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.
Drywall Installation Cost in Philadelphia [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,077 - $3,118
The average drywall installation cost in Philadelphia, PA, is $2,095, with a typical range of $1,077 to $3,118. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
The cost for drywall installation in Philadelphia is right on track with the national average.
Homeowners looking to boost ROI on this project can consider upgrading to soundproof or fire-resistant drywall that offers benefits in Philly row-house clusters or neighborhoods where homes are close together. Philadelphia's high population density and older infrastructure make fire risks especially high.
Philly's noise pollution caused by its highways, trains, and nearby airport also makes higher-quality drywall worth it.
All things considered, Philly homeowners are paying right on the line of the national average to get new drywall installed. The average drywall installation cost in Philadelphia is $2,095, with many homeowners paying between $1,077 and $3,118 to update this portion of their homes. Investing in specialty drywall that muffles sounds or provides fire protection for close-together homes in the city can increase the cost of this project. Continue reading to discover the components that contribute to the total cost of this project.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
As you budget for new drywall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you can expect the scope of your project to emerge as a determining factor in total cost.
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:
| Room Size in Sq. Ft. | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $400–$650 |
| 200 | $800–$1,300 |
| 300 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| 400 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| 500 | $2,000–$3,000 |
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 | $0.45–$0.65 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.70–$0.75 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.75–$0.90 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $1.40–$2.50 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.60–$0.90 |
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 | $14 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $17 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $17.50 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $18.50 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $22 |
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 | $0.70–$1.20 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1–$3 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1.50–$2 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.85–$2.90 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $1.50–$2.50 |
| 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–$2.75 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
Professional Philadelphia drywall installers provide quotes that account for all labor, materials, and built-in costs for doing business in Philadelphia County.
Local Labor
Drywall companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, charge between $0.90 and $2 per square foot of drywall installed on average. Keep in mind that your home's size and layout will influence price. For example, rooms with vaulted ceilings or extensive windows can influence how hard it is to hang drywall sheets.
Permits
Repairing drywall or replacing a small portion of drywall in a non-structural portion of your home generally doesn't require a permit in Philadelphia. However, any work that involves adding a new wall to create a new room, build an addition, or finish a basement requires permitting. One of the key drywall questions to ask your contractor is if your project is intensive enough to require a permit. Permit costs for a simple project in Philadelphia start at $24 for the first $1,000 of work.
Insurance
All licensed contractors operating within the city must have a current insurance policy on file with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. The law requires most contractors to carry a minimum $1 million general liability policy. When setting rates, the average Philadelphia drywall contractor is factoring in the additional $80 to $335 they pay in insurance coverage monthly for themselves and any employees.
Taxes
Between the 6% Pennsylvania sales tax and 2% local Philadelphia sales tax, an 8% tax is applied on top of the costs for any materials needed for your drywall installation project.
Licensing
Philadelphia's strict licensing requirements for contractors can drive up the cost of labor. In addition to possessing a valid license, contractors must complete special safety training. There is also a $126 fee.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
There are many circumstances that can make new drywall a good investment for a Philadelphia home. When building or renovating, opting for fire-resistant drywall can offer benefits for homeowners concerned about fire risks in neighborhoods where row homes are either connected or situated just inches apart. Additionally, soundproof drywall that muffles or cancels out noises from the city's severe noise pollution is an attractive feature.
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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