The replacement cost of an asset is the cost that entity (broadly, the user) has to incur in order to replace the asset with another resource that can bring about the same or better economic benefits at the same cost or a lower cost, under normal conditions. It is the market price of another asset with equal economic benefits at the present time. Replacement doesn’t mean that the same asset would be procured, but rather the same future economic benefits (or value in use).

The replacement cost can change, depending on many factors including the market value of the asset and all relating costs such as installation and preparation costs.

It is also known as a replacement value.