Cost to Wallpaper Removal in Phoenix, AZ
$380–$2,850 in Phoenix
5% below the national average · 0.95x cost multiplier
In Phoenix, a wallpaper removal runs $380 to $2,850 on average — about 5% below what homeowners pay nationwide. The Mountain West 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 Phoenix
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $1 | $2 | $4 |
| Materials | $48 | $143 | $380 |
| Labor | $333 | $950 | $2,375 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $380-5% vs. national avg | $1,093-5% vs. national avg | $2,755-5% vs. national avg |
Budget
Single room of modern strippable wallpaper, minimal wall damage
Mid-Range
Single room of older paste wallpaper, includes wall patching and prep for paint
Premium
Multiple rooms of glued-on, multi-layer, or fabric-backed paper, extensive wall repairs
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Phoenix may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring + Steamer Method | $1.50-$3/sq ft labor | Older homes with heavy paste applicationEffective on stubborn old paste paper, penetrates thoroughly |
| Chemical Stripping Solution | $0.10-$0.30/sq ft materials | Modern wallpaper, well-primed wallsWorks well on modern strippable paper, less risk of wall damage |
| Dry Stripping (Modern Paper) | $0.75-$1.50/sq ft labor | Post-2000 wallpaper installationsFastest method, no moisture risk, clean if paper is strippable |
| Drywall Skim Coat (After Removal) | $1-$2/sq ft materials + labor | Any project where paint or new wallpaper goes up after removalGets walls perfectly smooth for paint or new paper |
| Drywall Panel Replacement | $2-$5/sq ft installed | Old homes where paper was hung directly on bare drywallFastest path to smooth walls when drywall face is destroyed |
Other Projects in Phoenix
Phoenix Estimate
Typical Range
$380–$2,850
vs. National Average
5% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.95x
Cost Per sq ft
$1–$4
Estimates apply Phoenix's 0.95x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →