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2026 cost data

Insulation Cost in San Francisco, CA (2026)

Insulation contractors in San Francisco, CA price well above the national average. Here is what attic, wall, crawlspace and spray foam work should cost in the San Francisco metro in 2026.

Insulation prices per square foot

Installed prices — material plus labor — adjusted for San Francisco, CA labor rates.

Job typeInstalled cost / sq ft1,500 sq ft attic
Attic blown-in fiberglass (R-49)$2.81$4,218
Attic blown-in cellulose (R-49)$2.58$3,876
Attic fiberglass batts (R-38)$2.43$3,648
Wall batts, open framing (R-15)$2.66$3,990
Wall dense-pack retrofit (drill & fill)$3.95$5,928
Crawlspace floor or wall insulation$3.19$4,788
Basement rigid foam + framing$4.71$7,068
Open-cell spray foam (3.5")$2.96$4,446
Closed-cell spray foam (2")$5.47$8,208
Old insulation removal & disposal$2.36$3,534

What whole jobs cost

Typical projectLocal price range
Attic top-up (1,500 sq ft)$2,280 – $3,952
Full attic removal + re-insulate$4,864 – $8,208
Whole-house wall retrofit (2,000 sq ft home)$6,384 – $11,856
Crawlspace encapsulation + insulation$5,776 – $13,680
Garage conversion insulation$1,368 – $3,344
Whole-home spray foam (new build)$11,400 – $24,320

Climate zone 3 R-value targets

Department of Energy retrofit recommendations for this zone.

Attic
R-49
Walls
R-20
Floors
R-25
Check your current R-value →

Price your own job

These tables are averages. Punch in your real measurements for a number you can compare against a bid.

Insulation costAtticBlown-in bagsProject total

Statewide context

See how the San Francisco metro compares with the rest of California.

Insulation cost in California →

Insulation cost FAQs for San Francisco, CA

How much does attic insulation cost in San Francisco, CA?

A 1,500 sq ft attic blown to R-49 runs about $3,585 to $5,062 installed in San Francisco, CA, or roughly $2.81 per square foot. DIY with rented equipment cuts that by 45–60%.

Is insulation cheaper to DIY in San Francisco, CA?

Yes. Labor is most of an insulation bid, so blowing your own attic or installing batts typically saves 45–60% of the installed price. Spray foam, dense-pack wall retrofits and removal jobs are worth hiring out.

What drives insulation prices in San Francisco, CA?

Local labor rates, how far crews travel, attic access, whether old insulation has to be removed first, and the R-value your climate zone calls for. Material prices barely change between states — labor is the swing factor.

Are there rebates in San Francisco, CA?

The federal 25C tax credit covers 30% of insulation and air-sealing material costs up to $1,200 per year, and most utilities add their own attic and air-sealing rebates. Always check with your utility before booking work.

Materials for an insulation job in San Francisco, CA

Fiberglass Insulation Rolls R13Browse current prices and top-rated options on Amazon

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