Average Drywall Cost by State in 2026 (All 50 States Compared)
What You'll Need
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The national average cost to install drywall in 2026 is approximately $2.00 per square foot (hang, tape, and finish), but actual costs range from $1.20/sq ft in Mississippi to over $3.50/sq ft in Hawaii. For a standard 2,000 sq ft home renovation requiring 5,000 sq ft of drywall, that translates to $6,000-$17,500 depending on your state.
I have estimated drywall projects across the mid-Atlantic for years, and the cost variable that surprises homeowners most is finish level, not geography. Level 3 finish (standard for paint) costs 30-40% less than Level 5 finish (required under harsh lighting or for dark paint colors). A 1,500 sq ft basement in suburban Maryland runs $4,200 at Level 3 or $6,000 at Level 5 -- same material, same square footage, 43% more labor.
Use our Drywall Calculator to estimate material needs for your specific project dimensions.
All 50 States: Drywall Cost Comparison
The table below shows estimated costs for 1,000 sq ft of standard 1/2-inch drywall, professionally hung, taped, and finished to Level 4 (ready for paint). Includes materials, labor, and basic cleanup.
| State | Avg. Cost (1,000 sq ft) | Cost/sq ft | Low Range | High Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Alaska | $2,300 | $2.30 | $1,700 | $3,000 | +15% |
| Arizona | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| Arkansas | $1,400 | $1.40 | $1,000 | $1,800 | -30% |
| California | $2,800 | $2.80 | $2,100 | $3,600 | +40% |
| Colorado | $2,200 | $2.20 | $1,600 | $2,800 | +10% |
| Connecticut | $2,500 | $2.50 | $1,900 | $3,200 | +25% |
| Delaware | $2,000 | $2.00 | $1,500 | $2,600 | 0% |
| Florida | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| Georgia | $1,600 | $1.60 | $1,200 | $2,100 | -20% |
| Hawaii | $3,500 | $3.50 | $2,600 | $4,500 | +75% |
| Idaho | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Illinois | $2,200 | $2.20 | $1,600 | $2,800 | +10% |
| Indiana | $1,600 | $1.60 | $1,200 | $2,100 | -20% |
| Iowa | $1,600 | $1.60 | $1,200 | $2,100 | -20% |
| Kansas | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Kentucky | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Louisiana | $1,400 | $1.40 | $1,000 | $1,800 | -30% |
| Maine | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| Maryland | $2,200 | $2.20 | $1,700 | $2,800 | +10% |
| Massachusetts | $2,600 | $2.60 | $2,000 | $3,300 | +30% |
| Michigan | $1,800 | $1.80 | $1,400 | $2,300 | -10% |
| Minnesota | $2,000 | $2.00 | $1,500 | $2,600 | 0% |
| Mississippi | $1,200 | $1.20 | $900 | $1,500 | -40% |
| Missouri | $1,600 | $1.60 | $1,200 | $2,100 | -20% |
| Montana | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Nebraska | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Nevada | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| New Hampshire | $2,000 | $2.00 | $1,500 | $2,600 | 0% |
| New Jersey | $2,500 | $2.50 | $1,900 | $3,200 | +25% |
| New Mexico | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| New York | $2,700 | $2.70 | $2,000 | $3,500 | +35% |
| North Carolina | $1,700 | $1.70 | $1,300 | $2,200 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Ohio | $1,700 | $1.70 | $1,300 | $2,200 | -15% |
| Oklahoma | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Oregon | $2,200 | $2.20 | $1,700 | $2,800 | +10% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| Rhode Island | $2,400 | $2.40 | $1,800 | $3,100 | +20% |
| South Carolina | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| South Dakota | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
| Tennessee | $1,600 | $1.60 | $1,200 | $2,100 | -20% |
| Texas | $1,700 | $1.70 | $1,300 | $2,200 | -15% |
| Utah | $1,700 | $1.70 | $1,300 | $2,200 | -15% |
| Vermont | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| Virginia | $1,900 | $1.90 | $1,400 | $2,400 | -5% |
| Washington | $2,300 | $2.30 | $1,700 | $3,000 | +15% |
| West Virginia | $1,300 | $1.30 | $1,000 | $1,700 | -35% |
| Wisconsin | $1,800 | $1.80 | $1,400 | $2,300 | -10% |
| Wyoming | $1,500 | $1.50 | $1,100 | $1,900 | -25% |
Drywall Finish Levels and Cost Impact
| Finish Level | Description | Cost Multiplier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Hung only, no tape | 0.5x | Above-ceiling concealment |
| Level 1 | Tape embedded in compound | 0.6x | Garages, utility rooms |
| Level 2 | Tape + thin skim coat | 0.7x | Tile substrate, hidden areas |
| Level 3 | Tape + 2 coats compound | 0.85x | Textured surfaces, standard walls |
| Level 4 | Tape + 3 coats compound | 1.0x (base) | Flat/eggshell paint, standard finish |
| Level 5 | Level 4 + full skim coat | 1.3x | Gloss paint, critical lighting, dark colors |
Regional Breakdown
Most Affordable States (25-40% below average)
Mississippi ($1.20/sq ft), West Virginia ($1.30/sq ft), Arkansas ($1.40/sq ft), Louisiana ($1.40/sq ft), Alabama ($1.50/sq ft)
Most Expensive States (25-75% above average)
Hawaii ($3.50/sq ft), California ($2.80/sq ft), New York ($2.70/sq ft), Massachusetts ($2.60/sq ft), Connecticut ($2.50/sq ft)
Because labor is the biggest driver of these state-by-state swings, a couple of local quotes will tell you far more than any national average. Drywall finishers price by the square foot, so quotes are quick to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state has the cheapest drywall installation?
Mississippi at $1.20 per square foot for hang, tape, and finish to Level 4. Low labor rates and cost of living keep drywall costs consistently 30-40% below the national average. West Virginia ($1.30/sq ft) and Arkansas ($1.40/sq ft) are similarly affordable.
How much does a 1,500 sq ft basement drywall cost?
At the national average, $3,000 for materials and installation. In low-cost states: $1,800-$2,100. In high-cost states: $3,750-$5,250. Add 20-30% for Level 5 finish or moisture-resistant (green board) drywall in bathrooms.
Does drywall thickness affect cost?
Yes -- 5/8" drywall costs 15-20% more than 1/2" in materials and slightly more in labor due to weight. Standard residential walls use 1/2". Ceilings and fire-rated assemblies require 5/8". Soundproof drywall (QuietRock) costs 3-4x more per sheet.
How long does drywall installation take?
A professional crew of 2-3 can hang, tape, and finish 1,000 sq ft in 3-5 days. Hanging takes 1 day. Three coats of compound require 3 drying periods (24 hours each). Sanding and cleanup take a final half-day.
Can I DIY drywall?
Hanging is manageable; taping and finishing requires skill. DIY drywall saves 40-60% on labor, but amateur finishing is often visible (bumpy seams, visible tape, poor corners). Consider hanging the drywall yourself and hiring a professional finisher for $0.75-$1.50/sq ft.
Cost estimates derived from regional labor data, cost-of-living indices, and pricing reported by HomeGuide, Angi, and Homewyse. Prices reflect 2026 estimates and may vary by metro area.
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Content should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information in this article.
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