How Much Does It Cost To Stage A House?

Last Updated on March 26, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If you’re preparing to sell your home, staging is a smart move to maximize appeal and value. But many sellers wonder—what does professional staging cost? Here we break down the typical fees and ranges.

This guide covers national averages, cost factors, staging options from DIY to virtual staging, and tips to keep your budget on track. Read on for an in-depth look at investing in home staging services.

How Much Does It Cost To Stage A House?

The costs to stage a home range from $500 to $15,000 on average, with typical costs falling between $1,500 to $5,000 for light to mid-range staging of a 2,000 square foot house with 3-5 bedrooms. For full-service staging of an entire vacant 5-bedroom, 3,000 square foot property, expect to invest $8,000 to $12,000.

What does professional home staging run on average? Typical costs include:

• $500-$5,000 to stage a partial home – 1-3 key rooms
• $1,500-$10,000+ for full house staging of a vacant property

Per room, expect to invest $200-$500 per room for light staging. A 5-room house often costs $1,000-$2,500.

By square footage, fees usually run $0.10-$0.30 per sq. ft. on average for occupied homes. For a 2,000 sq ft house, expect $200-$600.

Sellers pay around $1,900 on average for staging—but local rates vary.

According to Bankrate, home sellers typically pay between $837 and $2,924 for home staging, with an average cost of $1,844, based on 2025 data from HomeAdvisor. The initial consultation can cost between $150 and $600. For vacant homes, furniture rentals can run $500-$600 per room, per month. Generally, staging costs about 1% of a home’s list price for a two to three-month period.

The Staging Company reports that home staging costs between $752 and $2,837 on average, citing HomeAdvisor data. They emphasize that while these numbers may seem high, staging often results in a faster sale and higher sale price, making it a worthwhile investment.

HomeLight provides a range of costs, stating that some home staging quotes can be as little as a few hundred dollars, while others can run into the thousands. For vacant homes, staging costs can start around $2,350 to $3,350 as a base price for standard areas. Luxury home staging can cost up to $10,000 for larger floor plans.

Redfin reports that on average, home staging costs around $1,500 but can range anywhere from $600 to $4,000. They break down costs into initial design consultations ($150 to $600), room-by-room staging (about $500 to $600 per room), and hourly rates for stagers ($25 to $150 per hour).

Fixr provides a detailed breakdown, stating that the average homeowner pays $1,000 to $3,000 for professional home staging. A simple consultation can cost around $200, while full-service staging with furniture rentals and redesign can cost up to $10,000. They also provide a breakdown of costs by number of bedrooms, ranging from $250 to $3,000 for occupied homes and $3,000 to $6,000 for empty houses.

What Is Home Staging

Home staging involves preparing and showcasing a home for sale through furniture arrangement, decorative accents, de-cluttering and more. It creates a welcoming space that highlights your property’s best features.

The goal is increasing perceived value and buyer interest. Staged homes sell faster and for more money—a wise investment for sellers.

Factors Influencing Staging Pricing

Multiple variables cause staging costs to rise or fall:

• Home size – Larger houses with more rooms cost more for full staging.
• Occupancy status – Vacant homes require complete furniture, increasing fees.
• Location – Competitive, high-value markets drive staging rates higher.
• Scope – Full staging for every room costs more than partial.
• Duration – Longer staging terms increase costs.
• Furniture – Renting all new pieces is pricey. Some pros markup rentals at 50-100% profit.
• Experience – Top stagers command higher rates but deliver results.

Vacant vs Occupied House Staging

For vacant home staging, investment ranges from $3,000-$12,000+. The stager must supply all furniture, lighting, and décor. Rental and delivery fees add up quickly for vacant properties. This route works best for outdated, lived-in homes needing a fresh facelift.

For an occupied home, light staging with the owner’s existing furniture often runs $500-$5,000 on average. The pro stager works with what’s already there, rearranging and enhancing through styling.

If the occupant’s furniture is dated, stagers may rent select new pieces. This raises costs but prevents buyers from viewing the home as outdated.

You might also like our articles on the cost of cleaning out a house, building a guest house, or selling a house.

Typical Staging Services and Fees

A full home staging package often comprises:

• Consultation – Assess needs & develop plan $150-$300
• Decluttering – Removal of excess items $50-$100 per hour
• Furniture rental & styling – Delivery & placement $50-$250 each
• Accessorizing – Art, plants, pillows $20-$75 per item
• Photography – Enhanced listing photos $75-$200 each
• Installation/tear down – Labor fees $50-$100 per man hour

It takes skill, time, and the right equipment to execute staging properly. Costs add up but the impact is significant.

DIY Home Staging vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY home staging costs $100-$2,000+. With some elbow grease to clean, rearrange furniture, add decor accents, and declutter, you can create an improved look yourself.

But professional home stagers bring expertise, furniture access, an objective eye, and marketing tools to sell your home faster and for the optimal price.

Pro staging costs $500-$15,000 on average for full services. But this drives roi through higher offers and faster sales.

Virtual Staging

If budgets are tight, virtual staging digitally enhances listing photos for $50-$150 per image. Software inserts upgraded furnishings into your actual space.

While not as robust as physical staging, it lets buyers “see the possibilities” and improves perceived home value on sites like Zillow. An affordable middle ground.

Home Staging Delivers Real ROI and Value

Does the upfront investment pay off? Data proves home staging delivers substantial ROI:

• Staged homes sell 73% faster on average per the National Association of Realtors.
• Staging enables sellers to list for 8-12% more based on increased marketability.
• Around 98% of real estate agents recommend staging to clients.

Take into account how faster sales, higher prices, and negotiated terms can net thousands in extra profit. Staging is a cost-effective, value-driving strategy.

Tips For Affordable Staging

If hiring a full pro stager exceeds your budget, consider:

• Start with an initial staging consultation for expert tips at $150-$300.
• Declutter ruthlessly—buyers want to imagine their own items.
• Rearrange and style furniture for better flow.
• Add festive throw pillows, plants and artwork under $200 total.
• Focus on high-traffic rooms: living room, master bedroom, kitchen. Get those areas buyer-ready on a budget.

Even limited staging improvements impress buyers and can increase your home’s selling potential.

How to Choose the Right Stager

Look for home stagers who:

• Have 5+ years of experience in both staging and real estate.
• Will provide a customized quote based on your home size, needs and budget.
• Offer hourly rates or flat fees rather than marking up furniture rentals.
• Have great reviews and come recommended by realtors in your area.
• Use industry software and innovative tools like virtual staging.

Get quotes from at least three stagers before selecting your pro. Avoid overspending on unnecessary services.

Final Words

In competitive housing markets, staging is a smart investment for selling quickly and for top dollar. While costs range $500-$15,000, staged homes yield higher offers that repay the upfront fees.

For best returns, work with an experienced home stager within your target budget. Or start with DIY improvements for key rooms. With the right strategy, sellers can reap substantial financial rewards from showcasing their home’s full potential.

Answers to Common Questions

How much does it cost to stage a house in the Bay Area?

For the San Francisco Bay Area’s competitive housing market, expect to invest $5,000-$15,000 on average for full house staging. Regional stagers charge higher rates but generate fast sales and big returns.

What happens to staging furniture?

Professional stagers handle removing all rented furniture and decor items after closing. These inventory items get reused for future clients. Any permanent fixtures would convey to the buyer.

What is the best way to stage a house?

Focus on de-cluttering, opening up spaces, rearranging furniture for flow, styling with neutral decor, and enhancing lighting and color schemes. Creating a clean, inviting environment tailored to the target buyers tops any specific trend.