Drywall Installation in Chicago, IL — Costs $2,105 to $16,836
What does drywall installation cost in Chicago? Average $6,314, ranging $2,105–$16,836. Labor runs $44.35/hr locally — 40% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Chicago, IL Market
+40% vs nationalLabor Rate
$44.35/hr
Material Index
129
Avg Permit Cost
$1,503
Median Home Price
$238,022
As one of the largest metros in Illinois, Chicago has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 40% above the national average, Chicago is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. At a median home price of $238,022, homeowners in Chicago should weigh the project cost (2.7% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.
Low Estimate
$2,105
National: $1,500
Mid-Range
$6,314
National: $4,500
High End
$16,836
National: $12,000
Per Sq Ft
$4
National: $3
Drywall Installation Cost Calculator for Chicago
Adjusted for Chicago's labor rate ($44.35/hr) and material costs (index 129).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Chicago
$6,314
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Chicago market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Chicago's average rate of $44.35/hr (48% above national avg)
Material cost index 129 (29% above national baseline of 100)
Drywall Installation vs. Home Value in Chicago
| Metric | Chicago | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall Installation (Mid-Range) | $6,314 | $4,500 |
| Median Home Price | $238,022 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 2.7% | 1.3% |
| Estimated ROI | 50% | 50% |
| Median Household Income | $65,469 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Chicago
- 1Local labor rates ($44.35/hr in Chicago)
- 2Material cost index (129 vs national 100)
- 3Square footage
- 4Ceiling vs wall
- 5Drywall thickness
- 6Tape and finish quality
Popular Upgrades
- 5/8" fire-rated drywall
- Moisture-resistant for bathrooms
- Soundproofing drywall
Other Projects in Chicago, IL
Attic Conversion
$76,647
Basement Finishing
$61,864
Basement Finishing
$48,446
Home Theater / Media Room Build
$34,133
Second Story Addition
$276,833
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$207,625
Room Addition
$124,575
Home Addition
$109,980
Drywall Installation in Other Illinois Cities
Planning a Drywall Installation in Chicago
A drywall installation typically doesn't require a permit in Chicago, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 2-5 days to complete.
A drywall installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Chicago, skilled contractors charge an average of $44.35/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
For the median Chicago household earning $65,469/year, this project at $6,314 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.
Drywall Installation — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
All Construction Costs in Chicago
View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Chicago, IL.
Explore All Project Cost Guides
Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.
View All Project Costs