Window tinting for sides & back windows starts at $350 for Carbon Film on most sedans and reaches $650 for Nano Ceramic+IR on average SUVs (windshield not included, exceptions may apply). This guide breaks down exact prices by film type and vehicle size — so you know exactly what to expect before you get a quote.
Window tinting is one of the most popular auto services, but one question comes up constantly: "How much does it cost?" The answer depends on several factors, including the type of tint film, your vehicle size, which windows you're tinting, and the quality of the installation.
In 2026, window tinting for sides and back windows (windshield not included, exceptions may apply) starts at $350 for Carbon Film on most sedans. Our premium Nano Ceramic+IR reaches $650 for average SUVs. The type of film you choose makes the biggest difference in price, performance, and how long it lasts.
Make sure to also check our guide on Washington state window tint laws to understand legal limits before choosing your tint shade.
Quick Answer: Carbon Film is the best value for most drivers — $350 for most sedans, up to $399 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included) — with a 10-year warranty. Ceramic Film is our mid-tier premium at $550 for most sedans (lifetime warranty, 99% UV, GPS & cell safe). Nano Ceramic+IR is the top tier at $599 for most sedans with lifetime warranty and up to 90% IR heat rejection. Available shades: 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, 70%. Mobile service available for +$50 (with garage).
The most important factor affecting window tinting cost is the type of film you choose. We offer three main tiers, each with different price points, durability, and performance characteristics.
| Tint Type | Sedan (sides & back)* | Avg. SUV (sides & back)* | Warranty | IR Heat Rejection | UV Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Film | $350 | $399 | 10 years | Good | Excellent |
| Ceramic Film | $550 | $599 | Lifetime | Very Good | 99% |
| Nano Ceramic + IR | $599 | $650 | Lifetime | Up to 90% | 99% |
*Prices shown are for sides & back windows. Windshield not included. Exceptions may apply.
Carbon Film starts at $350 for most sedans and $399 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included, exceptions may apply) and comes with a 10-year warranty. It is the most popular choice among drivers who want quality without breaking the bank. Carbon Film provides:
Good for: Most drivers seeking a balance of price, performance, and durability. Read our carbon vs ceramic tint comparison for a detailed head-to-head.
Ceramic Film starts at $550 for most sedans and $599 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included, exceptions may apply), and delivers superior performance with a lifetime warranty:
Good for: Drivers who want the ceramic advantage — lifetime warranty, 99% UV protection, and clear optics — at a strong value price. A great choice for keeping a vehicle long-term.
Nano Ceramic + IR starts at $599 for most sedans and $650 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included, exceptions may apply), and is the most advanced film we install — with a lifetime warranty:
Good for: Those who want maximum cabin comfort, UV protection, and the longest-lasting protection. The up-to-90% IR heat rejection makes a noticeable real-world difference on hot days. If you plan to keep your vehicle 5+ years, Nano Ceramic+IR typically offers the best cost-per-year value despite the higher upfront cost.
Budget dyed tint is available for drivers on a very tight budget, but it is not our standard offering. Dyed tint only carries a 2-year warranty, is prone to fading, bubbling, and color shift over time, and has significantly lower heat rejection than any of our three main film tiers. If cost is your main concern, we recommend starting with Carbon Film at $350 — the 10-year warranty alone makes it far better value over time.
Windshield tinting is priced separately from side and back window packages. In Washington state, dark tint is not legal on windshields, but clear UV and IR films are fully legal and provide meaningful protection. Here are your windshield options (prices shown for most sedans):
| Windshield Option | Price (Most Sedans) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 6" Visor Strip | $50 | Reduces sun glare along the top of the windshield |
| Carbon Windshield | $199 | Full windshield carbon film; heat & UV reduction |
| Ceramic Windshield | $250 | Blocks 99% UV, reduces glare, up to 65% heat rejection |
| Nano Ceramic+IR Windshield | $299 | Blocks 99% UV, up to 95% heat rejection, scratch resistant, lifetime limited warranty |
Windshield prices shown are for most sedans. SUV windshields are priced differently — see the full package pricing below.
| Film Type | Sides & Back | + Windshield | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Film | $350 | +$250 | 10 years |
| Ceramic Film | $550 | +$299 | Lifetime |
| Nano Ceramic + IR | $599 | +$350 | Lifetime |
| Film Type | Sides & Back | + Windshield | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Film | $399 | +$299 | 10 years |
| Ceramic Film | $599 | +$350 | Lifetime |
| Nano Ceramic + IR | $650 | +$399 | Lifetime |
All prices are for sides & back windows plus windshield as noted. Exceptions may apply for oversized or specialty vehicles.
Your vehicle's size and window count affects the total installation cost. Larger vehicles require more film material and labor time. The tables above cover sedans and average SUVs — here is broader context for how vehicle type affects pricing:
| Vehicle Type | Carbon Film | Ceramic Film | Nano Ceramic+IR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $350 | $550 | $599 | Standard window count; most affordable |
| Coupe | From $350 | From $550 | From $599 | Fewer windows; similar pricing to sedan |
| Average SUV / Crossover | $399 | $599 | $650 | More windows; more material and labor |
| Truck | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us | Varies significantly by cab style |
| Large SUV / Minivan | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us | More windows; longer labor time |
Example: Tesla Model 3 pricing falls in the sedan category. Contact us for a specific quote for your make and model.
