Basic
$1.56 – $3.42 per sq ft
1/2 in. standard gypsum board on walls and ceilings, paper tape and all-purpose compound, Level 4 finish ready for primer

Photo: Timothyjosephwood · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Hang, tape and finish 1/2 in. gypsum board (Level 4) on walls and ceilings, per sq ft of board.
Install Gypsum Board in Chicago, Illinois typically costs $1.84 to $4.03 per sq ft as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Prices in Chicago are 19.0% higher than the national average for install gypsum board.
National average: $1.60 – $3.50 per sq ft
$1.56 – $3.42 per sq ft
1/2 in. standard gypsum board on walls and ceilings, paper tape and all-purpose compound, Level 4 finish ready for primer
$1.84 – $4.03 per sq ft
1/2 in. lightweight board on walls, 1/2 in. sag-resistant board on ceilings, paper tape, metal corner bead, Level 4 finish
$2.30 – $5.03 per sq ft
1/2 in. lightweight board with sag-resistant ceilings and moisture-resistant board in wet areas, paper-faced metal bead, Level 4 finish
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $0.77 – $1.68 | sq ft |
| Labor | labor | $0.73 – $1.59 | sq ft |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $0.20 – $0.45 | sq ft |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $0.14 – $0.31 | sq ft |
Close-up of a gypsum board face with screw heads and a tapered seam
Photo: Panamitsu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisClose-up of a knockdown-textured drywall ceiling
Photo: Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) . Email the author: David R. Tribble Also see my personal gallery at Google Photos · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisLabor costs in Chicago run proportionally higher than materials, which may favor material-heavy solutions.
Connect with local install gypsum board contractors in Chicago for personalized quotes based on your specific project.