Skim coating drywall is a great alternative to replacement, and is often more affordable. Use this guide to estimate the cost to skim coat walls in your home.
How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost in Chicago? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,085 - $2,896
The average drywall installation cost in Chicago, IL, is $1,914, with a typical range of $1,085 to $2,896. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Despite the higher cost of living, drywall installation in Chicago costs 3.5% less than the national average.
Experienced Chicago drywall contractors charge between $0.95 and $2.05 per square foot for drywall installation.
In Chicago, you don’t need a permit for basic drywall jobs.
If you need to remove existing wood paneling, plan to pay between $0.50 and $0.95 per square foot.
Although the Windy City has a higher than average cost of living, drywall installation costs in Chicago are 3.5% lower than the overall average price in the U.S. The typical Chicagoan pays $1,914 to have drywall installed, though prices may run from $1,085 to $2,896. Let’s review how cost factors like type of drywall and drywall thickness affect your total project cost when revamping your Chicago home.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
Drywall installation costs in Chicago, Illinois, run from $1,085 to $2,896, but costs vary.
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 $385 to $625, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,450 to $2,895.
Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:
| Room Size in Square Foot | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 (Small Bedroom) | $385–$625 |
| 200 (Small Bedroom) | $530–$965 |
| 300 (Small Bedroom) | $870–$1,450 |
| 400 (Small Living Room) | $1,060–$2,125 |
| 500 (Large Living Room) | $1,350–$2,700 |
| 600 (Large Space) | $1,640–$2,990 |
Type of Drywall
Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.
| Drywall Type | Best Use | Average Cost of Materials per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-resistant | Bathrooms, kitchens | $0.55–$0.70 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.65–$0.70 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.55–$0.85 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $1.80–$2.90 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.70–$0.85 |
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 ¾-inch thicknesses for added soundproofing.
| Drywall Thickness in Inch | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $14.50 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $15.50 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $19.30 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $20.25 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $22.25 |
Level of Finish
Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.
| Level | Description | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $0.75–$0.95 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $0.95–$1.95 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1.25–$2.50 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.20–$2.90 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $1.60–$3.05 |
| 5 | A very high-quality finish which is the best option for enamel and gloss paint application. This includes three coats of joint compound and a full skim coat for a super-smooth appearance | $1.90–$3.40 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
Drywalling can be time-consuming work, and simple mistakes can become costly. Most homeowners should plan to hire a Chicago drywall installer to ensure drywall is hung efficiently and correctly.
Experienced Chicago drywall contractors charge between $0.95 and $2.05 per square foot for drywall installation. For the typical project, you should budget between $665 and $2,125 for labor alone.
Old Wall Removal Cost
If you need the drywall installer to remove and replace existing drywall, you may have additional costs. For instance, removing wood paneling in Chicago costs between $0.50 and $0.95 per square foot. The cost to replace plaster is more expensive, from $1.45 to $2.90 per square foot in Chicago.
Chicago Construction Permit Cost
You generally don’t need a permit in Chicago to replace or repair drywall. However, if the drywalling is part of a much larger job, like building an addition or completely renovating an existing interior space, you’ll likely need a permit. Use Chicago’s permit guide to determine which permits you might need, keeping in mind that permit costs vary by project.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Since repairing or replacing existing drywall is a matter of routine maintenance, it doesn’t add to your property’s overall worth. On the flip side, if you’re doing drywall work while renovating a space or expanding your home’s square footage with an addition, that type of improvement can enhance your home’s market value.
The amount your property’s value rises depends on the scale and type of renovation. You can add significant home value by building an addition—ROI is usually between 24% and 35%.
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.
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.
The homeowners guide to drywall services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Drywall texture can create an attractive finish and add dimension to your home’s walls. This guide breaks down the factors that influence the cost to texture drywall.
Installing beadboard ceilings is a great DIY project. Learn what to expect cost-wise from this project, whether removing or covering a popcorn ceiling.
If you’re wondering who to call for drywall repairs, look no further. This drywall repair contractor hiring guide will help you choose a contractor.
If you’re wondering, “How much drywall do I need?” this guide will help you estimate how many drywall sheets and related materials are required.
You're down to the nitty-gritty of drywall supplies and now you need to know if paper vs mesh drywall tape is the way to go. Here's how to choose.