Vinyl flooring is a great way to enhance various areas of your home, including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Vinyl flooring installation costs, on average, between $2.50 to $13.50 per square foot.
The prices will vary depending on the type of vinyl you choose, with vinyl sheets on the lower end and luxury vinyl tiles and planks on the higher end. Homeowners can expect to pay $500 to $2,700 for a 200-square-foot area.
In this cost guide, we’ll take a closer look at the costs to install vinyl flooring, taking into account price variations in small and big cities across the country. Let’s get started:
Cost by Location
Labor costs for vinyl flooring installation vary depending on where you live. In general, people in metropolitan areas tend to pay more for this type of installation due to the higher cost of living in these areas. In contrast, labor costs in rural areas may be lower due to a lower cost of living and less competition for skilled labor.
However, vinyl is one of the most popular flooring options in the country, so you’ll have no trouble finding suppliers and installers.
The table below offers a snapshot of the costs to install vinyl flooring across the country:
City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
Northeast U.S. | |
Pawtucket, RI | $2.50 – $13.50 |
New York, NY | $2.70 – $15 |
Southeast U.S. | |
Dothan, AL | $2.40 – $12.70 |
Orlando, FL | $2.50 – $13.50 |
Atlanta, GA | $2.50 – $13.50 |
Midwest U.S. | |
South Bend, IN | $2.60 – $13.80 |
Chicago, IL | $2.60 – $14 |
Northwest U.S. | |
Corvallis, OR | $2.50 – $13.40 |
Seattle, WA | $2.60 – $13.90 |
Southwest U.S. | |
Houston, TX | $2.50 – $13 |
Roswell, NM | $2.50 – $13 |
San Diego, CA | $2.60 – $13.80 |
Cost by Type of Vinyl
If you’re considering vinyl flooring for your home, one important factor is the type of vinyl. Vinyl sheet flooring is the most common and most affordable while luxury vinyl is the most expensive option. From traditional vinyl sheets to luxury vinyl planks, there are a few different styles to choose from:
Type of Vinyl | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) | Definition |
Vinyl Sheet | $1 – $2 | The most common and budget-friendly option; resistant to moisture and easy to clean. |
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) | $1 – $6 | Made of various layers with a wood, plastic, or stone polymer core, giving them more durability than other types. |
Vinyl Plank | $2 – $7 | Can mimic the look of natural wood planks. Designed to be clicked together as a floating floor, so they’re easy to install. |
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $2 – $10 | Thicker, with a wear layer that makes it more durable and resistant to high foot traffic and moisture. Can be clicked together or glued. |
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | $3 – $10 | Perfect for areas with high moisture levels. Thicker than a regular vinyl sheet and has a thick urethane wear layer. |
Cost Estimator by Area Size
The cost of vinyl flooring is typically between $2.50 and $13.50 per square foot, with labor costs included.
While vinyl flooring is generally a budget-friendly option, it’s essential to keep in mind that the costs can add up quickly if you install new flooring in a large area. You can use the table below to get a rough estimate of the total cost of your project:
Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
100 sq. ft. | $250 – $1,350 |
200 sq. ft. | $500 – $2,700 |
300 sq. ft. | $750 – $4,050 |
400 sq. ft. | $1,000 – $5,400 |
500 sq. ft. | $1,250 – $6,750 |
600 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $8,100 |
Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. The actual cost may vary depending on various factors, including the type of vinyl flooring you choose, the complexity of the installation, and other factors, as we’ll see next.
Cost of Labor

Labor costs for installing vinyl flooring range from $2 to $9 per square foot. However, many factors can cause these costs to be closer to the lower or higher end.
For example, vinyl sheets may be the cheapest option to purchase, but they can be more labor-intensive to install, and therefore, the installation costs will be closer to the higher end. Typically, floating floors like vinyl planks, which use a click-and-lock system, are easier to install and cost less in terms of labor than glue-down and peel-and-stick vinyl flooring.
Cost by Coloring Method
The costs for vinyl flooring can vary depending on the coloring method of the material. There are two methods to add color and patterns to vinyl sheets and planks: printed or inlaid.
- Printed vinyl flooring is made by printing the color and pattern onto the surface layer of the material. This type of vinyl flooring is generally less expensive because it is easier to produce, at $1 to $6 per square foot. VCT and vinyl sheets are usually produced this way, and some vinyl planks, too.
