Home & Property · Cost guide
Attic Insulation Cost Cost Guide (2026)
Estimate the installed cost of attic insulation by area, material, R-value and state — then request local installer pricing.
Open the attic insulation cost calculator
Typical cost ranges
These are installed-cost planning ranges for the options modelled by the calculator.
| Option | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Blown-in fiberglass | $2 – $4 |
| Blown-in cellulose | $2 – $4 |
| Spray foam (open cell) | $3 – $6 |
| Spray foam (closed cell) | $4 – $8 |
| Fiberglass batts | $1 – $3 |
| Rigid board | $2 – $4 |
Planning ranges, not quotes. Your project's access, condition and local code can move the number.
What changes the price
Installed cost per square foot is roughly $1.50–$3.50 for blown-in fiberglass, $1.70–$3.80 for cellulose, $3–$5.50 for open-cell spray foam, $4.50–$7.50 for closed-cell foam, and $1.20–$2.80 for batts. Air sealing before insulating, removing contaminated or compressed old material, and reaching higher R-values all add cost.
- Remove old insulation — +$1 – $2 per attic area (sq ft)
- Add air sealing — +$0 – $2 per attic area (sq ft)
State differences
Local labour rates change the same job by 10–40%. Examples for the cheapest option above (full 51-state adjustment in the calculator):
| State | Multiplier | Adjusted range |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | ×1.05 | $1 – $3 |
| California | ×1.45 | $2 – $4 |
| Florida | ×1.05 | $1 – $3 |
| Georgia | ×0.95 | $1 – $3 |
| Illinois | ×1.02 | $1 – $3 |
| New York | ×1.30 | $2 – $4 |
| Ohio | ×0.92 | $1 – $3 |
| Texas | ×0.98 | $1 – $3 |
How to use the calculator
- Enter your project size and choose the material or system.
- Add optional items (removal, permits, upgrades) and your state.
- Read the planning range and line-item breakdown.
- Have a quote? Paste it into the quote checker to see where it sits.
Before you hire
- Verify the contractor's licence and insurance with the official state source — see our verification guide.
- Get three written quotes using the same scope.
- Use our project checklist to compare permits, disposal and warranty.
FAQ
How much does attic insulation cost?
For a 1,000 sq ft attic: blown-in fiberglass runs $1,500–$3,500; cellulose $1,700–$3,800; fiberglass batts $1,200–$2,800; spray foam $3,000–$7,500 installed.
What R-value do I need?
Most U.S. climates call for R-38 to R-60 in the attic. Your state energy code and utility rebate program specify the target for your ZIP code.
Is removing old insulation required?
Not always. If the old insulation is wet, contaminated or compressed, removal ($1–$2 per sq ft) is usually recommended before adding new material.
Does air sealing matter more than insulation?
Often yes: sealing gaps around lights, fans and top plates before insulating is the highest-return part of an attic project.
Related cost guides
AC Replacement Cost guide
Read guide →Basement Finishing Cost guide
Read guide →Concrete Slab Cost guide
Read guide →Deck Installation Cost guide
Read guide →How we build these ranges: methodology and data sources. CostBrick is an information and referral service — not a contractor and not a quote.