Insulating your attic can massively improve your home’s efficiency and reduce electric bills. Use this guide to find out what attic insulation will cost you.
Blown-In Insulation Cost in Minneapolis [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,199 - $2,638
The average cost of installing blown-in insulation in Minneapolis, MN is $1,913, depending on the square footage and other cost factors.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Blown-in insulation in Minneapolis costs $2 to $8.60 per square foot.
The cost is around 15% above the national average.
High sales tax, elevated labor rates, and the need for R-60 attic insulation drive up Minneapolis insulation costs.
High energy costs make the ROI of upgraded insulation especially compelling for Minneapolis residents, given the city’s cold climate.
The average blown-in insulation cost in Minneapolis is $1,913. With homeowners in Minneapolis paying around 15% above the national average, costs for this project might range from $1,199 to $2,638. Various cost factors, including the size of your home and the specific blown-in product you select, will impact your budget. Discover the costs associated with blown-in insulation in Minneapolis, MN.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
The cost of blown-in insulation in Minneapolis, MN, is based on factors such as the selected R-value and the complexity of accessing your walls or attic. However, insulating an attic in Minneapolis can be significantly more expensive than insulating walls or floors because Minnesota's harsh winters require R-60 insulation.
Size of the Area
The biggest cost factor is the size of the area that requires insulation. A larger area requires more insulation and labor, increasing the overall price. This metric is calculated by multiplying your square footage by the cost per square foot of your chosen insulation materials, which are detailed below. However, a general range for blown-in insulation per square foot is $2 to $8.60, depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,000–$4,300 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$8,600 |
| 1,500 | $3,000–$12,900 |
R-Value
When measuring the efficacy of any insulation material, it all boils down to the R-value. Generally speaking, higher is better, though there are two metrics to consider. There’s the overall R-value and the per-inch R-value. For example, if you want a total R-value of 30, you’ll need ten inches of insulation at an R-value of 3.0 per inch. Materials with higher R-values cost more, like sheep’s wool, but you don’t need as much material to complete the installation.
Below is a breakdown of R-values and the corresponding prices:
| R-Value | Number of Bags per 1,000 sq. ft. | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-13–R-21 | 7–10 | Ideal for Minneapolis walls | $265–$380 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | Ideal for Minneapolis floors | $575–$1,840 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | Not ideal for Minneapolis | $1,495–$1,840 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Recommended for Minneapolis attics | $1,840–$2,300 |
Type of Insulation
The cost to install blown-in insulation depends on the type of insulation you choose for the project. Anticipate spending anywhere between $0.60 and $3 per square foot for materials, not including installation. Below is a breakdown of each blown-in material type and how much it costs.
| Type of Blown-In Insulation | R-Value per Inch | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 2.5 to 3.5 | $0.60 to $1.25 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.62 to $2 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $2.30 to $2.60 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.65 to $2.45 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.45 to $3 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
When hiring a local insulation expert, you'll likely be charged by the square foot. Overall, labor accounts for about half of this project's cost in Minneapolis.
Local Labor
Local insulation installers in Minneapolis charge between $2.75 and $5 per square foot for labor. When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask if their rate includes the removal of existing insulation or opening walls for access.
Permits
In Minneapolis, insulation that's being installed into existing wall cavities or unfinished attic floors is exempt from permits. All residential home improvement work requiring a permit has a minimum $84.20 fee. From there, fees can reach $36.70 to more than $200 based on project value.
Insurance
Minneapolis contractors are required to have Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance covering at least $100,000 per occurrence. If a contractor has employees, workers' compensation is required. In all, this can bring monthly premiums to $33 to $135 for many contractors.
Taxes
All of the insulation materials used for this project will have a combined 9.025% Minneapolis sales tax applied. Budget for your contractor to add this to your material charges.
Licensing
Any Minneapolis contractor or remodeler being paid for work must have a residential building contractor or residential remodeler license. When submitting an application, a contractor must show proof of a $10,000 surety bond. Application and exam fees total $170.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
New blown-in insulation can increase your home’s value. Energy-efficient homes in Minnesota tend to sell faster because comfort and efficiency are valued in the cold climate. By getting new blown-in insulation, you're fortifying your home against heat loss and higher energy bills. With rising electric and heating costs being top concerns for Minneapolis residents today, the ROI on code-compliant, energy-efficient blown-in insulation can be strong.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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