In markets where smooth drywall is the norm, the preferred system is called "veneer plaster" or more commonly, "Blueboard". In the Boston area the cost is the same as taped drywall and you would need to specify taped drywall if you didn't want Blueboard. Other than for DIY work, I haven't seen a taped drywall job in 50 years and I've never seen a textured finish.

Search for those key words on the internet, If you can find a local contractor who installs it, you might be able to save most of that upcharge. Veneer plaster is so beautiful I always hate to see it get painted.

I don't think anyone will notice the difference except for people who are aware that there are different finishes for drywall, and that orange peel isn't a smooth finish. this group consists largely of people in construction, and people who have been presented with this choice, usually through home building or remodeling. I did read somewhere that the west, at least California, orange peel is the norm. personally I had no idea my current home's walls weren't smooth until I was asked to make the choice for my new build.

Consider a visit to an optometrist.

Not every house should be limited to paint for its interior finish.

It's funny how regional it is. Here in central NY, the subject of wall finish almost never comes up; it's always smooth drywall, even in commercial work. That doesn't mean it's quality work. Anything other than a flat paint on a poor drywall job is asking for trouble.

@res2architect, if you are going to use wallpaper you need to have a smooth finish to begin with! My Spanish style house has an "old world" texture on the walls. I had to pay to have the walls skim coated to be able to install the wallpaper. It wasn't cheap to have this extra step. If you like wallpaper at all, then it makes sense to pay upfront to have the whole house done in a smooth finish.

That was my point: if you don't have smooth walls you are limited to a paint finish.

There is no extra upfront cost for rock hard smooth veneer plaster where I live.

I first used veneer plaster in the 70's for college dormitories and elderly housing because of its superior durability and paint longevity. It was readily available because of the long tradition of Irish plasterers in Boston. By the 80's it was standard for all gypsum wallboard but not because if its superior quality but because it could be done in a day or two without sanding and was cheaper.