Insulation Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,250 – $3,000
$1.25 – $3.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$500 – $1,500
Labor
$750 – $1,500
Area
1,000 sq ft
Insulation
Fiberglass Batts
Tip: Check for utility rebates and tax credits before starting. Many utilities offer $0.10–$0.50/sq ft rebates for insulation upgrades, and the federal tax credit covers 30% of costs up to $1,200/year.
Fiberglass Batts: Most affordable and widely available. R-3.2 per inch. Easy to install in open wall cavities and attic floors. Available in standard widths for 16" and 24" stud spacing. Not ideal for irregular spaces or retrofit applications.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Insulation Cost Breakdown
| Insulation Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Batts | $0.50 – $1.50 | $0.75 – $1.50 | $1.25 – $3.00 |
| Blown-In (Cellulose) | $0.60 – $1.25 | $0.75 – $1.50 | $1.35 – $2.75 |
| Spray Foam (Open-Cell) | $0.75 – $1.50 | $0.75 – $1.75 | $1.50 – $3.25 |
| Spray Foam (Closed-Cell) | $1.25 – $2.50 | $1.00 – $2.50 | $2.25 – $5.00 |
| Rigid Foam Board | $0.75 – $2.00 | $1.00 – $2.00 | $1.75 – $4.00 |
* Costs shown for attic installation (1.0× labor). Open walls add 10%, retrofit/closed walls add 35% to labor.
Average Project Costs (Installed)
| Project | Area | Type & Application | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Attic | 500 sq ft | Blown-In, Attic | $675 – $1,375 |
| Standard Attic | 1,000 sq ft | Blown-In, Attic | $1,350 – $2,750 |
| Large Attic | 1,500 sq ft | Blown-In, Attic | $2,025 – $4,125 |
| Wall Retrofit | 800 sq ft | Closed-Cell, Retrofit | $2,080 – $4,700 |
How We Calculate
Our insulation calculator estimates project costs based on area, insulation type, and application area. Material cost is based on area, while labor cost is adjusted by an application multiplier.
How the math works: Material cost = area × material price per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft × application multiplier. Total = material + labor. The application multiplier adjusts labor: attic is 1.0× (baseline), open walls add 10% (1.1×), and retrofit/closed walls add 35% (1.35×) for drilling, patching, and access challenges.
Insulation Type Comparison
Fiberglass Batts ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft material, $0.75–$1.50/sq ft labor) are the most affordable and widely available. R-3.2 per inch. Pre-cut to fit standard stud spacing (16" or 24" OC). Easy DIY installation in open wall cavities. Not ideal for irregular spaces.
Blown-In Cellulose ($0.60–$1.25/sq ft material, $0.75–$1.50/sq ft labor) fills gaps and irregular spaces evenly. R-3.5 per inch. Made from recycled paper treated for fire and pest resistance. The most popular choice for attic insulation upgrades. Settles 10–20% over time.
Open-Cell Spray Foam ($0.75–$1.50/sq ft material, $0.75–$1.75/sq ft labor) expands to fill every gap. R-3.7 per inch. Excellent air sealing properties. Softer and more flexible than closed-cell. Good for interior walls, attic rafters, and cathedral ceilings.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam ($1.25–$2.50/sq ft material, $1.00–$2.50/sq ft labor) has the highest R-value at R-6.5 per inch. Acts as both insulation and vapor barrier. Adds structural rigidity. Best for rim joists, crawl spaces, and exterior applications. Most expensive but highest performance.
Rigid Foam Board ($0.75–$2.00/sq ft material, $1.00–$2.00/sq ft labor) comes in EPS, XPS, and polyiso varieties (R-3.8 to R-6.5 per inch). Excellent for continuous exterior insulation, basement walls, and under-slab applications. Easy to cut and moisture-resistant.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover insulation material and installation labor. Not included: removing old insulation ($1–$3/sq ft), air sealing before insulation ($0.50–$2.00/sq ft), vapor barrier installation ($0.25–$0.75/sq ft), attic ventilation upgrades ($300–$1,500), and electrical/plumbing work around insulation. Tax credits and utility rebates can offset 30–50% of total costs.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, insulation manufacturers, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does insulation cost? +
Insulation costs $1.25–$5.00 per square foot installed, depending on type. Fiberglass batts are $1.25–$3.00/sq ft, blown-in cellulose $1.35–$2.75/sq ft, open-cell spray foam $1.50–$3.25/sq ft, closed-cell spray foam $2.25–$5.00/sq ft, and rigid foam board $1.75–$4.00/sq ft. A 1,000 sq ft attic costs $1,350–$2,750 with blown-in cellulose.
What is the cheapest insulation? +
Fiberglass batts at $1.25–$3.00/sq ft installed are the cheapest option. They're widely available and easy to DIY. For professional installation, blown-in cellulose at $1.35–$2.75/sq ft is a close second and provides better coverage in irregular spaces.
What type of insulation is best? +
It depends on the application. Blown-in cellulose is best for attics (fills gaps evenly, R-3.5/inch). Fiberglass batts are best for open wall cavities (affordable, easy). Closed-cell spray foam is best for crawl spaces, rim joists, and maximum R-value (R-6.5/inch). Rigid foam is best for continuous exterior insulation.
How much insulation do I need? +
The DOE recommends R-38 to R-60 for attics, R-13 to R-23 for walls, and R-25 to R-30 for floors over unconditioned spaces, depending on climate zone. Use our calculator to estimate costs based on your area. In most homes, attic insulation provides the biggest energy savings per dollar spent.
Can I install insulation myself? +
Fiberglass batts are the most DIY-friendly — just cut and place between studs. Blown-in insulation can be DIY with rented equipment from home centers ($40–$100/day). Spray foam requires professional equipment and should not be DIYed. Always wear protective gear: long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator.
Is spray foam insulation worth it? +
Spray foam costs 2–3× more than fiberglass but provides superior air sealing, higher R-value per inch, and acts as a vapor barrier (closed-cell). It's most worth it for rim joists, crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, and hard-to-reach areas. For standard attics, blown-in cellulose is more cost-effective.
Are there tax credits for insulation? +
Yes, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers 30% of insulation costs up to $1,200 per year (through 2032). Many utility companies also offer rebates of $0.10–$0.50/sq ft. Check dsireusa.org for incentives in your area. Both new and upgraded insulation qualify.
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