How Much Does Painting Cost
How much does painting cost? is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. Costs vary significantly based on project scope, surface condition, paint quality, and whether you hire a professional or DIY.
Interior Painting Costs
By Room
| Room | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | $50-100 | $150-400 | Small but detailed; moisture prep needed |
| Bedroom (10x12) | $75-150 | $300-750 | Standard two-coat job |
| Kitchen | $100-200 | $400-800 | Degreasing; more complex surfaces |
| Living room (14x18) | $100-250 | $500-1,000 | Larger area; may include accent wall |
| Whole house interior | $400-1,200 | $2,000-6,000 | Depends on size, prep, and rooms |
By Square Foot
| Category | Cost per Sq Ft | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (paint only) | $0.50-1.50 | Paint and supplies; your labor is free |
| Professional (budget) | $2.00-3.00 | Basic prep, two coats, standard paint |
| Professional (mid-range) | $3.00-4.50 | Good prep, two coats, premium paint |
| Professional (premium) | $4.50-6.00+ | Extensive prep, multiple colors, top-tier paint |
Exterior Painting Costs
| House Size | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1,000 sq ft) | $300-700 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Medium (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | $500-1,200 | $3,000-6,000 |
| Large (3,000+ sq ft) | $800-2,000 | $5,000-12,000+ |
Exterior costs are higher due to ladder/scaffold needs, weather constraints, and more extensive prep work.
Factors Affecting Cost
| Factor | Impact on Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prep work | +20-50% | Extensive repair, scraping, sanding adds significant labor |
| Paint quality | +$10-40/gallon | Premium paint ($40-70/gal) vs budget ($20-30/gal) |
| Number of coats | +50% per extra coat | Dark-to-light changes may need 3-4 coats |
| Ceiling height | +15-30% | Above 9 feet requires scaffolding or tall ladders |
| Trim complexity | +$1-3/linear foot | Crown molding, wainscoting, detailed trim add time |
| Color changes | +10-20% | Dramatic changes need tinted primer + extra coats |
| Multiple colors | +10-25% | Each additional color requires separate cutting in |
| Lead paint | +50-200% | Lead testing and safe removal adds significant cost |
Paint Cost by Brand Tier
| Tier | Price/Gallon | Coverage | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $20-30 | 300-350 sq ft | Behr Premium Plus, Glidden Premium |
| Mid-range | $35-50 | 350-400 sq ft | Benjamin Moore ben, Sherwin-Williams Cashmere |
| Premium | $50-70 | 400-450 sq ft | Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Sherwin-Williams Emerald |
| Ultra-premium | $70-90+ | 400-450 sq ft | Benjamin Moore Aura, Farrow & Ball |
False economy warning: Cheap paint often requires 3+ coats and fades faster, costing more long-term than premium paint that covers in 2 coats and lasts years longer.
DIY vs. Professional Cost Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Paint (2-bedroom house) | $200-400 | $200-400 (included in bid) |
| Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths) | $75-150 | Included |
| Tools/equipment | $50-200 (if buying) | Included |
| Labor | Free (your time) | $1,500-4,000 |
| Time | 3-7 days | 1-3 days |
| Quality | Good (with care) | Professional |
| Total | $325-750 | $2,000-4,500 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy quality paint — covers in fewer coats, saving time and total paint volume
- Use tinted primer for color changes — reduces finish coats needed
- Calculate accurately — avoid buying too much (or too little, requiring another trip)
- Paint in off-season — professional painters may offer winter discounts (10-20%)
- Do your own prep — hire pros for painting only; do cleaning, taping, and moving yourself
- Buy in 5-gallon buckets — 10-15% cheaper per gallon than individual cans
- Ask about contractor pricing — many paint stores offer pro discounts to homeowners who ask
- Paint multiple rooms — professionals offer better per-room rates for larger jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 12x12 room?
A 12x12 bedroom costs approximately $75-150 DIY (2 gallons of paint at $35-50 each plus supplies) or $300-750 professionally depending on prep work needed, paint quality, and your location. This assumes 8-foot ceilings, two coats on walls, trim painting included, and moderate prep work. Add $50-100 for ceiling painting and more for extensive drywall repair.
Is it worth hiring a professional painter?
It depends on the project. For simple single-room repaints with minor prep, DIY saves significant money and produces good results with patience. For multi-room projects, exterior work, high ceilings, or cabinet painting, professionals offer speed, quality, proper equipment, and insurance. Professional painting also makes sense if your time is valuable — a pro does in 2 days what might take a homeowner 5-7 days. See How to Hire a Painter for tips.
How do I get an accurate painting estimate?
Measure the paintable square footage: multiply room perimeter by ceiling height, subtract windows (~15 sq ft each) and doors (~21 sq ft each). Divide by 350 for gallons per coat, multiply by 2 for two coats. Add 10-15% for waste. For professional estimates, get at least 3 written quotes that itemize prep work, number of coats, paint brand/quality, and timeline. Be wary of estimates significantly below others — they usually cut corners on prep or use inferior paint.
