A noisy wheel bearing needs replacing, and the cost varies a lot depending on your vehicle and the type of bearing. Here is what drives the cost of a wheel bearing replacement.
Bolt-on hubs are cheaper to do
If your vehicle uses a bolt-on hub assembly, the part is a single unit and labor is modest - unbolt and replace; see pressed-in vs bolt-on. This is the lower-cost, DIY-friendly scenario, and the part often costs about the same as a pair of quality pads.
Pressed-in bearings cost more in labor
Pressed-in bearings need a shop press and more time to remove and install, so labor is higher even if the bearing itself is inexpensive. This is where a professional job costs more.
Vehicle and drivetrain matter
Trucks, all-wheel-drive, and performance vehicles have larger or more complex hubs that cost more; economy FWD cars are cheapest; see what causes failure. Doing the job yourself on a bolt-on hub saves the most.
Do it once, do it right
Buy a quality hub assembly, torque it to spec, and consider doing both sides on a high-mileage car; see hub torque. A quality part avoids a repeat job. Keep the brakes fresh with quality pads and hardware.