How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara pricing is 40% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, varied climate conditions, and Santa Barbara's diversified economy.See our methodology
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Pricing in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a high-cost market where popcorn ceiling removal runs about 40% above the national average. The city's diversified economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 90K, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in popcorn ceiling removal costs here. Varied climate depending on location; earthquake considerations in some areas.
Market-specific factors matter in Santa Barbara: higher cost of living in coastal areas; more affordable inland.
Santa Barbara has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your popcorn ceiling removal project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.
Santa Barbara vs National Average
What Affects Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Santa Barbara?
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
Santa Barbara Market Conditions
higher cost of living in coastal areas; more affordable inland
Local Climate Impact
varied climate depending on location; earthquake considerations in some areas
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Top-Rated Popcorn Ceiling Removal Pros in Santa Barbara, CA
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Tips to Save on Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Santa Barbara
- 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 in Santa Barbara Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2,140 | — |
| 2021 | $2,230 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $2,375 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $2,442 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $2,520 | +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 Santa Barbara
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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 Santa Barbara than other cities?
Santa Barbara's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the diversified economy, varied climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The balanced labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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