How Much Does Crown Molding Installation Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Crown Molding Installation Include?
Crown molding is decorative trim installed where walls meet the ceiling. It adds an elegant, finished look to any room and is one of the most impactful finishing touches for a home's interior.
The national average cost for crown molding installation is $1,500 per room. Most homeowners pay between $600 and $3,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Material
Foam/polystyrene: $1-$4/linear ft. MDF: $2-$5/ft. Pine/poplar: $3-$8/ft. Hardwood: $6-$15/ft
Installation
Labor: $3-$8/linear ft for basic profiles. Complex multi-piece: $8-$15/linear ft
Room Size
Average room (50 linear ft): $500-$1,500 installed. Large room (80 ft): $800-$2,500
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Molding material and profile
- ✓Linear footage
- ✓Ceiling height
- ✓Room corners and complexity
- ✓Painting or staining
- ✓Number of rooms
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.MDF/foam crown molding ($1-$4/ft) looks identical to wood ($5-$15/ft) when painted
- 2.Install multiple rooms at once for a per-room discount from contractors
- 3.Simple profiles are easier to cut and install — complex multi-piece profiles cost 2-3x more in labor
- 4.Foam crown molding is lightweight and can be installed with adhesive (DIY-friendly)
📈 Crown Molding Installation Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,274 | — |
| 2021 | $1,327 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,413 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,453 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $1,500 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Crown Molding 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 | $492 | $1,230 | $2,460 |
| Alaska | $768 | $1,920 | $3,840 |
| Arizona | $570 | $1,425 | $2,850 |
| Arkansas | $480 | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| California | $810 | $2,025 | $4,050 |
| Colorado | $648 | $1,620 | $3,240 |
| Connecticut | $732 | $1,830 | $3,660 |
| Delaware | $630 | $1,575 | $3,150 |
| Florida | $588 | $1,470 | $2,940 |
| Georgia | $540 | $1,350 | $2,700 |
| Hawaii | $852 | $2,130 | $4,260 |
| Idaho | $552 | $1,380 | $2,760 |
| Illinois | $630 | $1,575 | $3,150 |
| Indiana | $528 | $1,320 | $2,640 |
| Iowa | $516 | $1,290 | $2,580 |
| Kansas | $510 | $1,275 | $2,550 |
| Kentucky | $504 | $1,260 | $2,520 |
| Louisiana | $522 | $1,305 | $2,610 |
| Maine | $612 | $1,530 | $3,060 |
| Maryland | $690 | $1,725 | $3,450 |
| Massachusetts | $780 | $1,950 | $3,900 |
| Michigan | $552 | $1,380 | $2,760 |
| Minnesota | $612 | $1,530 | $3,060 |
| Mississippi | $468 | $1,170 | $2,340 |
| Missouri | $522 | $1,305 | $2,610 |
| Montana | $570 | $1,425 | $2,850 |
| Nebraska | $528 | $1,320 | $2,640 |
| Nevada | $612 | $1,530 | $3,060 |
| New Hampshire | $672 | $1,680 | $3,360 |
| New Jersey | $750 | $1,875 | $3,750 |
| New Mexico | $540 | $1,350 | $2,700 |
| New York | $792 | $1,980 | $3,960 |
| North Carolina | $540 | $1,350 | $2,700 |
| North Dakota | $540 | $1,350 | $2,700 |
| Ohio | $540 | $1,350 | $2,700 |
| Oklahoma | $498 | $1,245 | $2,490 |
| Oregon | $660 | $1,650 | $3,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $612 | $1,530 | $3,060 |
| Rhode Island | $690 | $1,725 | $3,450 |
| South Carolina | $522 | $1,305 | $2,610 |
| South Dakota | $510 | $1,275 | $2,550 |
| Tennessee | $516 | $1,290 | $2,580 |
| Texas | $558 | $1,395 | $2,790 |
| Utah | $570 | $1,425 | $2,850 |
| Vermont | $648 | $1,620 | $3,240 |
| Virginia | $630 | $1,575 | $3,150 |
| Washington | $690 | $1,725 | $3,450 |
| West Virginia | $480 | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| Wisconsin | $564 | $1,410 | $2,820 |
| Wyoming | $552 | $1,380 | $2,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crown molding outdated?
No — crown molding remains a timeless design element. Simpler, cleaner profiles (2-4 inch) are trending over ornate Victorian styles. It consistently adds perceived value and sophistication to a home's interior.
Can I install crown molding myself?
It's a moderate DIY project. The hardest part is cutting accurate miter and cope joints at corners. A compound miter saw is essential. Foam crown molding is the easiest to DIY. Budget a full day per room for a first-timer.
🏙️ Crown Molding Installation Cost by City
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