How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Carpet Installation Include?
Carpet installation includes the carpet material, padding, tack strips, and labor. Costs vary by carpet quality, fiber type, and room preparation needed.
The national average cost for carpet installation is $6 per sq ft (installed). Most homeowners pay between $3 and $12, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Fiber
Polyester: $2-$5/sq ft. Nylon: $4-$8/sq ft. Wool: $8-$15/sq ft
Room
Average bedroom (12x12): $400-$1,700. Living room (15x20): $900-$3,600. Whole house: $3,000-$12,000
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Carpet quality and fiber type
- ✓Padding thickness
- ✓Room size and shape
- ✓Old carpet removal
- ✓Subfloor condition
- ✓Stairs
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Buy remnants for small rooms at 50-70% off
- 2.Shop holiday sales at big box stores
- 3.Basic polyester is cheapest while nylon offers the best value for durability
- 4.Ask about free installation promotions
📈 Carpet Installation Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +0.0% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $6 | — |
| 2021 | $6 | +0.0% |
| 2022 | $6 | +0.0% |
| 2023 | $6 | +0.0% |
| 2024 | $6 | +0.0% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Carpet Installation Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2 | $5 | $10 |
| Alaska | $4 | $8 | $15 |
| Arizona | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Arkansas | $2 | $5 | $10 |
| California | $4 | $8 | $16 |
| Colorado | $3 | $6 | $13 |
| Connecticut | $4 | $7 | $15 |
| Delaware | $3 | $6 | $13 |
| Florida | $3 | $6 | $12 |
| Georgia | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Hawaii | $4 | $9 | $17 |
| Idaho | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Illinois | $3 | $6 | $13 |
| Indiana | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Iowa | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Kansas | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Kentucky | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Louisiana | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Maine | $3 | $6 | $12 |
| Maryland | $3 | $7 | $14 |
| Massachusetts | $4 | $8 | $16 |
| Michigan | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Minnesota | $3 | $6 | $12 |
| Mississippi | $2 | $5 | $9 |
| Missouri | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Montana | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Nebraska | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Nevada | $3 | $6 | $12 |
| New Hampshire | $3 | $7 | $13 |
| New Jersey | $4 | $8 | $15 |
| New Mexico | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| New York | $4 | $8 | $16 |
| North Carolina | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| North Dakota | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Ohio | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Oklahoma | $2 | $5 | $10 |
| Oregon | $3 | $7 | $13 |
| Pennsylvania | $3 | $6 | $12 |
| Rhode Island | $3 | $7 | $14 |
| South Carolina | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| South Dakota | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Tennessee | $3 | $5 | $10 |
| Texas | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Utah | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Vermont | $3 | $6 | $13 |
| Virginia | $3 | $6 | $13 |
| Washington | $3 | $7 | $14 |
| West Virginia | $2 | $5 | $10 |
| Wisconsin | $3 | $6 | $11 |
| Wyoming | $3 | $6 | $11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does carpet last?
Polyester: 5-10 years. Nylon: 10-15 years. Wool: 15-20+ years. High-traffic areas wear faster.
🏙️ Carpet Installation Cost by City
Compare carpet installation costs in the most popular US cities:
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