I have two options for new tires on my car (stock EL42s currently 1/32" at 31,000 miles)

Buy from a local shop tires for a fixed price which already includes installation
or buy tires myself and then bring them to the shop to have them installed.

Since I want to shop around I wanted to know what is a typical/ballpark price for a tire installation (with balancing and everything)?

 

Call up some tire shops in the area. Every place is different.

For example, in my town Belle Tire charges 14.99 per tire for mounting and balancing, but Discount Tire charges 18.99 per tire for 18"s. But a general price range would be anywhere from 10 dollars to 20 dollars per tire for 17"s.

 

Sounds about right... they also charge for getting rid of your old tires, so just think of it as $20/tire. You can also find a good price online, and ask your local shop to match it.