Carpet Replacement Cost Per Square Foot (2026)
Carpet replacement costs $3 to $11 per square foot installed, with material at $2–$8/sqft and labor near $1.50/sqft. Tearing out the old carpet adds about $2.50/sqft. Below is a full breakdown using real 2026 national-average pricing.
Independent contractor estimate: $7,125
Save ~$2,375 vs retail — no store markup on materials or labor
Quick Answer
For a typical 1,000 sqft home, expect to pay $3,000–$11,000 installed, or $5,500–$13,500 including removal of the old carpet. A 500 sqft living room runs about $1,500–$5,500 installed.
Carpet Cost Per Square Foot
| Cost Component | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material (carpet + pad) | $2–$8 | Fiber grade drives the price |
| Labor (install) | $1.50 | Stretch-in over tack strips |
| Total installed | $3–$11 | Material + labor |
| Old carpet removal | $2.50 | Tear-out, haul-away, dump fees |
| With removal (total) | $5.50–$13.50 | Full replacement project |
Carpet Cost by Fiber Type
Fiber is the single biggest price driver. Within the real $2–$8/sqft material range:
| Fiber Tier | Material |
|---|---|
| Builder / Basic (olefin, PET) Lowest cost. Fine for low-traffic rooms; mats and wears within 5–7 years. | $2–$4/sqft |
| Mid-Range (nylon blend, triexta) Better stain resistance and resilience. The most common whole-home choice. | $4–$6/sqft |
| Premium (Stainmaster, wool blend) Softest hand, best longevity, strong stain warranty. Near the top of the range. | $6–$8/sqft |
Cost by Room Size
Totals for common room sizes — first for install only, then including old-carpet removal:
| Room Size | Install Only | With Removal |
|---|---|---|
| 200 sqft | $600–$2,200 | $1,100–$2,700 |
| 500 sqft | $1,500–$5,500 | $2,750–$6,750 |
| 1,000 sqft | $3,000–$11,000 | $5,500–$13,500 |
| 1,500 sqft | $4,500–$16,500 | $8,250–$20,250 |
Old Carpet Removal Breakdown
Removal averages about $2.50/sqftall-in. Here's where it goes:
Cutting up and hauling away the old carpet and foam pad. The bulk of removal labor.
Existing tack strips can often be reused; damaged or repositioned strips add labor.
Emptying and moving the room. Some installers include it; others charge per piece or per room.
Landmark disposal fees for the old carpet and pad, often billed as a flat haul-away charge.
For a deep dive, see our full flooring removal cost guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace carpet per square foot?▼
Carpet replacement costs $3 to $11 per square foot installed, with material at $2–$8/sqft and labor around $1.50/sqft. Adding old-carpet removal brings the total to $5.50–$13.50/sqft. A typical 1,000 sqft replacement runs $3,000–$11,000 installed, or $5,500–$13,500 if you're also tearing out existing carpet.
How much does old carpet removal cost?▼
Removing old carpet and pad costs about $2.50 per square foot, or $1,000–$2,000 for a typical 1,000 sqft home. That covers tear-out, tack strip work, furniture moving, and dump fees. Some installers bundle it into the install price; others itemize it — always ask.
How much does it cost to carpet a 1,000 sqft house?▼
A 1,000 sqft house costs $3,000–$11,000 for new carpet installed, or $5,500–$13,500 including removal of the old carpet. Mid-range nylon carpet lands near the middle of that range, around $5,000–$8,000 installed. Add 10% to your material order to cover the standard waste factor.
Is it cheaper to replace carpet with LVP?▼
Not up front. Carpet ($3–$11/sqft installed) is cheaper than LVP ($4–$13/sqft). But carpet needs replacing every 5–10 years while LVP lasts 15–25 years and is waterproof. Over a decade, LVP is often cheaper in total cost of ownership — especially in homes with pets or kids.
How long does it take to replace carpet?▼
A professional crew installs about 1,000 sqft of carpet in one day, plus a half day for tear-out if you're replacing existing carpet. Furniture must be cleared first, and the room is walkable immediately after install — no cure time like hardwood or tile.
Get Accurate Carpet Pricing
Use our free calculator to estimate your replacement, or find independent pros who save you 20%+ versus big-box store pricing.
Pricing data sourced from HomeGuide, Homewyse, HomeAdvisor, and FlooringClarity. Updated July 2026. Actual costs vary by location, subfloor condition, and material availability.