Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Cost

Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Cost ComparedCarpet costs $3.50-$11/sq ft installed; hardwood $8-$25/sq ft installed. See lifetime cost, resale value, and where each floor wins in a US home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is carpet or hardwood cheaper to install?

Carpet is 50-70% cheaper. Carpet averages $3.50-$11/sq ft installed; hardwood averages $8-$25/sq ft installed in 2026.

Does hardwood add more resale value than carpet?

Yes — hardwood adds 3-5% to home resale value. Carpet is neutral or adds 0-1% and buyers often plan to replace it within a year.

Which lasts longer, carpet or hardwood?

Hardwood lasts 25-100 years with 3-5 refinishes. Carpet lasts 7-12 years before replacement.

Should I put carpet or hardwood in bedrooms?

Carpet is warmer, quieter and cheaper for bedrooms. Hardwood is more allergy-friendly and easier to clean — both are common in US bedrooms.

Can I mix carpet and hardwood in the same house?

Yes — the most common US layout is hardwood in living/dining/kitchen and carpet in bedrooms, stairs and basements. Use matching T-molding transitions.