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 New York City? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,276 - $3,989
The average drywall installation cost in New York, NY is $2,504, with a typical range of $1,276 to $3,989. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
New York City drywall installation costs 24% more than the national average.
The larger the room, the more expensive the project—ideal for small NYC apartments.
You can expect to pay $0.70 to $0.90 per square foot for moisture-resistant drywall, while soundproof drywall costs $2.30 to $3.75 per square foot.
New York City drywall installers may be expensive, but a professional installation will save time and prevent expensive mistakes.
People who live in the Big Apple are used to the higher cost of living, which is more than 130% above the national average. On average, New Yorkers can expect to pay $2,504 for new drywall in New York City, though prices often range from $1,276 to $3,989. One bright spot: The cost to install drywall in New York City is only about 25% higher than the national average.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
The cost to install drywall in New York City varies depending on several factors. Room size is the largest, but your costs will also depend on the type and thickness of the drywall, as well as the level of finish.
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 $500 to $815, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,875 to $3,750.
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 Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 (Small Bedroom) | $500–$815 |
| 200 (Small Bedroom) | $690–$1,250 |
| 300 (Large Bedroom) | $1,125–$1,875 |
| 400 (Small Living Room) | $1,375–$2,750 |
| 500 (Large Living Room) | $1,750–$3,500 |
| 600 (Large Space) | $2,125–$3,875 |
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 | $0.70–$0.90 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.80–$0.95 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.70–$1.15 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $2.30–$3.75 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.90–$1.15 |
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.
| Drywall Thickness (Inches) | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $18.75 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $20.00 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $25.00 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $26.25 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $28.75 |
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 Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $1.00–$1.25 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1.25–$2.50 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1.55–$3.15 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.90–$3.75 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $2.05–$3.95 |
| 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 | $2.50–$4.40 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
It’s best to hire a local drywall installer to handle the job. Hiring a drywall professional can save a lot of time and expensive mistakes, ensuring the task is completed efficiently and effectively.
Labor accounts for roughly 70% of the overall cost to install drywall in NYC. On average, New York City drywall installers charge between $1.25 and $2.65 per square foot of drywall.
Old Wall Removal Cost
Expect to pay more if you need the installer to remove an existing wall. Specifically, removing wood paneling can cost from $0.65 to $1.25 per square foot while the cost to replace plaster walls is anywhere between $1.90 and $3.75 per square foot.
NYC Permit Cost
While you won’t need a permit to repair or replace existing drywall, you’ll likely need a permit for new construction or major remodeling. New York building permit prices depend on the square footage of the project.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Basic repairs like fixing or replacing drywall are considered routine maintenance and thus won’t help boost your home’s market value. On the other hand, if you’re taking on a larger project, such as remodeling a room or building an addition, you can expect it to positively impact your home’s worth.
The amount of added value varies depending on the type of renovation, like a kitchen vs. bathroom remodel. Building an addition adds value, too, with ROIs ranging from 24% to 35%. However, it’s worth noting that, while these upgrades can enhance your home’s value, the investment far exceeds the financial return.
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.
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