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Drywall Cost

Typical Drywall Costs in Southern California

Installation Cost (Labor + Material)

In Southern California (general), drywall installation is about $2.40 – $3.50 per square foot for ½? drywall per HomeBlue.

In Los Angeles, the rate is more specifically $2.00 – $3.10 / sq ft for ½? drywall.

In San Diego, a similar install (½?) is quoted around $2.00 – $3.00 / sq ft. In San Bernardino, it's slightly lower in some cases: around $1.70 – $2.60 / sq ft for ½? drywall installation.

In Corona, another city in SoCal, it’s about $1.90 – $2.90 / sq ft for a standard drywall install.

Drywall Material Cost (Sheets)

Regular ½? drywall (4'×8' sheet) costs $10–$13 per sheet in Southern California.

For moisture- or mold-resistant drywall (½?, 4'×8') it's more like $14–$17 per sheet.

Type-X (fire resistant) 5/8? drywall is in the $17–$21 per 4'×8' sheet range.

Other Cost Influencers / Regional Adjustments

Higher ceilings, complex geometry, lots of corners or cutouts, or premium finish levels (Level 4 or 5) will raise labor costs.

According to a drywall cost guide, “standard installations” are around $2–$3 / sq ft, but “premium” installs (complex or high-finish) could go up to $4–$4.50+ / sq ft.

According to the California Assessor’s Handbook, in-place cost for ½? taped & sanded drywall is in the $2.53–$2.87 / sq ft range.

If you also need drywall repair (not full install), that has different rates: per Yelp, typical installed drywall rates are:

  • Standard drywall repair: ~$1.40–$2.75 / sq ft
  • Moisture-resistant: ~$1.75–$2.95 / sq ft
  • Fire-resistant: ~$1.70–$3.70 / sq ft

Example Cost Scenarios

Here are a couple of hypothetical examples to illustrate what you might pay:

Small room (e.g., 10'×12', 8' ceiling)

  • Wall + ceiling area ˜ 400 sq ft.
  • At $2.50 / sq ft (mid-range): ~ $1,000 total for drywall install + material.

Example Cost Scenarios

  • Wall + ceiling area might be ~700–800 sq ft.
  • At $3.00 / sq ft, cost would be ~ $2,100–$2,400.

Things to Watch For / Ask Contractors About

When you’re getting quotes, here are some important things to clarify or ask so you don’t get surprised by cost:

  • What finish level is included (Level 1 through 5)?
  • Will they handle cleanup + disposal of scrap / old drywall?
  • Are they including joint compound, tape, bead, screws, etc. in the quote?
  • Are there high or difficult-to-reach ceilings?
  • Is permit work needed (if part of a larger renovation)?
  • What type of drywall are they using (regular, fire rated, mold resistant)?
  • How many coats of mud / sanding are included?
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