In order to answer this question more appropriately, even the carpet padding retailer himself would ask you a couple of questions before you get his answer. But then, if you are looking for a range of carpet padding prices, it would vary from 25 cents to $2 per square foot. Also there are lots of other factors that would come into play like the place you stay, retailer you choose etc.
For more accurate answer, you need to be clear with the product you are expecting which in turn would dictate how much does carpet padding cost. Here is what you need, to estimate the cost. Be clear with all these aspects before you go to the retailer or just give him a call to get the exact price quotation.
Quality and comfort
As usual better the quality, higher the price. If you need that great feel when you walk on your carpet, then better quality of cushions should be chosen. Thicker the padding, better cushioning effect it would provide and more comfortable it will be. And thicker carpet padding cost you little extra compared to thinner.
But compromising on thickness is not always preferred, when life of the carpet is a priority. In order to protect the carpets from wear and tear due to traffic, a prescribed thick padding should be used. Check the thickness prescribed by carpet cushion council for residential and commercial purposes.
Type of padding you need
How much traffic you expect on your carpet is the main factor to consider while choosing the type of the carpet padding. For example, the foam carpet padding is not suitable for high traffics. The air cushioning it provides will be lost soon once under the heavy traffic. On other hand, the slab rubber and frothed foam padding will have better life and sustain the traffic, but will be expensive.
Check the different types of padding here.
Feature and extra requirements
Along with quality there are other characteristic features that you would expect from the carpet padding. In case you have kids or pets at home you would need a moisture resistance padding to protect it from getting wet by pet urine or other stuffs. Also you can look for specialized padding that would provide you better heat insulation or sound proofing.
Other properties like antimicrobial treatments or hypoallergenic insulation carpet padding would cost extra compared to simpler ones.
Type of carpet you have
All the padding out there in market doesn’t suit all the carpet materials. For some of the carpets, the padding material should match. Based on your carpet material the retailer or a carpet expert should tell you, what would suit your carpets?
It is always preferred to buy the padding along with the carpets from the same retail shop, which should help you selecting the right padding.
Now that you are clear with your requirements, finding the cost of carpet padding will be simple. Once you know what product you are looking for, you can just log into any reputed retailer to find out the exact price.