How Much Does It Cost to Stage a House in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Homeowners spend an average of $1,843 on home staging, with most projects ranging from $832 to $2,926. Factors like your home's size, the level of staging services, and any necessary repairs or upgrades can influence this cost. Working with a professional home stager eliminates stress while you’re selling your home, ensures efficient work, and provides a design that’s appealing to potential buyers.

House Staging Cost Factors

Home staging costs depend on a number of factors, including home size, upgrades, and more. Here’s a closer look at how these factors break down.

Home Occupation

Occupied homes cost an average of $800 to stage because stagers can utilize your existing furniture and decor. On the other hand, staging a vacant home averages $2,000 since it involves more labor-intensive design work, including sourcing and arranging furniture and decorations.

Occupied homes aren’t always less costly to stage, however. Since staging is about maximizing a home's appeal and aesthetic potential, mismatched furniture, clutter, or similar issues may require more work to remedy than a vacant home.

Staging companies offer varying pricing structures and tiers, but most offer basic, standard, and luxury service packages. Basic staging usually includes minimal furniture and decor and focuses on key areas, such as the living room or master bedroom. Luxury staging involves premium furniture, artwork, and decor for a polished and upscale look. Standard staging is the most common, and it includes a broad range of furniture and decor for several main rooms.

House Size

The size of your home influences staging costs. Larger homes require more time, effort, and resources, especially if you're staging multiple rooms or even outdoor spaces. Rooms like the living room, primary bedroom, and dining room are often more expensive to stage because they need more furniture and decor to showcase their potential. 

In contrast, utility areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room usually cost less to stage since they typically have built-in designs and require fewer additional items.

Location

Where you live can impact staging costs. In upscale neighborhoods or areas with a higher cost of living, you might pay more for staging services. For example, staging a home in Denver averages $1,050, while in Los Angeles, it can average $4,000.

Furniture and decor

Sourcing furniture and decor is one of the most variable costs when staging your home. If your house is empty, you'll need to rent or buy furniture, which costs an average of $500 to $600 per room per month. The exact cost depends on the quality and style you choose, but many homeowners spend an average of $2,000 per month on furniture rentals. Some stagers may charge extra for decor items like rugs, throw pillows, lighting, and artwork, while others might include these in their services using their own inventory.

Repairs and Upgrades

Before staging, your stager might recommend certain repairs or upgrades to make your home more appealing to buyers. These improvements could be as simple as updating cabinet hardware or more involved, like tackling significant remodels if needed. Generally, focusing on cosmetic upgrades or minor repairs, like fresh paint, new light fixtures, fixing leaks, or basic landscaping, can give you the best return on investment.

Deep Cleaning and Organization

Deep cleaning is all about scrubbing every surface—floors, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms—to make your home shine.

Even the most well-planned staging can't hide dirt and clutter. Effective staging shows potential buyers what their future home could look like—stylish and inviting, without the personal touches and wear and tear of daily living. By cleaning, decluttering, and depersonalizing, you help buyers envision themselves in the space. 

Many homeowners choose to tackle deep cleaning, staging, and moving all at once. Bundling these services can save time and money. 

Staging Service Fees

Staging services can vary based on what your home needs. Some costs are one-time flat fees, while others might be recurring monthly expenses. Many home staging companies offer different pricing structures, such as:

• Packages: Comprehensive services bundled for a fixed price.

• Hourly Rates: Paying for the stager's time, averaging between $150 and $600 for an initial consultation.

• Per Room: Costs based on the number of rooms staged.

• Per Square Foot: Pricing determined by your home's size.

• Set Fees: A predetermined cost for specific services.

• Percentage of Listing Price: A fee based on a percentage of your home's listing price.

Consultation and Ongoing Services

Staging begins with a consultation, costing between $150 and $600. During this meeting, a staging professional will assess your property, offer recommendations, and discuss potential costs based on your needs and budget.

After creating a staging plan, they'll provide you with an overview and a detailed cost estimate. Many stagers offer services in 30-day increments, though some may require a commitment of 60 or 90 days.

Furniture Arrangement

Renting high-quality furniture isn’t necessarily enough to present your home in a broadly appealing way. Stagers arrange furniture in a manner that enhances the home’s flow, maximizes space, and shows homebuyers the space's potential.

Organization and Decluttering

Removing personal items can make your home more appealing to buyers. Staging companies often offer professional organization services, costing an average of $800, to help streamline your space and create a welcoming environment.

Redesign

If your home’s layout or decor is outdated or in poor repair, a redesign or remodel may be necessary to improve its appeal. Stagers may provide interior or exterior design services, making recommendations for your home’s style and helping to facilitate the services to implement redesigns.

Budgeting for Home Staging

If you're looking to save on staging costs, here are some strategies to consider:

• Focus on key rooms: Staging just the essential areas—like the entryway, kitchen, and primary bedroom—can be more budget-friendly, especially in larger homes.

• Start with a consultation: Before committing to full staging services, meet with a stager for a consultation to get their recommendations and cost estimates.

• Consult your real estate agent: Your agent knows the local market well and can advise you on which staging efforts will provide the best return on investment.

• Avoid extra projects: While additional renovations can enhance your home, they can also add up. For instance, refacing cabinets costs an average of $7,200, and repainting interior walls averages $2,000. Stick to what's necessary to keep costs down.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Home Stager

Staging a home may seem like an easy DIY project, but there are many elements that make hiring a professional a wise choice. Selling your home is a stressful time, and professional stagers help alleviate this by expertly handling furnishings, decor, rentals, and set up. They also have the knowledge and experience to create the right design and layout that’s most appealing to prospective buyers.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.