You don't have to tint all windows. Here's the cost breakdown by coverage option:
| Coverage Option | Windows Included | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rear windows only | Rear side windows + rear window | Contact us for partial pricing |
| Front two + rear | Front side windows + rear window | Contact us for partial pricing |
| Sides & back (full package) | All side and rear windows (windshield not included) | $350–$650 depending on film type and vehicle size* |
| Windshield options | 6" visor, carbon, ceramic, or Nano Ceramic+IR full windshield | $50–$299 (most sedans); see windshield pricing table above |
Many drivers choose to tint only the rear windows for privacy and reduced heat in the back seats. Partial coverage is priced separately from full side-and-back packages — contact us for exact pricing on rear-only or front-only coverage. Note: In Washington state, you can tint rear windows as dark as you want on SUVs, trucks, and vans (24% VLT is required for front windows). See our WA tint laws guide for full details.
We offer the following VLT (Visible Light Transmission) shades across all film types: 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, 70%. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint. Washington state law requires a minimum of 24% VLT on front side windows — we measure your factory glass before installation to ensure legal compliance.
We offer mobile window tinting for +$50. A garage is required for mobile installations to ensure proper curing and protection from the elements during application.
Premium film brands cost more than generic film. Quality film comes with strong warranties — our Carbon Film carries a 10-year warranty and both Ceramic Film and Nano Ceramic+IR carry lifetime warranties — and delivers far better results. Budget film from unknown brands can bubble, peel, or fade within a year or two. The upfront savings disappear quickly if you need to retint.
Larger vehicles with curved windows, multiple angles, and complex glass shapes cost more because installation takes longer. A sedan with flat, simple windows costs less than an SUV with curved side windows and a complex rear window.
Tinting more windows increases the cost. Tinting just the rear window is cheaper than a full-vehicle tint because less material and labor are involved.
Professional installers with years of experience and excellent customer reviews typically charge more than inexperienced shops. However, paying for expertise is worth it. A professional install will look flawless and last years; a poor install will bubble, peel, and look terrible within months.
Window tinting costs vary by region. Seattle and the surrounding Everett area tends to have higher labor costs than rural areas. Urban markets typically charge 10–20% more than smaller towns.
Quality shops back their work with meaningful warranties. Our warranties: Carbon Film — 10 years; Ceramic Film — lifetime; Nano Ceramic+IR — lifetime. Warranties cover bubbling, peeling, and fading. Better film and installation quality command higher prices but deliver far better long-term value.
Adding windshield film increases the total cost but also substantially increases the UV and heat protection benefit. A Nano Ceramic+IR windshield ($299 for most sedans) blocks 99% of UV rays and rejects up to 95% of IR heat — often the single highest-impact upgrade you can make for cabin comfort.
Here's what you can expect locally for sides & back windows (windshield not included, exceptions may apply):
If you can't afford ceramic, choose Carbon Film — $350 for most sedans, $399 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included). You'll get solid heat rejection, a 10-year warranty, and UV protection without the ceramic price tag. Carbon Film is the best value for most drivers.
All our base prices are for sides & back windows only. If budget is tight, start with the side and back package and add windshield coverage later. The 6" visor strip at $50 provides targeted sun glare relief at a very low cost.
If you're already getting paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating done, ask if the shop offers a discount for bundling window tinting. Many shops offer 5–15% discounts when combining services.
Get 2–3 quotes from different shops. You'll likely find price variation of 15–25%. Choose based on film quality, warranty, and reputation, not just price.
Proper maintenance extends the life of your tint. Use a squeegee-free glass cleaner on tinted windows, avoid rolling windows down for 3–5 days after installation, and park in the shade when possible.
$200 may cover budget dyed tint on a sedan, but that only carries a 2-year warranty and fades quickly. Our entry-level Carbon Film starts at $350 for most sedans (sides & back, windshield not included) with a 10-year warranty. For ceramic with a lifetime warranty, pricing starts at $550. If you want tint that performs and lasts, plan to invest more than $200.
Partial coverage (front-only or rear-only) is priced differently than full side and back packages — contact us for exact pricing. Full sides & back packages (windshield not included) start at $350 for Carbon Film, $550 for Ceramic Film, and $599 for Nano Ceramic+IR on most sedans. Larger vehicles cost more.
Yes, especially if you plan to keep your vehicle for 5+ years. Both Ceramic Film ($550 for most sedans) and Nano Ceramic+IR ($599 for most sedans) come with lifetime warranties. Nano Ceramic+IR adds up to 90% IR heat rejection and scratch resistance for just $49 more. Carbon Film at $350 has a 10-year warranty. Amortized over time, ceramic options often cost less per year and provide far superior comfort and protection.
Yes, typically 20–40% more. Dealership service departments mark up all services significantly. Independent auto detailing shops offer better pricing and often higher quality because they specialize in tinting.
Professional tint removal costs $50–$150 per vehicle depending on how much tint needs to be removed and how well it's adhered. Some shops offer free removal if you're having new tint installed.
Spring and early summer (when it's not too hot and not peak season) is ideal. Installers prefer temperatures between 50–85°F. Avoid extremely cold weather, which makes film harder to apply. Avoid peak summer when shops are booked weeks out.
At Compass Window Tinting, we specialize in high-quality window tinting for vehicles in Everett and the greater Seattle area. Available shades: 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70%.
All prices are for sides & back windows. Windshield options priced separately. Mobile service available +$50 (garage required). Exceptions may apply.
All our tinting is installed by experienced professionals using premium film from trusted brands. Every installation comes with a comprehensive warranty. We measure your factory glass before installation to ensure your tint meets Washington state's 24% VLT legal requirement.
Serving: Everett, Seattle, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and the greater North Seattle area.