Drywall Installation Cost in Los Angeles [2026 Data]

The average drywall installation cost in Los Angeles is $2,251, with homeowners paying anywhere from $1,058 to $3,467 to repair or replace walls in compliance with local codes and earthquake-resistant requirements. Overall, material and labor costs are evenly split for this project. However, investing in a top-tier option, such as soundproof drywall, can increase the overall cost of materials. Here’s what budgeting for new drywall installation looks like in Los Angeles, California.

Drywall Installation Cost Factors 

As with most projects, the pricing for new drywall installation in Los Angeles, California, will vary based on the project's size. The size and number of rooms in your home will ultimately determine the final costs.  

Room Size

Whether you’re working on a small bathroom or a spacious living room, having an estimate of costs based on room size can help you plan your budget more effectively. Installing drywall in a small bathroom of around 100 square feet will cost $400 to $650, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000.

Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:

Type of Drywall

Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.

Drywall Thickness

Drywall thickness can sway your total price. If you’re on a minimal budget, you might want to opt for the thinnest quarter-inch panels. Three-eighths-inch and half-inch are the most common varieties. Soundproof and fire-resistant panels are usually five-eighths-inch thick. Drywall is sometimes available in 3/4" thicknesses for added soundproofing.

Level of Finish

Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.

Drywall Installation Pro Costs

Expect local drywall installers in Los Angeles, California, to provide a price per square foot that combines labor and materials. 

Local Labor

On average,contractors in Los Angeles charge between $1 and $3 per square foot of drywall for labor. Keep mind that factors like high ceilings, walls full of windows, archways, or other unconventional features can increase labor costs because of the complexity of cutting the drywall. If your project has structural components, contractors may charge 5% to 10% more because the work will need to be done in compliance with California Building Code for seismic standards.

Permits

New drywall installation in Los Angeles is generally exempt from permits as long as this is a nonstructural change with a project size under 100 square feet. Ask your drywall contractor about permit requirements when starting this project. If permits are needed, expect the cost range to be $50 to $200.

Licensing

Any contractor you hire for drywall installation in Los Angeles for a project valued at $1,000 or more must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). On top of the $450 fee for the original application for one contractor classification, local contractors also pay several hundreds of dollars for business licenses.

Insurance

Licensed contractors in Los Angeles must incur the cost of the $12,500 bond that's required by the CSLB. Overall, premiums for liability insurance and workers' compensation can cost the average drywall contractor $90 to $390 per month based on the number of employees they have.

Taxes

The labor portion of costs for drywall installation won't be subject to sales taxes in Los Angeles. However, raw materials for this project will be subject to the 7.25% state sales tax and a 2.5% district tax. The combined 9.75% sales tax rate is added to the material costs billed by your contractor.

Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?

Any improvement that makes a home more stable and meets upgraded earthquake-compliance standards can improve a home's value in Los Angeles. Repairing or replacement damaged drywall can also make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. Working with a licensed local contractor to complete permitted improvements is the best way to protect your return on investment on this project.

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 survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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. 

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