If you’re planning to refresh your home with a new coat of paint, you’ve probably wondered what it’ll actually cost.
I’ve put together this guide to help you understand why painting prices can swing so dramatically from one project to the next.
From tackling a single bedroom to transforming your entire house, I’ll walk you through everything that affects your final bill: room-specific pricing, square footage calculations, labor rates, and material choices.
I’ve even included some helpful calculators to make estimating your project easier. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect when budgeting for your interior painting project.
Average Cost to Paint the Interior of a House
When I look at national averages for interior painting in the U.S., the numbers tell an important story.
Most homeowners can expect to pay based on either square footage or per-room pricing, depending on how contractors structure their bids.
Your total cost will depend on your home’s size, the condition of your walls, and the quality of materials you choose. Regional differences also play a significant role; what you’d pay in rural areas often differs from urban markets.
Understanding these baseline figures helps you set realistic expectations before getting quotes.
| Home Size | Cost Range | Per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) | Per Sq. Ft. (With Labor) | Per Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,500–$4,000 | $0.50–$1.50 | $2.00–$6.00 | $200–$800 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $2,500–$6,500 | $0.50–$1.50 | $2.00–$6.00 | $200–$800 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $3,500–$9,000 | $0.50–$1.50 | $2.00–$6.00 | $200–$800 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $4,500–$11,500 | $0.50–$1.50 | $2.00–$6.00 | $200–$800 |
| 3,000+ sq. ft. | $5,500–$14,000+ | $0.50–$1.50 | $2.00–$6.00 | $200–$800 |
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room
Not all rooms cost the same to paint. Room size, layout, and specific challenges like moisture or grease all impact your final price.
1. Bedroom Painting Cost
Bedrooms are typically the most straightforward rooms to paint, which makes them budget-friendly. A standard bedroom ranges from 120 to 200 square feet, though master bedrooms can be significantly larger.
The simpler the layout and the fewer the windows, the lower your costs.
Most contractors charge between $300 and $750 for a standard bedroom, while larger master suites can run $500 to $1,200. The walls are usually in good condition, requiring minimal prep work.
Ceiling painting adds $150–$350 per room.
2. Living Room & Family Room Cost
Living rooms present unique challenges that drive up costs. These spaces are often the largest rooms in your home, with square footage ranging from 250 to 500 square feet or more.
Vaulted ceilings, multiple windows, built-in shelving, and entertainment centers all require extra time and attention.
Expect to pay $800 to $2,000 for a standard living room, with larger spaces or architectural features pushing costs higher. The complexity of cutting around features significantly impacts labor time.
Ceiling painting adds $200–$500 per room.
3. Kitchen Painting Cost
Kitchens require specialized preparation due to grease buildup and cooking residue. The walls need thorough cleaning and often additional primer to ensure paint adhesion.
You’re also working around cabinets, appliances, and backsplashes, which increases labor time. Kitchen painting typically costs $500 to $1,500, depending on size.
Many homeowners also consider cabinet painting separately, which can add substantially to your budget. Proper ventilation is essential during and after the painting process.
Ceiling painting adds $150–$400 per room.
4. Bathroom Painting Cost
Bathrooms demand moisture-resistant paint formulations to prevent mold and mildew growth. These specialized paints cost more than standard interior paint.
The small size works in your favor, but cutting in around fixtures, mirrors, and tile requires precision work. Most bathrooms cost $200 to $600 to paint.
Proper surface preparation is critical in bathrooms; any existing moisture damage must be addressed before painting. Adequate drying time between coats is essential in these humid environments.
Ceiling painting adds $100–$250 per room.
5. Dining Room, Office, and Hallway Cost
These transitional and specialized spaces each have their own pricing considerations. Dining rooms ($400–$1,000) often feature chair rails or wainscoting that require detailed work.
Home offices ($300–$800) are similar to bedrooms in cost but may have more built-ins.
Hallways are surprisingly expensive per square foot ($150–$500) because of their narrow, high-traffic nature and the wall wear from constant contact. These spaces often need more prep work to repair dings and scuffs.
Ceiling painting adds $100–$300 per space.
Cost per Sq. Ft., Per Hour & Per Wall
Understanding different pricing structures helps you compare contractor quotes accurately. Most painters charge by square footage, which ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot with labor included.
If you’re going the DIY route, expect to pay only $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot for materials. Hourly rates for professional painters typically fall between $25 and $75 per hour, depending on experience and location.
Single-wall projects, like accent walls, cost $100 to $400 each. Textured walls add 20-50% to standard pricing due to the extra paint and labor required for proper coverage.
Interior House Painting Cost by Home Size
Your home’s total square footage is one of the clearest indicators of what you’ll spend on interior painting. Larger homes naturally require more paint, more labor hours, and more time to complete.
| Home Size | Walls Only | Walls + Ceilings | Walls + Ceilings + Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,500–$4,000 | $2,200–$5,500 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $2,500–$6,500 | $3,500–$8,500 | $4,500–$11,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $3,500–$9,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | $6,500–$15,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $4,500–$11,500 | $6,500–$15,000 | $8,500–$19,000 |
| 3,000+ sq. ft. | $5,500–$14,000+ | $8,000–$18,500+ | $10,500–$23,000+ |
Keep in mind that these figures represent typical scenarios. If your home has high ceilings, extensive millwork, or requires significant prep work, your costs will trend toward the higher end of these ranges or beyond.
Cost Breakdown: Materials, Labor & Prep
Understanding where your money goes helps you make informed decisions about your painting project. The total cost breaks down into three main categories: materials, labor, and preparation work.
1. Paint Types & Price Ranges
Paint quality dramatically affects both your upfront costs and long-term results. Different finishes serve different purposes, and understanding these options helps you choose wisely for each room.
- Flat & Eggshell: Flat ($15–$30/gallon) hides imperfections; ideal for ceilings. Eggshell ($20–$40/gallon) offers a subtle sheen for bedrooms and dining rooms.
- Satin & Semi-Gloss: Satin ($25–$45/gallon) is best for high-traffic areas. Semi-gloss ($25–$50/gallon) resists moisture in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Premium & Low-VOC: Higher-end paints ($50–$100+/gallon) provide better coverage, durability, and air quality.
- Coverage: One gallon covers 350-400 sq. ft. Budget for two coats, more for color changes or porous surfaces.
2. Labor Costs & Time Estimates
Labor typically represents 70-85% of your total painting bill. Professional painters structure their pricing in various ways, and understanding how crew size impacts helps you plan your project timeline.
| Project Scope | Crew Size | Time to Complete | Labor Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Bedroom | 1 painter | 6–10 hours (1–2 days) | $200–$500 |
| Multiple Rooms (3–4) | 1–2 painters | 2–4 days | $800–$2,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. Home | 2 painters | 3–5 days | $2,000–$4,500 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. Home | 2–3 painters | 5–7 days | $3,500–$7,500 |
| 3,000+ sq. ft. Home | 3–4 painters | 7–10 days | $5,000–$10,000+ |
3. Prep Work & Additional Services
Preparation work can add significantly to your baseline costs, but it’s essential for achieving professional, long-lasting results.
Here’s what impacts your prep work pricing:
- Surface Repairs: Patching ($50–$150/room), major repairs ($100–$500), sanding ($1–$2/sq. ft.).
- Priming & Stripping: Priming ($0.50–$1.50/sq. ft.), wallpaper removal ($1–$3/sq. ft.).
- Trim & Millwork: Baseboards, crown molding, trim ($1–$3/linear foot).
- Specialty Features: Doors ($50–$150 each), windows ($25–$75 each), built-ins ($2–$6/sq. ft.).
Full Interior Painting Cost Estimator
Calculating your painting project cost doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps that help you estimate your budget accurately before contacting contractors.
Step-by-Step Calculator Inputs
Getting an accurate estimate starts with gathering the right information about your project. Use these key inputs to calculate your total cost:
- Home Size: Measure total square footage or count individual rooms you plan to paint.
- Ceiling Height: Standard 8-foot (baseline), 9-10 foot (add 15-25%), vaulted (add 30-50%).
- Wall Condition: Rate as excellent, good, fair, or poor to determine prep work needs.
- Paint Quality: Budget ($15-$30/gallon), mid-range ($30-$50/gallon), or premium ($50-$100+/gallon).
- Add-Ons: Include ceilings ($0.75-$1.50/sq ft.), trim ($1-$3/linear ft.), doors ($50-$150 each), windows ($25-$75 each).
Example Cost Calculation
For a 1,800 square foot home with standard 8-foot ceilings and walls in good condition, using mid-range paint:
DIY Cost: $1,050
[Paint ($700) + Primer ($125) + Supplies ($150) + Repairs ($75)]
Professional Cost: $8,500
[Materials ($1,050) + Wall labor ($4,500) + Ceiling labor ($1,800) + Trim ($800) + Prep work ($350)]
The DIY route saves around $7,450 but requires 60-80 hours over several weeks, while professionals complete the job in 5-7 days with warranty coverage.
How to Save Money on Interior Painting?
Painting your home doesn’t have to drain your budget. With some strategic planning and smart decisions, you can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
- Time Your Project Strategically: Schedule painting during off-peak seasons (late fall or winter) when contractors offer discounts, and watch for holiday paint sales at major retailers.
- Handle Prep Work Yourself: Save 20-30% on labor by doing your own patching, sanding, taping, and moving furniture before the painters arrive.
- Choose Finishes Wisely: Use flat paint on ceilings and low-traffic areas where durability isn’t critical, reserving premium finishes only for high-use spaces.
- Bundle Multiple Rooms: Painting several rooms at once reduces per-room costs since contractors can work more efficiently, and you’ll negotiate better rates.
- Invest in Color Consultation: Spending a small fee upfront to get colors right prevents costly repainting and ensures you’re happy with the results long-term.
Smart planning makes the biggest difference in your final bill. By combining a few of these strategies, you can easily save hundreds or even thousands on your interior painting project while still achieving professional results.
How Long Does Interior Painting Take?
Understanding project timelines helps you plan around disruptions and set realistic expectations. A single room typically takes one to two days, including prep, painting, and cleanup.
For full homes, expect three to five days for a 1,500 square foot space, and seven to ten days for homes over 3,000 square feet. These estimates assume a professional crew working continuously.
Drying time between coats ranges from two to four hours, but full curing takes two to four weeks. Avoid washing walls or hanging heavy items during this curing period to prevent damage.
Paint Finishes & How They Affect Cost
The sheen level you choose impacts both the upfront paint cost and long-term maintenance expenses.
Different finishes serve different purposes, and selecting the wrong one for a room can lead to premature wear or costly repainting.
| Finish Type | Cost per Gallon | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | $15–$30 | Ceilings, low-traffic bedrooms | Hides imperfections, non-reflective | Not washable, shows scuffs easily |
| Matte | $20–$35 | Adult bedrooms, formal dining rooms | Minimal sheen, classy look | Limited durability, hard to clean |
| Eggshell | $20–$40 | Bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms | Slight sheen, easier to clean than flat | Shows application flaws |
| Satin | $25–$45 | Family rooms, hallways, kids’ rooms | Durable, washable, resists moisture | Highlights wall imperfections |
| Semi-Gloss | $25–$50 | Kitchens, bathrooms, trim, doors | Moisture-resistant, highly washable | Shows every surface flaw |
| High-Gloss | $30–$60 | Cabinets, furniture, accent details | Ultra-durable, dramatic look | Requires perfect surface prep |
High-traffic areas demand more durable sheens like satin or semi-gloss, while low-traffic spaces can use flat or matte finishes. Matching finish to function ensures your paint job lasts for years without premature touch-ups.
The Bottom Line
Now that you understand the full scope of interior painting costs, you’re equipped to make informed decisions for your home.
From calculating square footage and selecting the right paint finish to comparing DIY versus professional options, every choice impacts your budget and results.
Remember that quality preparation work and proper materials create lasting value, even if they increase upfront expenses.
I hope this guide has clarified the factors influencing interior painting costs and helped you develop a realistic budget for your project.
Have questions or want to share your own painting experience? Drop a comment below; I’d love to hear from you!
