How Much Does it Cost to Stage a Home in California?

If you’re preparing to sell a home in California—especially a newly constructed or vacant property—you may be considering professional staging. But one of the first questions sellers, builders, and developers ask is: How much does home staging actually cost?

While prices vary depending on the size of the home, its location, and the level of service required, staging is widely recognized as a worthwhile investment. It helps homes sell faster, often for a higher price, and allows buyers to emotionally connect with the space. For those marketing new builds, model home staging services are often an essential part of the sales strategy.

In this blog, we’ll break down typical staging costs in California, what’s included, and why builders across the state—including those in Placer County and Sacramento—are making staging a core part of their marketing plan.

What Is the Average Cost of Home Staging in California?

In general, professional home staging in California can range from:

• $1,500 to $5,000+ for vacant home staging
• $400 to $700+ for consultation-only services
• $800 to $2,500 per month for furniture rental in staged homes

These figures are ballpark ranges, and actual costs depend on factors like:

• Square footage and number of rooms to be staged
• Whether the home is vacant or occupied
• Location (urban areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles may be priced higher)
• Duration of staging (monthly rental fees are common)

For staging a model home or spec property, builders often budget several thousand dollars for full-service staging, including furniture selection, delivery, setup, and styling.

What’s Typically Included in Professional Staging?

Most model home staging companies provide a comprehensive service that includes:

• Initial design consultation
• Space planning and layout recommendations
• Furniture and accessory selection
• Delivery and installation
• Professional styling
• Monthly rental fees for furnishings and décor
• Removal once the home is sold or the staging term ends

For spec home staging, which involves furnishing a move-in-ready home built without a specific buyer, staging is often focused on key living areas: the living room, kitchen, dining area, and primary bedroom.

Why Builders Choose to Invest in Staging

Staging isn’t just for resale homes—it’s also a powerful tool for new builds. For staging for builders, the goal is to present an empty home as a desirable and livable space that sparks emotional appeal. This is especially true for homes in master-planned communities, where buyers tour multiple properties in a single day.

By furnishing the space with care, builders eliminate the guesswork buyers often face when walking through a vacant house. Staging makes the layout feel more intuitive, highlights architectural features, and creates a lifestyle buyers want to step into.

Whether you’re launching a new development or showcasing a finished unit, new construction staging is a smart investment in your marketing strategy.

How Pricing Varies by Home Type

Let’s look at how costs might differ based on the type of staging project:

• Model home staging: These are typically fully staged from top to bottom, often including multiple bedrooms, living areas, and sometimes outdoor spaces. Costs for full-service model home staging can range from $3,500 to $10,000+, depending on the size and scope.
• Demonstration home staging: Staging a demonstration unit within a development may involve fewer rooms or more flexible design choices. Costs often fall in the $2,500 to $6,000 range.
• Spec home staging: Since these are usually marketed to a broad audience, staging focuses on appeal and layout. Costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000+, with variations based on square footage and staging duration.

Staging Costs in Placer County and Sacramento

In Northern California markets like Placer County and Sacramento, staging rates are typically more affordable than in larger coastal cities but still vary by project.

Model home staging Sacramento services often fall in the mid-range price bracket, offering excellent value for builders looking to make their listings shine without breaking the budget. Local stagers understand regional buyer preferences and can tailor their designs to fit the area’s lifestyle and aesthetic trends.

For those building or selling homes in communities like Roseville, Roseville new construction staging is often focused on open-concept layouts, family-friendly spaces, and transitional or contemporary design styles. These details can dramatically increase buyer interest—and in turn, the final sale price.

Placer County Model Home Staging

Builders in Placer County benefit from working with staging professionals who know the market. A local staging company can provide guidance on current design trends, buyer expectations, and how best to highlight your home’s unique features.

If you’re looking to better understand what’s involved, the Ultimate Guide to Model Home Staging Services in Placer County is a great resource. It outlines what staging services typically include, what timelines to expect, and how to plan your budget based on your specific project goals.

Is Staging Worth the Cost?

In almost every case, yes. When compared to the potential carrying costs of a home that sits on the market too long—or worse, sells below asking price—staging is a relatively small investment. It helps homes sell faster, often for more, and creates a polished first impression both in person and online.

Staged homes photograph better, perform better on real estate platforms, and generate more buyer interest. For builders, staging is not just about looks—it’s about creating an experience that leads to quicker and more confident purchasing decisions.

Final Thoughts

The cost of staging a home in California varies depending on location, square footage, and the type of staging involved. Whether you’re staging a model home, demonstration unit, or spec build, working with a professional staging company ensures your home is market-ready and visually compelling.

For builders in Placer County, Sacramento, and surrounding areas, home staging is one of the smartest ways to drive interest and accelerate sales.

📞 Ready to get started? Call 530-887-9709 or send a message through the website to learn more about local staging services and how they can help your home stand out in today’s market.