I recently got a bid to replace two 50 gallon water heaters and it was way more than expected. Do any of you have recent experience with the cost to replace these?

This is who I used a few years ago in Houston: https://proplumbertx.com/price-list/

I paid $2500 for two 40 gallons in June 2021 so they've gone up substantially in three years.

I did them myself, heaters were $750 each 50 gal, propane) from a plumber friend and I spent like $20 on each pan to replace those also. Took us an hour or two to swap them out. Mine are in the garage though with easy access. Attic or small closet would make things more difficult and I'm sure more expensive.

Yup, time is money. Where are the heaters, OP?

And before install make sure to break loose the nut on top for the sacrificial rod. It'll need replacement, but it's too difficult when sitting upright with lines connected. This will prolong the life of the heater as will an annual drain.

Including draining, shoehorning then dolly old one outside, replace gate supply valve, Bosch brand (Ugh)
$880+550 WH+P/L

What was your cost per unit?

I was quoted $4,500+tax. I haven't had to replace a water heater in a long time, but I was expecting around $2,500

Like someone else said......do it yourself. It's not difficult. We had a 40 in the house when we bought it in 97. It lasted about 10 years and then went south. I replaced it with an 80 and don't regret it one bit. No more running out of hot water with 2 showers taken. If it wouldn't have taken some major tear out and renovation Id have gone even bigger. As it was I had to remove a door and the door facings to get the 80 in. It's basically just un plug the old one, drain it, unscrew the inlet and outlet lines and the overflow and reverse the procedure for the new one. Piece of cake. Even a caveman can do it.

Did the same, hoist and 3 neighbor buddies.

Wrong emoji

Where are you located?

Tomball/Magnolia area.

I've since gotten a couple more estimates that are slightly lower but not anywhere near what I was originally expecting.

Call this guy and let him know jason tiemann referred him to you

Gas or electric ?

Are they in the attic ?

why not use the opportunity to go tankless?