Replacing carpet costs an average of $1,780
On average, carpet replacement costs between $782 and $2,812, with most homeowners spending an average of $1,780.
Room size, carpet material, labor, and old-flooring removal are the biggest cost drivers.
Choosing high-quality carpet and professional installation enhances durability and extends your carpet’s lifespan.
New carpet instantly refreshes a room and can nudge resale value higher.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Average carpet replacement costs range from $782 to $2,812, with most projects costing an average of $1,780. You can expect to pay $3 to $11 per square foot. Investing in new carpet refreshes your living space and adds value to your home, with a minimum cost of $200 and a maximum cost of $5,000.
Understanding the key factors that influence carpet replacement costs—like room size, carpet material, and carpet type—can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions.
How much you’ll spend on replacing your carpet depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your costs break down.
Expect to spend $3 to $11 per square foot to install carpet. Because the price is tied directly to square footage, bigger rooms mean bigger budgets. Know your room’s measurements up front, and remember carpet is often priced by the square yard, at $30 to $50 each.
Square Footage | Average Cost |
---|---|
500 | $1,500–$5,500 |
800 | $2,400–$8,800 |
1,000 | $3,000–$11,000 |
1,500 | $4,500–$16,500 |
2,000 | $6,000–$22,000 |
Material matters. Foot traffic, sunlight, moisture, and budget all influence which fiber holds up best in a given room. Use the guide below to zero in on the right option for your space.
Carpet Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
---|---|
Polyester | $1–$3 |
Wool | $4–$20 |
Nylon | $2–$5 |
Olefin or Polypropylene | $1–$3 |
Cotton | $2–$7 |
Acrylic | $3–$8 |
Triexta | $3–$8 |
You have a choice in the style of carpet you install in your home. Here are the average costs for common carpet types.
Type | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
---|---|
Berber | $3–$20 |
Cable | $4–$8 |
Cut-and-loop | $1–$10 |
Frieze | $1–$8 |
Loop | $1–$5 |
Patterned | $2–$6 |
Saxony/plush | $2–$8 |
Texture | $1–$12 |
Before your new carpet goes in, you’ll need to remove the old carpet and potentially tackle some other prep tasks. Here are the average costs associated with common site preparation items:
Carpet removal: $1–$5 per square foot
Flooring removal: $1–$3 per square foot
Subfloor repair: $600
Subfloor replacement: $3–$10 per square foot
Padding installation: $0.75–$2 per square foot
New carpet can make a listing stand out, but value gains vary by buyer. Neutral tones and durable fibers appeal to the widest audience and may return 50% to 80% of what you spend. Even if the sale price doesn’t jump when you put your home on the market, fresh carpet boosts comfort and first impressions.
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your carpet replacement project more wallet-friendly:
Consider carpet repairs instead of a complete replacement if your carpet is still in good condition.
DIY some of the prep work, such as removing the old carpet, if you have the ability to do so. This will reduce the labor costs when your carpet pro comes for your installation job.
Compare three detailed quotes from local carpet installation contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Plan on spending $1,500 to $5,500 to carpet three average-size bedrooms, which average 500 square feet. Material, pad quality, and labor set the final price. Premium fibers and thicker underlayment push the job toward the high end, while a durable budget line keeps it affordable. Collect at least three quotes from licensed installers to see where your project will land.
Most carpet lasts five to 20 years with the right care and maintenance. Higher-quality fibers and light traffic keep it closer to the 20-year mark, while heavy foot traffic, pets, or kids shorten its life. Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning help the pile spring back and delay replacement. Work with your carpet installation pro to select a carpet type that best suits your needs to maximize its lifespan.
On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $120 to $240. Routine vacuuming, steam or dry cleaning, and quick spot treatment keep fibers fresh and allergens low. If holes, burns, or tears appear, repair costs increase. Staying on top of maintenance extends your carpet’s life and helps you avoid premature replacement or repairs.