A fresh coat of paint can completely change how a home feels. Whether someone wants brighter rooms, a cleaner exterior, or a full home makeover, painting is often one of the simplest upgrades with the biggest visual impact. But before starting a project, most homeowners want to understand what painting will cost, what affects the pricing, and whether it’s better to hire a professional or paint the home themselves.
Painting costs in the United States can vary widely because every home is different. The size of the property, the type of paint used, labor rates in each state, and the condition of the walls all play a role in the final price.
The cost of painting a house varies based on size, labor, and materials. On average:
Interior painting: $2 to $4 per square foot. This includes paint, labor, and basic preparation.
Exterior painting: $2.50 to $6 per square foot, depending on surface type, preparation, and weather-resistant coatings.
Full home paint job: $4,000 to $15,000+, depending on home size and the complexity of the job.
These costs may fluctuate based on the size of the home, the type of paint, and the region.
Home Size | Interior Cost (Avg) | Exterior Cost (Avg) | Full House Cost |
1,000 sq ft | $2,000 – $4,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
1,500 sq ft | $3,000 – $6,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
2,000 sq ft | $4,000 – $8,000 | $4,000 – $9,000 | $8,000 – $17,000 |
3,000 sq ft | $6,000 – $12,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
In general, exterior painting tends to cost more than interior painting, and this is due to several reasons:
Preparation and Materials:
Labor Complexity:
As a result, exterior projects are generally more expensive than interior painting, though both come with their own set of variables.
| Area | Low Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Interior painting price per sq ft | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| Exterior painting price per sq ft | $2.50 | $6.00 |
| Interior house painting rates (labor only) | $1.00 | $2.50 |
| Exterior house painting rates (labor only) | $1.50 | $3.50 |
Material Cost Only
Interior paint: $25 – $60 per gallon
Exterior paint: $35 – $80 per gallon
Primer: $15 – $40
Tools (brush, roller, tape): $30 – $80
DIY Painting Cost
A typical 1500 sq ft home costs:
$300 – $700 in materials
No labor cost
Lots of time and effort required
Professional Painting Cost
For the same 1500 sq ft home:
Interior: $3,000 – $6,000
Exterior: $3,000 – $7,000
| Type of Paint | Cost Per Sq Ft (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Interior paint | $0.40 – $0.80 |
| Exterior paint | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Primer | $0.15 – $0.35 |
| Trim + Baseboard paint | $0.50 – $1.20 |
| Job Type | Labor Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Interior painting labor | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Exterior painting labor | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Room painting labor | $1.00 – $2.00 |
Painting a single room is a more manageable task compared to painting an entire house. However, whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the costs vary significantly.
Material Costs:
The cost of materials is the same whether you paint a room yourself or hire a contractor. A gallon of paint covers about 350–400 sq ft, and most rooms will need about two gallons. The total material cost can range from $50 to $150 depending on the type of paint (e.g., matte, satin, or semi-gloss).
DIY Costs:
If you decide to tackle the project yourself, you will spend primarily on paint and supplies (rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, drop cloths, etc.). A typical DIY room paint job could cost anywhere from $100 to $400 depending on the size of the room and the materials you choose. While the material costs are lower for DIY, this option requires time, effort, and the skill to achieve a professional finish.
Professional Costs:
Hiring a professional painter adds labor to the cost. Professional rates usually range from $200 to $1,000 per room, depending on room size, the level of detail required (e.g., trim, doors, or crown molding), and the region’s labor rates. A professional painter will also typically offer a warranty on their work, ensuring a high-quality result.
| Room Size | Material Only | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small room (120 sq ft) | $40 – $80 | $100 – $150 | $200 – $450 |
| Medium room (200 sq ft) | $60 – $120 | $150 – $250 | $300 – $700 |
| Large room (300 sq ft) | $80 – $160 | $200 – $350 | $450 – $1,000 |
When estimating the cost of painting a home, it’s important to account for both interior and exterior areas, as well as the labor, materials, and preparation required. For a typical 1,500 sq ft home, here’s a breakdown:
Interior Painting:
The cost of painting the interior of a 1,500 sq ft house can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the complexity of the project and the type of paint used. This estimate typically includes wall preparation, painting doors and trim, and applying two coats of paint.
Exterior Painting:
For the exterior of a 1,500 sq ft home, expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000, especially if the exterior needs repairs, pressure washing, or sanding before painting. The exterior cost will also vary depending on the siding material (wood, stucco, vinyl), which requires different types of paint and preparation.
Several factors, such as the height of the home, location, and climate, may also impact the price, as more labor and specialized equipment (e.g., scaffolding) might be necessary.
Here is the quick breakdown:
Request a material Takeoff or Cost Estimate.
While painting your home is a significant investment, there are ways to lower costs:
Do It Yourself (DIY):
One of the easiest ways to reduce costs is by doing the work yourself. While this may take more time, it eliminates the labor cost of hiring a professional.
Use Affordable Paint:
While premium paints offer better durability, there are high-quality but more affordable options available that still provide great coverage.
Prepare the Surface Yourself:
If you can, handle the preparation work—such as cleaning, patching holes, and sanding—on your own. This will save a considerable amount on labor costs.
Get Multiple Quotes:
Don’t settle for the first quote. Get at least 3–5 estimates from different contractors to compare prices and services.
Paint During Off-Season:
Painting contractors tend to have fewer jobs in the winter months, which could result in discounted rates.
Quick Tips:
Several factors can impact the total cost of a painting project:
Home Size and Layout:
Larger homes will obviously cost more to paint due to the increased surface area. Additionally, homes with high ceilings or complicated layouts (e.g., open floor plans, intricate trim work) require more time and effort, leading to higher costs.
Quality of Paint:
Paint quality plays a big role in cost. Higher-quality paints are more expensive but tend to last longer and require fewer coats, ultimately reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Preparation Work:
The amount of prep work needed will increase labor costs. This can include cleaning, sanding, priming, filling holes, or removing old paint. Older homes often require more preparation to ensure the surface is smooth and ready for painting.
Location:
Costs vary significantly from state to state due to differences in labor rates and material costs. Urban areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher painting costs, while rural areas tend to be more affordable.
See how our material takeoff and estimate look before you request one. We provide clear, accurate estimates
Typically, every 5 to 10 years for interiors, and 5 to 7 years for exteriors, depending on the paint quality and weather conditions.
Yes, a freshly painted home can increase its curb appeal and overall market value.
Yes, but exterior painting in cold temperatures may cause the paint to take longer to dry, which can affect the final outcome.
Labor costs usually account for 50%–70% of the total project cost.
Yes, due to the need for ladders or scaffolding, labor costs are higher for multi-story homes.
Primer helps paint adhere better to the surface, covers stains, and blocks colors underneath, while paint adds color and finish.
Yes, hiring a licensed contractor ensures the work is completed professionally and meets local regulations.
