Wallpaper removal cost in 2026
Wallpaper removal costs $320 to $1,200 in 2026 for most homeowners, with a typical price near $760.
Is your quote fair?
Type the price you were quoted. We compare it to the usual 2026 range of $320 to $1,200.
What moves the price
- The size of the wall area is the biggest driver.
- The removal method matters too, since dry stripping is cheapest and soaking and scraping costs the most.
- Many pros also charge a minimum service fee.
- 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 wallpaper removal. 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.
Wallpaper removal cost
| Wall square footage | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 25 | $20 to $75 |
| 50 | $40 to $150 |
| 100 | $80 to $300 |
| 150 | $120 to $450 |
| 200 | $160 to $600 |
| 300 | $240 to $900 |
| 400 | $320 to $1,200 |
| 500 | $400 to $1,500 |
| 750 | $600 to $2,250 |
| 1,000 | $800 to $3,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: HomeGuide.
Cost to remove wallpaper by room
| Room | Wall square footage | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | 500 to 700 | $400 to $2,100 |
| Kitchen | 250 to 350 | $200 to $1,050 |
| Bathroom | 200 to 300 | $160 to $900 |
| Foyer | 150 to 250 | $120 to $750 |
| Bedroom | 300 to 400 | $240 to $1,200 |
| Attic | 200 to 300 | $160 to $900 |
| Basement | 400 to 600 | $320 to $1,800 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: HomeGuide.
Cost of wallpaper removal by method
| Method | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Dry stripping | $0.80 to $1.00 |
| Steaming | $1.00 to $3.00 |
| Soaking and scraping | $3.00 to $8.00 |
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 wallpaper removal are higher than they were a few years ago.
Ways to pay less
- Ask for quotes from a few pros and check each one's minimum fee.
- Removing the paper yourself with a simple method can save labor costs.
- 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: Wallpaper removal cost guide, page dated October 15, 2025
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Wallpaper removal costs $320 to $1,200 in 2026 for most homeowners, with a typical price near $760. Most people pay about $760 per project. The low end is $320 and the high end is $1,200.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The size of the wall area is the biggest driver; The removal method matters too, since dry stripping is cheapest and soaking and scraping costs the most; Many pros also charge a minimum service fee.
How can I pay less?
Ask for quotes from a few pros and check each one's minimum fee. Removing the paper yourself with a simple method can save labor costs. 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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