Carpet

• Carpeted flooringImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Alex Brown
  
  Initially, carpet will be less expensive to install. As of October 2009, basic carpet costs averaged $3 per square foot, not including installation.
  
  

Hardwoods

• Hardwood flooringImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Derrick Tyson
  
  Prices for initially installing hardwood floors will be more expensive. As of October 2009, basic hardwoods costs averaged $5 per square foot, not including installation.
  
  

Cost Difference

• Up-front out-of-pocket expenses will be more for hardwood flooring not only because of material cost but installation will cost more also.
  
  

Significance

• Installation costs vary greatly depending on the company you use and where you live.
  
  

Considerations

• Determine what the area is used for. Carpet in rentals will have to be replaced often, but in a guest bedroom in a home, it can last for years.
  
  

Final Thoughts

• If you choose carpet but have to replace it every two years, hardwood flooring in the long run will cost less because it last many years.