How Much Does a New Phone Line Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Most homeowners spend $175 on landline installation, with an average range of $109 and $271. Complicated installations can cost up to $497. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of phone, required components, and monthly subscription fees. Hiring a professional ensures safe and correct installation, especially when dealing with electrical wiring.

New Phone Line Installation Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of installing a landline in your home, such as system type, phone components, labor fees, and more.

Phone System Type

Landline technically refers to a phone system with a dedicated phone cable, but several types of home phone services are now commonly referred to as landlines. Each offers different features and comes with different setup costs.

VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to use your existing internet provider to make voice calls. If you already have internet or cable installed, you don't need extra installations—just pay for the account setup and purchase a telephone. However, because VoIP runs through your internet, you can't make calls if your internet connection is lost.

Analog

Some providers may offer free installation if you sign up for a monthly landline plan. Although setup fees are higher than VoIP, landlines run on a dedicated line and are not connected to your internet, so you don't need a stable internet connection to make calls.

Digital

Like VoIP, digital phone systems use the internet to transmit calls. They offer more features than a landline, including video conferencing capability and affordable long-distance calling. However, you’ll face the same internet limitations as VoIP.

Components

Depending on the type of landline you choose, you may need to purchase multiple installation components.

Phone Jack

Whether you're using a VoIP, landline, or digital phone system, you’ll need a phone jack to plug your phone into a room in your house. Each jack costs $3 to $10 to install, and you may need several if you want to use your phone in different rooms or have multiple phone lines.

Cabling

A cable drop is a length of cable that connects to your wall jack, allowing you to plug in your phone system. If you've previously used cable television or had a landline in your home, you may already have at least one cable drop installed. If not, your cable company will need to install cables to your chosen wall jack.

Analog vs. Digital 

Analog landlines use a dedicated phone cable to transmit signals, while digital landlines connect to your internet to make calls. The key differences are in features and internet accessibility.

Analog landlines offer basic voice calling, while digital phone systems can include more features like video calling, multi-way calling, call waiting, and voicemail. However, digital phones require a consistent internet connection to maintain the call. If your connection is shaky or if your power goes out, you won’t be able to use your phone. An analog phone continues to work even without power as long as there is no disruption to the phone cable. For this reason, some homeowners still choose to use a landline as it offers greater reliability in most emergencies.

Both systems require appropriate wiring to connect your phone. Analog phones don't need a router or modem since they don't connect to the internet, which may reduce your upfront equipment costs.

Labor

The labor costs of hiring a professional to install a phone jack are an average of $50 to $80 per hour. The type of professional you hire can affect the cost and expertise they provide. Common professionals involved in landline installation include electricians, general contractors, and telephone service technicians. Electricians and general contractors charge an average of $50 to $100 per hour and can handle the wiring and installation of phone jacks, ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety standards. Telephone service technicians specialize in phone systems and may charge similar rates, offering expertise in troubleshooting and optimizing your landline setup.

Labor costs may be higher if the installer spends more time on the installation. Difficult-to-access walls or running cable through floors and ceilings instead of walls generally increase labor time. Some providers charge a flat visit fee, even for small jobs like a single jack installation. Fees may also be higher for installations outside urban areas.

Monthly Costs

Besides setup and equipment fees, you'll pay a monthly cost for your landline connection. Many providers offer various landline services, with prices depending on the features you include. Cable and phone providers often provide discounts for bundling services. Bundling your phone, internet, and television may get you discounted rates on monthly packages. Sometimes, providers waive installation, setup, or equipment costs, especially during promotions or upon request. It's worth calling providers to ask about deals.

Wall Repairs

If you need to run cabling through a wall, you’ll have to do some basic repairs afterward. Drywall repairs cost an average of $50 to $80 per square foot. You may also want to apply putty and paint over the hole afterward to restore the look of your space.

Does Installing a Landline Increase Home Value?

A landline is unlikely to significantly increase home value, although some home buyers may still see it as an asset. Even if new buyers don’t plan to use a landline, the cabling and phone jack may be used for high-speed internet connections, which many people use.

However, internet services typically only require one phone jack rather than multiple since the router and modem project the signal through the home. If you’re considering installing a landline and wondering how many wall jacks to include, start with one unless you plan to install landline phones in several rooms.

Budgeting for Installing a Landline

Installing the cabling for a landline requires a pro, but there are several steps you can take to keep landline installation budget-friendly:

• Assess your needs: Plan ahead and compile a list of what you need from your phone service. Analog systems are the most affordable and reliable for emergencies, while digital systems offer greater flexibility for group, video, and long-distance calling. Choosing the right system can save you from subscribing to services you don’t use.

• Browse used models: Cell phones have displaced landlines in many homes, so you can often find like-new phone systems at discount prices. Second-hand stores are a great place to buy telephones for VoIP, analog, and digital phone systems.

• Look for subscription deals: Ask your provider about the subscription deals they offer and whether they provide discounts for bundled services. You may get the price of your equipment, set-up, or installation fees waived.

• Contact several pros: Reach out to multiple phone system installers in your area to compare quotes and find the best price.

DIY vs. Hiring a Phone Line Professional

While installing a landline yourself might seem cost-effective, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. DIY installation may work for simple tasks like connecting a phone to an existing jack. However, installing new wiring and phone jacks and ensuring compliance with electrical codes can be complex and hazardous without proper knowledge and tools.

Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly. Electricians, general contractors, or telephone service technicians have the expertise to handle wiring, troubleshoot issues, and optimize your landline setup. Though it involves a higher upfront cost, professional installation can save you time and prevent costly mistakes or safety hazards.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.