Skip to main content
Permit rules
Washington, DC · Drywall & paint cost · 2026

How much does a drywall & paint cost in Washington, DC?

Hang, tape, finish and paint a room from bare studs. Priced against Washington, DC material costs, a typical DIY drywall & paint in Washington runs about $832 in materials — 22% above the national average. These are estimates only, not a quote — enter your real dimensions in the free calculator for a shopping list matched to your build.

Estimates only — not a quote.

Washington cost breakdown

EstimateLowTypicalHigh
Washington (DIY materials)$707$832$1,123
National average$580$682$921

Priced from the Washington, DC material index — 22% above the national average. Based on a common-size drywall & paint; enter your own dimensions for an exact number.

DIY vs. hiring a pro in Washington

DIY materials estimate: $832. A contractor in the Washington market (materials plus about 17 labor hours at ~$82/hr) estimates to $2,160–$2,896. Estimated DIY savings: $1,622 (66%).

Permits in Washington

Permit thresholds vary by project. Check with the local building department before you start.

Free planner

Get your exact Washington price

Enter your dimensions for a materials list and cost estimate matched to your build.

Start planning

Frequently asked questions

How much does a drywall & paint cost in Washington, DC?

Materials typically run $707–$1,123 for a common-size project using Washington-area pricing. That is an estimate, not a quote — our free calculator prices your exact dimensions.

Is it cheaper to DIY or hire a contractor in Washington?

DIY materials estimate to about $832. A local contractor estimates to $2,160–$2,896 at the Washington-area labor rate of roughly $82/hr, so DIY could save an estimated $1,622 (66%).

Do I need a permit for a drywall & paint in Washington?

Permit thresholds vary by project. Check with the local building department before you start. City of Washington rules can be stricter than the state baseline — run the free permit lookup for your ZIP before buying materials.

Why is Washington drywall & paint pricing different from the national average?

We apply a regional material cost index for the Washington market — currently 22% higher than the national average. Labor is indexed separately at about $82/hr for the contractor comparison.

Other projects in Washington

Drywall & paint cost in nearby cities

Looking at the whole state? Drywall & paint cost in District of Columbia.