Spray Foam Insulation cost: Burlington vs Raleigh (2026)
In 2026, spray foam insulation is about 4% less expensive in Burlington than in Raleigh. Most homeowners pay around $3,600 in Burlington versus $3,750 in Raleigh — a gap of roughly $150.
Burlington NC
Lower costTypically around $3,600
Raleigh NC
Typically around $3,750
Burlington vs Raleigh: full breakdown
| Factor | Burlington | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $3,600 | $3,750 |
| Estimated range | $1,450–$5,750 | $1,500–$5,950 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.96 | ×0.99 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | None | None |
| Labor share | $2,000 | $2,050 |
| Materials/equipment | $1,600 | $1,700 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national spray foam insulation range for local labor, climate and permits.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
4% is within noise for spray foam insulation — contractor selection and timing move the price more than which of these two metros you're in.
Spray foam insulation by type: Burlington vs Raleigh
Every spray foam insulation type gets its own localized price for each metro, using the same labor, climate and permit adjustments — a true apples-to-apples comparison.
| Type | Burlington | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Open-cell | $1,450–$4,300 | $1,500–$4,450 |
| Closed-cell | $2,400–$6,700 | $2,450–$6,900 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national spray foam insulation range for local labor, climate and permits.
Spray foam insulation by area: Burlington vs Raleigh
Spray foam is priced by board foot (1 sq ft at 1 inch thick), which works out to about $1.50–$5 per sq ft of surface installed depending on foam type and thickness. Closed-cell costs more but adds twice the R-value per inch.
| Size | Burlington | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $850–$2,300 | $900–$2,350 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,450–$3,800 | $1,500–$3,950 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,100–$5,250 | $2,200–$5,450 |
| 2,000+ sq ft | $2,700–$6,200 | $2,750–$6,450 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for spray foam insulation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Cheapest time for spray foam insulation in either city
The fall insulation rush drives prices up because everyone's thinking about the coming winter at once. Book in spring or summer instead, when demand is lower and rebate funds haven't been claimed yet.
How much insulation is worth paying for?
R-value, air-sealing and material decide both the price and the payback. Our editors on the trade-offs.
The rebate case
Few home projects come with rebate support like insulation does — utility and state programs routinely offset a meaningful slice of the bill (the federal 25C credit closed in December 2025). Run your address through DSIRE first, and book when a program's yearly budget has just refilled.
The R-value case
Insulate to the DOE recommendation for your climate zone — under-insulating to save money leaves comfort and energy savings on the table that would have paid the job back.
The air-sealing case
Insulation without air-sealing underperforms. Sealing leaks first is cheap and often delivers more comfort per dollar than thicker insulation alone — make sure it's in the scope.
Don't half-do an insulation job to save money upfront: seal the air leaks first, insulate to the DOE target for your zone, and stack the rebates. The full scope pays back faster than the partial one.
Burlington vs Raleigh
Is spray foam insulation cheaper in Burlington or Raleigh?
Burlington comes out ahead here, at roughly $3,600 for spray foam insulation compared with $3,750 in Raleigh — a 4% ($150) gap as of 2026.
Why does spray foam insulation cost more in Raleigh than Burlington?
The main driver is local labor rates: Raleigh's labor index is 0.99 versus 0.96 in Burlington. Climate zone (mixed vs mixed) also shift the total.
How much is spray foam insulation in Burlington, NC?
spray foam insulation in Burlington runs $1,450–$5,750 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $3,600.
When is the cheapest time to buy spray foam insulation — and does it differ by city?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Burlington and Raleigh: book during Spring and summer for about 5–10% in savings. The pre-winter fall rush is the priciest stretch in both cities, mostly due to emergency replacements.
Should I choose where to live based on spray foam insulation cost?
Rarely. The $150 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Raleigh by buying in the off-season and getting tighter, apples-to-apples bids. Ongoing factors — energy prices, climate and home condition — matter more over the life of the system.
Compare spray foam insulation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik