2,350$1,900
50 gallon, standard vent$1,750$2,000$2,500$2,000
75 gallon, standard vent$2,500$2,800$3,250$2,800
40 gallon, power vent$2,450$2,750$3,150$2,750
50 gallon, power vent$2,650$2,850$3,350$2,850

Local labor: what plumbers earn here

Hourly wageRiverside metroUnited States
25th percentile$26$24
Median$31$31
75th percentile$39$41

The Riverside market

The City of Riverside's Building and Safety Division issues same-day, over-the-counter permits for simple water heater change-outs. Its Bulletin 140 lists only replacement of a part as exempt, which implies furnace, AC and heat pump replacements need permits; the 2026 fee schedule prices all three. Fees include $18.50 for a water heater up to 100,000 Btu, $24.50 for a furnace or a 0 to 3 ton AC unit, $16.50 for an AC heat pump (electrical) and a $41.00 permit issuance fee. Permits may go to the owner or an authorized agent, and contractors must show their license and a city business license. The bulletin also states that a permit application must be submitted to the Building Official by the next working business day. Inspection details were not retrieved, so ask the city. San Bernardino, Ontario and county areas follow their own departments.

California law requires every new and replacement water heater to be braced, anchored or strapped against earthquakes, so the quote should include straps. Gas heats water in 78% of California homes, and Inland Empire garages are the usual location. Ask the plumber to show you how the straps are anchored into the wall framing. Ask whether the vent connector and gas flex line are being replaced, and whether haul-away is included.

Permits in Riverside

Permit for this jobYes (source)
Fee2026 schedule: water heater up to 100,000 BTU $18.50 each; furnace $24.50 each; AC unit 0-3 tons $24.50 each; AC heat pump (electrical) $16.50 each; plus permit issuance $41.00.
Who can pull itProperty owner (or authorized agent) or licensed contractor with City business license
InspectionUnclear (inspections page exists; not retrieved)

Rebates in California

HEAR: paused. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: California Energy Commission, checked October 13, 2026.

  • TECH Clean California: Statewide heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater incentives via contractors; also administers HEEHRA (fully reserved)
  • Golden State Rebates: Instant rebates on efficient appliances at retailers

What these programs cover, and other states

Other systems in Riverside

Gas tank water heater cost in other metros

Sources