Air conditioning · Car
AC compressor cost
By vehicle type
| Parts | Labour | Independent garage | Main dealer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City car | £230 – £460 | £120 – £360 | £350 – £820 | £465 – £1,280 |
| Family car, SUV | £320 – £660 | £120 – £360 | £440 – £1,020 | £570 – £1,540 |
| Premium | £460 – £1,195 | £120 – £360 | £580 – £1,555 | £730 – £2,235 |
Total incl. VAT · United Kingdom
By country
| Country | Hourly rate | Independent garage | Main dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €65 – €140 | €480 – €1,080 | €595 – €1,495 |
| Belgium | €60 – €125 | €475 – €1,075 | €580 – €1,455 |
| Switzerland | CHF 110 – CHF 210 | CHF 695 – CHF 1,570 | CHF 845 – CHF 2,105 |
| Germany | €80 – €190 | €510 – €1,200 | €645 – €1,695 |
| Austria | €85 – €185 | €530 – €1,240 | €665 – €1,705 |
| Spain | €45 – €90 | €430 – €960 | €510 – €1,270 |
| Italy | €40 – €80 | €425 – €945 | €505 – €1,235 |
| Portugal | €35 – €75 | €410 – €900 | €490 – €1,210 |
| Netherlands | €75 – €150 | €505 – €1,155 | €620 – €1,555 |
| United Kingdom | £60 – £170 | £440 – £1,020 | £570 – £1,540 |
Family car, SUV. Method
What changes the price
The hourly rate: it can double between a small-town independent and a city-centre dealer.
Parts quality: genuine, original-equipment brand or aftermarket.
Access: on some engines other parts must come off before the mechanic can reach the job.
Related problems
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ac compressor cost?
At an independent garage, expect £440 to £1,020, parts and labour included. Main dealer: £570 – £1,540.
Why is the dealer more expensive?
Dealer hourly rates run 40 to 60% higher on average, and genuine parts cost more than their original-equipment equivalents. Under EU rules, servicing outside the dealer network does not void the manufacturer warranty.
What is book time?
It is the reference time set for a given job. Garages bill that time even if they work faster. If a quote shows far more hours than book time, ask why. Book time: 2 – 4 h.
Data updated October 2026. Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.