Drywall installation cost in 2026
Drywall installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 in 2026 for most homeowners, with a typical price near $2,000.
Is your quote fair?
Type the price you were quoted. We compare it to the usual 2026 range of $1,000 to $3,000.
What moves the price
- Price depends mostly on how many square feet you cover.
- Ceilings, repairs that replace old drywall, and finishing work cost more per square foot than plain walls.
- Bigger rooms and whole house jobs add up fast.
- Where you live. Labor in big cities costs more than in small towns.
What is included
The range covers labor and materials for a typical drywall installation. It does not include permits unless the tables say so, or extra repairs found once work starts. Get a written quote that lists each part of the job.
Drywall cost to install
| Room | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 5' x 8' Bathroom | $300 to $1,000 |
| 12' x 12' Bedroom | $580 to $1,800 |
| 12' x 20' Primary bedroom | $750 to $2,600 |
| 16' x 20' Living room | $850 to $3,100 |
| 20' x 20' Garage | $1,000 to $3,900 |
| 1,000 SF Basement | $1,500 to $7,000 |
| 1,500 SF Whole house | $5,500 to $22,000 |
| 2,000 SF Whole house | $8,000 to $30,000 |
| 2,500 SF Whole house | $9,000 to $35,000 |
| 3,000 SF Whole house | $10,000 to $45,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: HomeGuide.
Drywall installation cost
| Item | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Install drywall walls | $1.50 to $3.50 |
| Install drywall ceiling | $1.50 to $3.80 |
| Replace existing drywall | $2.00 to $6.00 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: HomeGuide.
Drywall cost per square foot
| Item | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Drywall materials | $0.50 to $0.80 |
| Installation labor and finishing | $1.00 to $2.70 |
| Total | $1.50 to $3.50 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: HomeGuide.
Why this costs more in 2026
Labor is the biggest part of most home jobs, and skilled trade pay keeps rising. Many materials and parts are imported, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin all cost more too, so quotes for drywall installation are higher than they were a few years ago.
Ways to pay less
- Get several quotes and compare labor and finishing costs.
- Doing simple prep or cleanup yourself, and keeping the job to only the areas that need it, can lower the bill.
- Get at least three written quotes and compare them line by line.
Where the price comes from
The range on this page comes from one named price guide. We read every number on its page and show the date it was last updated.
- HomeGuide: Drywall installation cost guide, page dated September 8, 2025
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Drywall installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 in 2026 for most homeowners, with a typical price near $2,000. Most people pay about $2,000 per project. The low end is $1,000 and the high end is $3,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Price depends mostly on how many square feet you cover; Ceilings, repairs that replace old drywall, and finishing work cost more per square foot than plain walls; Bigger rooms and whole house jobs add up fast.
How can I pay less?
Get several quotes and compare labor and finishing costs. Doing simple prep or cleanup yourself, and keeping the job to only the areas that need it, can lower the bill. Get at least three written quotes and compare them line by line.
Where do these numbers come from?
From one named price guide, HomeGuide. It is linked on this page with the date it was last updated.
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