How Much Does House Painting Cost in 2026?
Whether you're refreshing the interior before selling or giving your home's exterior a facelift, painting is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make. But costs can vary dramatically — from a few hundred dollars for a single room to tens of thousands for a full exterior repaint of a large home. Here's what you need to know to budget accurately.
Interior Painting Costs
By Room
| Room | Average Cost (Labor + Materials) | |---|---| | Small bedroom (10x10) | $200 – $450 | | Master bedroom (14x16) | $400 – $700 | | Living room | $500 – $1,000 | | Kitchen | $600 – $1,200 | | Bathroom | $150 – $350 | | Hallway | $100 – $300 | | Full home (2,000 sq ft) | $3,500 – $7,500 |
Factors That Affect Interior Painting Cost
Ceiling height: Standard 8-foot ceilings cost less than vaulted or 10-foot ceilings, which require ladders and more labor time.
Wall condition: Heavily patched walls, popcorn ceiling removal, or surfaces that need extensive prep work add cost. Budget an extra $1–$3 per square foot for significant prep.
Paint quality: Big-box store paint ($30–$50/gallon) vs. premium brands like Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin-Williams Emerald ($70–$100/gallon) affects both coverage and longevity.
Number of colors: Using multiple colors in one room adds time for cutting in and masking.
Trim and doors: Painting trim, baseboards, doors, and window casings is typically priced separately at $1–$3 per linear foot.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting is significantly more expensive than interior due to the prep work involved and exposure to weather during the job.
By Home Size
| Home Size | Average Exterior Paint Cost | |---|---| | Small (1,000 – 1,500 sq ft) | $1,500 – $3,500 | | Medium (1,500 – 2,500 sq ft) | $3,000 – $6,000 | | Large (2,500 – 4,000 sq ft) | $5,000 – $10,000 | | Very large (4,000+ sq ft) | $8,000 – $20,000+ |
Exterior Siding Type Matters
- Wood siding: Most labor-intensive; often needs stripping, sanding, and priming
- Vinyl siding: Can be painted but requires proper primer; some painters charge a premium
- Stucco: Requires elastomeric paint; expect 15–25% more than wood
- Brick: Painting brick is permanent and tricky; budget $2–$5 per square foot for labor alone
Regional Pricing Differences
Painting costs vary significantly by location. Here are rough multipliers relative to national average:
- Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA): 20–40% above average
- West Coast (CA, WA, OR): 15–30% above average
- Southeast (FL, GA, NC, SC): 5–15% below average
- Midwest: Near national average
- Southwest (AZ, NM, NV): 5–15% below average
Labor vs. DIY: The Real Comparison
Many homeowners consider DIY painting to save money. Here's the honest breakdown:
| Cost Factor | DIY | Professional | |---|---|---| | Paint (2,000 sq ft interior) | $400 – $700 | Included | | Tools and supplies | $200 – $400 (one-time) | Included | | Time (2,000 sq ft) | 40 – 80 hours | 10 – 20 hours | | Finish quality | Variable | Consistent |
For large projects, especially exteriors or multi-story homes, the time and safety costs of DIY often make professional painting the better value.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
To get an accurate quote from a painting contractor:
- Have your square footage ready — measure walls (length x height) for interiors, or use your home's total square footage for exteriors
- Know your current paint color — painting over dark colors with light paint requires extra coats
- Note any prep work needed — peeling paint, holes, water damage, or mold
- Decide on sheen level — flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss (affects washability and appearance)
- Get at least three quotes — prices can vary 30–50% between contractors for the same job
You can request quotes from local painters on ProBids and compare side-by-side without the hassle of cold calls.
What a Good Painting Quote Includes
- Total square footage to be painted
- Number of coats
- Paint brand and product name
- Prep work included (caulking, patching, sanding)
- Whether primer is included
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Timeline
- Warranty on labor (typically 1–2 years)
Red Flags in Painting Quotes
- No mention of prep work — prep is 60–70% of a quality paint job
- No specification of paint brand or quality — budget paint looks good initially but won't last
- Very short timeline — rushing leads to skipped coats and visible brush marks
- Demands full payment before starting — reputable painters work with a deposit and final payment on completion
Final Word
House painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home. The key is choosing a professional who takes prep work seriously and uses quality materials. Find verified local painters on ProBids to get competitive quotes and see real reviews from homeowners in your area before committing to any one contractor.