Cost to Paint the Interior of a House

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Refreshing the interior of your home with a fresh coat of paint can transform its look and feel. Below are the details of the costs, factors, and pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional painter.

Average Interior Painting Costs

Cost Range: $2–$6 per square foot (walls, trim, and ceilings included).
National Average: $2.75 per square foot for walls only; $4.70 including trim and ceilings.
Single Room: $200–$1,000.
Full House (2,500 sq. ft.): $5,000–$10,000.

Costs by Room Type

| Room | Average Cost |
|-----------------|----------------------|
| Bathroom | $150–$300 |
| Bedroom | $300–$750 |
| Dining Room | $700–$1,400 |
| Living Room | $900–$2,000 |
| Kitchen | $300–$750 |

Costs by Paint Type

| Paint Type | Cost per Gallon |
|-------------------------|---------------------|
| Primers | $10 |
| Flat Paint | $13 |
| Semi-Gloss Paint | $17 |
| High-Gloss Enamel | $35 |
| VOC-Free Paint | $35 |

A standard room requires about 6 gallons of paint per coat, depending on the surface.

Costs by Surface

| Surface | Cost per Linear Foot |
|-------------------------|--------------------------|
| Baseboards/Trim | $1–$3 |
| Hard-to-Reach Areas| $6 |
| Walls | $1–$2 |
| Ceilings | $1–$3 |

Factors Affecting Cost

Square Footage: Larger homes require more paint and labor.
Prep Work: Sanding, patching, and priming cost $0.50–$0.75 per sq. ft.
Paint Quality: Premium brands and specialty finishes increase costs.
Labor: Professionals charge $20–$50 per hour.
Geographic Location: Prices vary by region (e.g., higher costs in urban areas).
Extra Services: Accent walls, textured surfaces, or popcorn ceiling removal add 20%–50% to costs.

DIY Painting Costs

| Item | Cost |
|-------------------------|----------------------|
| Paint | $15–$35/gallon |
| Primer | $10 |
| Brushes & Rollers | $10–$17 (kit) |
| Painter’s Tape | $3–$18 |
| Drop Cloths | $2–$20 |

Total DIY Cost: $200–$300 for tools and materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

| Aspect | DIY | Professional |
|--------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|
| Cost | $200–$300 | $2–$6 per sq. ft. |
| Time | 1 room/day | Entire home in 3–4 days|
| Finish Quality | Varies | Professional-level |
| Risks | Mistakes, uneven coats | None |

Recommendation: Hire a professional for large projects or specialized needs (e.g., textured walls, ceilings).

Tips to Save Money

Prep the Space: Move furniture, tape edges, and patch walls yourself.
Bundle Projects: Paint multiple rooms or surfaces at once for discounts.
Shop Smart: Use contractor discounts or purchase paint during sales.
Use Standard Colors: Avoid custom shades or finishes.

With proper planning, interior painting can be a cost-effective way to revitalize your home. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, understanding the costs and factors helps ensure a successful project.