- Inlaid vinyl flooring is created by embedding granules of colors through the material, which gives it more detail and texture than just printing it. Inlaid vinyl costs between $5 and $12 per square foot, and most luxury options like LVT and LVP are made this way.
Cost by Core Type
One important aspect of vinyl flooring to consider is the type of core it has. There are two main types of cores for vinyl flooring: rigid and flexible. Flexible core vinyl costs slightly less than rigid core vinyl, but it is more prone to warping, bending, and tears and is not as comfortable to stand on.
On the other hand, rigid-core vinyl has a solid core that provides extra stability and support that can last for decades. There are two types of rigid core vinyl flooring: WPC (wood polymer composite) and SPC (stone polymer composite):
- Wood polymer core (WPC) vinyl flooring is made with a wood and plastic composite core that is durable and waterproof, making it suitable for use in areas prone to moisture and high traffic. It is also resistant to scratches due to its thick wear layer. It costs between $4 and $12 per square foot.
- Stone polymer core (SPC) vinyl flooring is made from a composition of stone and plastic. It can mimic the look of wood and stone while being durable and stable. It costs between $3 and $7 per square foot.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
One of the best things about vinyl is that it is very easy to install, especially vinyl planks. With their simple click-together design, even someone with little or no experience in home improvement can easily install vinyl planks.
However, the subfloors must be leveled and can’t contain any cracks, so you might need to use a self-leveler to even out the subfloor before installing the vinyl planks. You can also install vinyl over your existing floors, as long as they are clean and flat.
With a DIY project, you’ll spend around $113 on equipment, or even less if you already have some of the equipment at home. In addition, you’ll be saving from $2 to $9 per square foot on labor costs. However, a professional can ensure that everything is properly installed, and you don’t have to re-do anything.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Several factors can affect the cost of vinyl flooring installation. Understanding these factors can help you better plan for and budget your vinyl flooring project.
Plank Thickness
Vinyl planks come in various thicknesses, with thicker options being more durable and costing more. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) tend to be thicker than other vinyl planks and can be a good choice for high-traffic areas.
For these high-traffic areas, it is recommended to choose vinyl planks with a thickness of at least 8 millimeters and a wear layer of 12 mils.
Subfloors and Underlayment Repairs
If your subfloor has become damaged by water, rot, or anything else, you might need to replace it with a new one. When the subfloors are not perfectly level, it can lead to unevenness in your finished vinyl floors, and fixing it after the installation will be tricky.
Replacing the subfloor costs between $2 and $7 per square foot.
However, suppose you’re looking to simultaneously reduce noise and create a smooth surface. In that case, consider installing an underlayment, which costs $2 to $5 per square foot. Keep in mind that underlayments are only necessary for thinner vinyl flooring and can be skipped when you’re using thick luxury vinyl planks.
Removal of Old Flooring
In some cases, contractors may need to remove the existing flooring before installing the new vinyl flooring because not all vinyl options can be installed directly over the existing surface.
Old flooring removal costs between $1 and $4 per square foot, with prices varying depending on the type of flooring material.
FAQ
Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper to Install Than Tile?
Yes, vinyl flooring is much cheaper to install than tile. Typical tile flooring materials like ceramic and porcelain cost from $7 to $50 per square foot to install compared to vinyl at $2.50 to $13.50 per square foot.
Does Luxury Vinyl Plank Add Value to Your Home?
Vinyl flooring does not typically add value to a home as hardwood flooring does. Still, suppose your old flooring is falling apart, and you replace it with luxury vinyl planks. In that case, it can increase your home’s overall appeal to potential buyers.
Give Your Home a Makeover
Vinyl flooring is a go-to choice for many homeowners because it is durable, versatile, and affordable. With so many styles to choose from, it’s easy to find something that fits both your space and your budget. So, now it’s time to start planning for a flooring update in your home.
Costs in this article are derived from national and local sources and are accurate at the time of reporting and writing.
See Related:
By room:
By floor type:
- Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
- Bamboo Flooring Cost Guide
- Linoleum Flooring Cost Guide
- Laminate Flooring Cost Guide
- Cork Flooring Cost Guide
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