rough estimate of cost to replace a 50 gallon gas water heater?

$3,000 is utterly ridiculous. You can purchase a good 50 gallon electric water heater from $300 to $500. A gas one will cost slightly more. This can be installed in around 2 to 3 hours. The total cost should be around $600 to $800. Maybe $1,500 in a big city.

It should cost between 750 and 1000.

Definitely you should get another quote. Most plumbers will give you a rough quote over the phone for standard installations.

Just priced them last week: 50 gallon, glass, energy star.....removal of old tank & installation of new complete: $850 - electric $950 - gas. included service call, labor & parts & tax.

A typical replacement should be about $750 including labor and removal of the old heater.

i need to replace my eater heater leaking service guy gave me a quote of $3000 to replace it seem rather high