Drywall Installation Cost in Chicago, IL (2026)
Homeowners in Chicago typically pay $2.53–$2.99 per square foot — about 11% higher than the national average of $2.47.
Chicago — per square foot
$2.53 – $2.99
vs. national average
+11%
National average is $2.47 per square foot.
Chicago cost breakdown
Cost components for Chicago (ZIP 60601), May 2026.
| Cost component | Typical range | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall Cost | $0.01–$0.01 | 0% |
| Drywall Installation Labor, Basic | $1.07–$1.21 | 40% |
| Drywall Installation Job Supplies | $0–$0 | 0% |
| Drywall Installation Equipment Allowance | $0.65–$0.91 | 30% |
| Option: Remove Drywall | $0–$0.01 | 0% |
| Drywall Debris Disposal | $0.80–$0.85 | 28% |
How Chicago compares
Drywall Installation cost across major US metros.
| City | Typical range | vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $2.75–$3.25 | +21% |
| San Jose, CA | $2.64–$3.12 | +16% |
| San Francisco, CA | $2.64–$3.12 | +16% |
| Seattle, WA | $2.59–$3.06 | +14% |
| Chicago, IL | $2.53–$2.99 | +11% |
| Boston, MA | $2.53–$2.99 | +11% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2.48–$2.93 | +9% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $2.43–$2.88 | +7% |
| San Diego, CA | $2.43–$2.88 | +7% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $2.43–$2.88 | +7% |
| Columbus, OH | $2.24–$2.66 | -1% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2.22–$2.62 | -2% |
| Denver, CO | $2.22–$2.62 | -2% |
| Atlanta, GA | $2.16–$2.57 | -5% |
| Houston, TX | $2.15–$2.54 | -5% |
| Dallas, TX | $2.15–$2.54 | -5% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $2.13–$2.52 | -6% |
| Miami, FL | $2.13–$2.52 | -6% |
| San Antonio, TX | $2.12–$2.51 | -7% |
| Austin, TX | $2.11–$2.50 | -7% |
Frequently asked questions
＋ － How much does drywall installation cost in Chicago?
In Chicago, IL, drywall installation typically costs $2.53–$2.99 (ZIP 60601), which is about 11% higher than the national average of $2.47, per May 2026 homewyse.com.
＋ － Why is drywall installation more expensive in Chicago?
Parkway (city-owned) trees are removed by the city; private removals near parkways may need coordination. Local labor rates and disposal fees are the main reason prices here run about 11% higher than the national average.
＋ － Do I need a permit for drywall installation in Chicago?
Parkway (city-owned) trees are removed by the city; private removals near parkways may need coordination.