Cost to Drywall Installation in Seattle, WA (2026)
If you’re budgeting a drywall installation in Seattle, most projects run $1,132-$5,658, 13% above the $2,200 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Finish Level. On its own it can swing the cost by $0.50-$2/sq ft, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Separate the work: hang the boards yourself and hire only for tape and finish - saves $300-$700 on a typical room.
In the West Coast (where Seattle sits): Highest tradesperson wages nationally.
$1,132-$5,658 in Seattle
13% above the national average · 1.13x cost multiplier
In Seattle, a drywall installation runs $1,132 to $5,658 on average - about 13% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The West Coast market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Seattle
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Materials | $570 | $1,026 | $2,280 |
| Labor | $788 | $1,577 | $3,941 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $342 |
| Total | $1,358+13% vs. national avg | $2,603+13% vs. national avg | $6,563+13% vs. national avg |
Budget
New drywall in one room, standard 1/2-inch, basic tape and mud
Mid-Range
Multi-room drywall, includes taping, mudding, and texture coat
Premium
Full basement or addition finish, moisture-resistant board where needed, level 5 finish
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Seattle may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2-Inch Drywall | $0.40-$0.60/sq ft materials | Interior walls and ceilings in living spacesMost common, widely available, cost-effective, works for most walls |
| Moisture-Resistant (Green Board) | $0.60-$0.80/sq ft materials | Bathroom walls (non-wet areas), laundry rooms, basementsHandles humidity better than standard, good for bathrooms |
| Mold-Resistant (Purple Board) | $0.80-$1.00/sq ft materials | Basements, bathrooms, any area with chronic moisture concernsBest moisture and mold resistance without cement board |
| 5/8-Inch Fire-Rated (Type X) | $0.70-$0.90/sq ft materials | Garage walls, between dwelling units, required by local code1-hour fire rating, better sound dampening, required by code in some locations |
| Cement Board | $1.00-$1.80/sq ft materials | Shower surrounds, tub decks, any area that gets wet (not drywall at all here)Waterproof, required behind tile in wet areas |
Other Projects in Seattle
Seattle Estimate
Typical Range
$1,132-$5,658
vs. National Average
13% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.13x
Cost Per sq ft
$2-$5
This 1.13x estimate prices Seattle labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →