House Painting Cost (2026): Interior, Exterior, and Per Room Pricing#

A fresh coat of paint is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make. The national average for professional house painting in 2026 runs $2 to $6 per square foot for interiors and $1.50 to $4 per square foot for exteriors, but the total bill depends heavily on prep work, paint quality, and where you live.

We analyzed pricing data from over 54,000 painting contractors across our directory network to break down what homeowners are actually paying. Here is the full picture.

Interior Painting Costs#

Per Room Averages#

| Room | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Bathroom | $200 | $400 | $700 | | Bedroom (standard) | $300 | $500 | $900 | | Master bedroom | $400 | $700 | $1,200 | | Kitchen | $350 | $600 | $1,100 | | Living room | $400 | $750 | $1,300 | | Dining room | $300 | $550 | $950 | | Hallway | $200 | $400 | $700 | | Stairwell | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |

Most single rooms cost $300 to $750 to paint professionally. Rooms with high ceilings, extensive trim, or difficult access (stairwells) sit at the higher end.

Whole-House Interior#

| Home Size | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Under 1,000 sq ft | $1,500 | $2,800 | $5,000 | | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,500 | | 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $4,000 | $7,000 | $12,000 | | 2,500-3,500 sq ft | $6,000 | $10,000 | $16,000 | | 3,500+ sq ft | $8,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 |

A typical 2,000 sq ft home costs $5,000 to $9,000 for a full interior paint job with two coats and standard prep. Prices include walls and ceilings but not always trim, doors, and closets -- ask for itemized quotes.

Exterior Painting Costs#

Exterior painting generally costs less per square foot than interior work, but the total project size is often larger.

| Home Size | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Under 1,000 sq ft | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 | | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 | | 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $3,000 | $5,500 | $9,000 | | 2,500-3,500 sq ft | $4,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 | | 3,500+ sq ft | $6,000 | $10,000 | $18,000 |

Exterior Surface Breakdown#

| Surface | Cost per Sq Ft | Notes | |---|---|---| | Wood siding | $1.50-$3.50 | Requires primer if bare wood | | Vinyl siding | $1.00-$2.50 | Often does not need primer | | Stucco | $1.50-$4.00 | Textured surface uses more paint | | Brick | $1.50-$3.00 | First coat on bare brick costs more | | Fiber cement (Hardie) | $1.50-$3.00 | Holds paint well, good ROI | | Trim and fascia only | $1,000-$3,000 flat | Common refresh option |

Trim-only painting is a popular option when siding is in good shape but trim is peeling or faded. Budget $1,000-$3,000 depending on the linear footage and number of windows.

Cost by City#

| City | Avg. Interior (per sq ft) | Avg. Exterior (per sq ft) | vs. National Avg. | |---|---|---|---| | Houston, TX | $2.50 | $1.75 | -12% | | Phoenix, AZ | $2.75 | $2.00 | -5% | | Atlanta, GA | $2.75 | $2.00 | -5% | | Chicago, IL | $3.50 | $2.50 | +15% | | Denver, CO | $3.25 | $2.25 | +8% | | New York, NY | $4.50 | $3.25 | +45% | | Los Angeles, CA | $4.00 | $3.00 | +35% | | Miami, FL | $3.00 | $2.25 | +2% | | Seattle, WA | $3.75 | $2.75 | +22% | | Dallas, TX | $2.75 | $1.75 | -10% |

Coastal metros with high labor costs run 25-45% above average. Southern and Southwestern cities are consistently the most affordable markets for painting.

Paint Quality Tiers#

The paint itself makes up 15-25% of the total project cost. The tier you choose affects both price and durability.

| Tier | Price per Gallon | Coverage | Durability | Best For | |---|---|---|---|---| | Builder grade | $20-$30 | 350-400 sq ft | 3-5 years | Rentals, flips | | Mid-range | $35-$50 | 350-400 sq ft | 7-10 years | Most homeowners | | Premium | $55-$80 | 400-450 sq ft | 10-15 years | High-traffic areas, exteriors | | Ultra-premium | $80-$120 | 400-450 sq ft | 15-20 years | Front doors, trim, accent walls |

Premium paints cost 2-3x more per gallon but cover better (fewer coats needed) and last significantly longer. For exteriors exposed to harsh weather, premium paint is almost always worth the upcharge. The labor cost stays the same regardless of paint tier, so upgrading paint quality adds only $200-$800 to a typical project.

Popular premium brands: Benjamin Moore Regal/Aura, Sherwin-Williams Emerald/Duration, PPG Diamond. These consistently outperform builder-grade products in independent wear tests.

Prep Work Costs#

Prep work is where painting projects get expensive -- and where cutting corners causes the most problems. Professional prep typically includes:

| Prep Task | Cost Range | When Needed | |---|---|---| | Pressure washing | $150-$400 | Exterior, always | | Scraping and sanding | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | Peeling or flaking surfaces | | Caulking windows and trim | $1-$3 per linear ft | Gaps, cracks, failed old caulk | | Primer coat | $0.50-$1.00/sq ft | Bare wood, stains, color changes | | Lead paint testing | $300-$600 | Homes built before 1978 | | Lead paint abatement | $8-$15/sq ft | If lead is found and disturbed | | Drywall repair | $75-$300 per patch | Holes, cracks, water damage | | Wood rot repair | $200-$1,000 per area | Exterior siding, trim, fascia |

Lead paint warning: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Federal law requires EPA-certified renovators (RRP Rule) for any work that disturbs lead paint. This adds $500-$3,000 to the project but is legally required and protects your family's health.

Prep work adds 20-40% to the base painting cost. A painter who quotes significantly below competitors is often skipping prep -- which means the new paint will fail within 2-3 years instead of lasting 7-10.

Factors That Affect Your Painting Bill#

1. Number of colors. Each additional color requires separate setup, masking, and cleanup. A single-color interior job costs 15-20% less than a multi-color scheme.

2. Ceiling height. Standard 8-foot ceilings are straightforward. Rooms with 10-foot, 12-foot, or vaulted ceilings require ladders or scaffolding and take longer. Expect a 20-30% premium for high ceilings.

3. Condition of existing surfaces. Clean walls in good condition need minimal prep. Walls with stains, patches, texture differences, or peeling paint need more work before the first coat goes on.

4. Trim and detail work. Crown molding, wainscoting, built-in shelving, and multi-pane windows all add time. Trim work is typically quoted separately at $1-$3 per linear foot.

5. Furniture and floor protection. Professional painters include basic floor covering and furniture moving, but rooms packed with heavy furniture slow the process. Clear rooms before the crew arrives if possible.

How to Save Money on House Painting#

• Get three quotes. Our data shows a 35% average spread between the lowest and highest quote in the same metro. Find painters near you to compare.
• Paint in the off-season. Late fall and winter (outside Sun Belt states) are slower months. Many painters offer 10-15% discounts to fill their schedule.
• Do your own prep. Washing walls, moving furniture, removing outlet covers, and taping trim yourself can save $500-$1,500 on a whole-house job.
• Choose fewer colors. A cohesive two or three color palette across the entire home is faster and cheaper than unique colors in every room.
• Combine interior and exterior. If both need work, hiring one crew for both jobs often earns a 5-10% volume discount.
• Skip the ceiling if it is in good shape. Ceilings that are clean and not stained can often be left alone, saving 15-20% on interior costs.

How to Find a Reliable Painter#

Painting has a lower barrier to entry than plumbing or electrical work, which means the quality range is wider. Protect yourself by checking:

• State contractor's license (required in most states for jobs over $500-$1,000)
• General liability insurance (minimum $500,000 -- ask for a certificate)
• Workers' compensation coverage (especially for exterior work with ladders)
• EPA RRP certification (required for pre-1978 homes)
• Portfolio of recent work (photos or addresses you can drive by)

Our directory includes transparency scores for each painter based on licensing status, review history, and pricing data. Browse painters in your area to compare ratings and costs.

FAQ#

How much does it cost to paint a single room?#

A standard bedroom costs $300-$900 to paint professionally, with most homeowners paying around $500. Price depends on room size, ceiling height, number of colors, and prep work needed.

How long does a professional paint job take?#

A single room takes 4-8 hours. A full interior (1,500-2,500 sq ft) takes 3-5 days. Exterior painting for an average home takes 4-7 days depending on weather, prep needs, and crew size.

How often should you repaint your house?#

Interior walls last 7-10 years between coats with quality paint. Exteriors last 5-10 years depending on climate, sun exposure, and paint quality. High-traffic areas (kitchens, hallways, kids' rooms) may need refreshing every 3-5 years.

Is it worth paying more for premium paint?#

Yes, in most cases. Premium paint covers better (often one coat instead of two), lasts 50-100% longer, and resists stains and fading. The paint cost difference on a typical room is only $50-$150, but you save on repainting frequency and labor.