How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in New York City, NY?
New York City pricing is 45% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and New York City's finance-media-tech economy.See our methodology
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Pricing in New York City, NY
New York City is a high-cost market where popcorn ceiling removal runs about 45% above the national average. The city's finance-media-tech economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 8.3M, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in popcorn ceiling removal costs here. Harsh winters increase heating costs and seasonal pricing for outdoor work.
Market-specific factors matter in New York City: NYC contractor licensing requirements add overhead; Manhattan costs 20-40% more than outer boroughs.
New York City has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your popcorn ceiling removal project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
New York City vs National Average
What Affects Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in New York City?
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
New York City Market Conditions
NYC contractor licensing requirements add overhead; Manhattan costs 20-40% more than outer boroughs
Local Climate Impact
harsh winters increase heating costs and seasonal pricing for outdoor work
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Tips to Save on Popcorn Ceiling Removal in New York City
- 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
- 5.In New York City, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
- 6.New York City has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 Popcorn Ceiling Removal in New York City Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2,217 | — |
| 2021 | $2,310 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $2,460 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $2,529 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $2,610 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Popcorn Ceiling Removal in New York City
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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.
Why does popcorn ceiling removal cost different in New York City than other cities?
New York City's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the finance-media-tech economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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