How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Include?
Popcorn ceiling removal scrapes off the textured acoustic ceiling finish popular in homes built from the 1950s-1980s. The ceiling is then smoothed, primed, and painted for a modern, clean look that dramatically updates a room's appearance.
The national average cost for popcorn ceiling removal is $1,800 per room. Most homeowners pay between $1,000 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?
Room Size
Small room (100 sq ft): $600-$1,200. Average room (200 sq ft): $1,000-$2,000. Large room (400 sq ft): $1,800-$3,500
Asbestos
If asbestos is present, professional abatement adds $3-$7/sq ft ($1,500-$5,000 per room)
Per Sq Ft
Removal + smooth + paint: $2-$5/sq ft. Removal only: $1-$3/sq ft
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Room size
- ✓Asbestos testing and abatement
- ✓Ceiling condition underneath
- ✓Painted vs unpainted popcorn
- ✓Repair and skim coating
- ✓Number of rooms
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Test for asbestos first ($25-$50 DIY kit or $200-$400 professional). Homes built after 1980 rarely contain asbestos
- 2.Unpainted popcorn ceiling is much easier to remove than painted — it scrapes off with water
- 3.DIY removal is very doable for non-asbestos ceilings — rent a ceiling scraper ($20/day) and use plastic sheeting for dust
- 4.Covering with thin drywall ($2-$4/sq ft) is an alternative that avoids messy scraping
📈 Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,528 | — |
| 2021 | $1,592 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,696 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,744 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $1,800 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal 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 | $820 | $1,476 | $2,460 |
| Alaska | $1,280 | $2,304 | $3,840 |
| Arizona | $950 | $1,710 | $2,850 |
| Arkansas | $800 | $1,440 | $2,400 |
| California | $1,350 | $2,430 | $4,050 |
| Colorado | $1,080 | $1,944 | $3,240 |
| Connecticut | $1,220 | $2,196 | $3,660 |
| Delaware | $1,050 | $1,890 | $3,150 |
| Florida | $980 | $1,764 | $2,940 |
| Georgia | $900 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
| Hawaii | $1,420 | $2,556 | $4,260 |
| Idaho | $920 | $1,656 | $2,760 |
| Illinois | $1,050 | $1,890 | $3,150 |
| Indiana | $880 | $1,584 | $2,640 |
| Iowa | $860 | $1,548 | $2,580 |
| Kansas | $850 | $1,530 | $2,550 |
| Kentucky | $840 | $1,512 | $2,520 |
| Louisiana | $870 | $1,566 | $2,610 |
| Maine | $1,020 | $1,836 | $3,060 |
| Maryland | $1,150 | $2,070 | $3,450 |
| Massachusetts | $1,300 | $2,340 | $3,900 |
| Michigan | $920 | $1,656 | $2,760 |
| Minnesota | $1,020 | $1,836 | $3,060 |
| Mississippi | $780 | $1,404 | $2,340 |
| Missouri | $870 | $1,566 | $2,610 |
| Montana | $950 | $1,710 | $2,850 |
| Nebraska | $880 | $1,584 | $2,640 |
| Nevada | $1,020 | $1,836 | $3,060 |
| New Hampshire | $1,120 | $2,016 | $3,360 |
| New Jersey | $1,250 | $2,250 | $3,750 |
| New Mexico | $900 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
| New York | $1,320 | $2,376 | $3,960 |
| North Carolina | $900 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
| North Dakota | $900 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
| Ohio | $900 | $1,620 | $2,700 |
| Oklahoma | $830 | $1,494 | $2,490 |
| Oregon | $1,100 | $1,980 | $3,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,020 | $1,836 | $3,060 |
| Rhode Island | $1,150 | $2,070 | $3,450 |
| South Carolina | $870 | $1,566 | $2,610 |
| South Dakota | $850 | $1,530 | $2,550 |
| Tennessee | $860 | $1,548 | $2,580 |
| Texas | $930 | $1,674 | $2,790 |
| Utah | $950 | $1,710 | $2,850 |
| Vermont | $1,080 | $1,944 | $3,240 |
| Virginia | $1,050 | $1,890 | $3,150 |
| Washington | $1,150 | $2,070 | $3,450 |
| West Virginia | $800 | $1,440 | $2,400 |
| Wisconsin | $940 | $1,692 | $2,820 |
| Wyoming | $920 | $1,656 | $2,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I remove popcorn ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings are universally considered dated, collect dust and allergens, are hard to clean, and make rooms feel darker. Removal modernizes the look and can increase home value by $2,000-$5,000 per room in buyer perception.
Is popcorn ceiling dangerous?
Only if it contains asbestos, which was used in some textured ceilings installed before 1980. Disturbing asbestos ceiling releases dangerous fibers. Always test before removal. Non-asbestos popcorn ceiling is just a cosmetic issue, not a health hazard.
🏙️ Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost by City
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