Painting your home’s interior is an easy way to give it a fresh, new look. Many homeowners ask, “How much does it cost to paint a house interior?” Prices will depend on the size of the house, the paint type, and the services employed by a professional or DIY provider.
Depending on the room size, a full house could cost a few hundred or several thousand dollars. Ceiling heights, wall texture, and the coats also influence the cost.
This article will help you examine how costs are estimated and what determines the cost. It will also give you tips on saving money so that you can be sure of success when you undertake your painting project.
Cost of Painting by Square Foot
Home size is the primary factor in painting costs. Larger spaces mean more paint and labor, so the price increases. Here is the breakdown of how much is it to paint a house interior by square foot:
Home Size (sq. ft.) | Estimated Cost Range($) |
500 | 1,000-2,500 |
1,000 | 2,000-5,000 |
1,500 | 3,000-7,500 |
2,000 | 4,000-10,000 |
2,500 | 5,000-12,500 |
3,000 | 6,000-15,000 |
3,500 | 7,000-17,500 |
4,000 | 8,000-20,000 |
What Factors Affect Interior Painting Costs
Home painting gives your house a new appearance, yet a number of elements determine how it will cost you:
- Property Condition: Older houses need more preparation and cost more to paint.
- Decorative Details: Homes with decorative features take extra time and effort.
- The Space Access: Home furniture slows down work and increases the cost.
Other Factors Affect Interior Painting Rates
Other factors besides the home’s condition and access can affect the overall cost of interior painting, such as:
- Total area to be painted.
- Number of rooms.
- Ceiling height.
- Type and number of paint colors used.
- Damage to walls.
- Decorative plaster or other special finishes.
Interior House Painting Cost by Bedrooms
The cost of interior house painting is often estimated by the number of bedrooms, giving homeowners a clear idea of what to expect. Here is the detailed cost with the number of bedrooms:
Number of Bedrooms | Walls Only ($) | Ceilings + Walls +Trim ($) | Average Total Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 Bedroom | 350-650 | 700-1,500 | 1,200-5,500 |
2 Bedrooms | 350-650 per room | 700-1,500 per room | 1,800-8,000 |
3 Bedrooms | 350-650 per room | 700-1,500 per room | 2,000-10,000 |
4 Bedrooms | 350-650 per room | 700-1,500 per room | 3,000-13,000 |
5 Bedrooms | 350-650 per room | 700-1,500 per room | 4,000-15,000 |
Apartment Painting Cost
The cost of painting apartments may differ depending on their size and rooms and the quantity of detail or preparation required.
The table below shows the average prices of apartment painting by size and number.
Apartment Size / Bedrooms | Walls Only ($) | Walls + Ceilings+Trim ($) | Average Total Cost ($) |
Studio / 1 Bedroom | 300-600 | 600-1,200 | 1,000-3,500 |
2 Bedrooms | 400-700 per room | 700-1,400 per room | 1,500-5,000 |
3 Bedrooms | 400-700 per room | 700-1,500 per room | 2,000-6,500 |
4 Bedrooms | 500-750 per room | 800-1,600 per room | 3,000-8,000 |
Condo Painting Cost
Condo painting costs vary with size and service. Here is a brief table with average prices:
Condo Size in sq. ft | Walls Only ( / Basic)($) | Walls + Ceilings + Trim ( / Standard)($) | Full Service / Premium ($) |
600 | 1,200-1,800 | 1,800-2,400 | 2,400-3,600 |
800 | 1,600-2,400 | 2,400-3,200 | 3,200-4,800 |
1,000 | 2,000-3,000 | 3,000-4,000 | 4,000-6,000 |
1,200 | 2,400-3,600 | 3,600-4,800 | 4,800-7,200 |
Room Painting Cost
The size of an individual room can also help estimate painting costs.
Average painting prices in 2025 based on room sq ft and the level of service:
Room Size (ft²) | Walls Only($) | Walls + Trim+ Ceilings($) | Full Service (Walls, Ceilings, Trim)($) |
80 | 160-480 | 24-720 | 320-960 |
100 | 200-600 | 300-900 | 400-1,200 |
120 | 240-720 | 360-1,080 | 480-1,440 |
144 | 288-864 | 432- 1,296 | 576-1,728 |
216 | 432-1,296 | 648-1,944 | 864-2,592 |
224 | 448-1,344 | 672-2,016 | 896-2,688 |
300 | 600- 1,800 | 900-2,700 | 1,200-3,600 |
320 | 640-1,920 | 960-2,880 | 1,280-3,840 |
400 | 800-2,400 | 1,200-3,600 | 1,600-4,800 |
500 | 1,000-3,000 | 1,500-4,500 | 2,000-6,000 |
Bathroom Painting Cost
Bathroom painting costs are based on size, ceiling height, and the detail to add.
Table showing the estimated costs in 2025.
Bathroom Size | Walls Only($) | Walls+ Ceiling + Trim($) | DIY Cost (Supplies Only)($) |
3′ x 5′ | 100 – 420 | 200 – 830 | 50 – 100 |
4′ x 6′ | 130 – 540 | 260 – 1,100 | 60 – 120 |
4′ x 8′ | 170 – 660 | 340 – 1,300 | 80 – 150 |
5′ x 7′ | 170 – 660 | 340 – 1,300 | 90 – 160 |
5′ x 8′ | 190 – 720 | 370 – 1,400 | 100 – 180 |
5′ x 10′ | 220 – 840 | 440 – 1,700 | 120 – 200 |
6′ x 9′ | 220 – 840 | 440 – 1,700 | 130 – 220 |
7′ x 9′ | 240 – 900 | 470 – 1,800 | 140 – 230 |
8′ x 10′ | 270 – 1,000 | 530 – 2,000 | 150 – 250 |
10′ x 10′ | 300 – 1,100 | 600 – 2,300 | 160 – 270 |
10′ x 12′ | 330 – 1,300 | 660 – 2,500 | 180 – 300 |
12′ x 13′ | 380 – 1,400 | 760 – 2,900 | 200 – 330 |
15′ x 15′ | 460 – 1,700 | 920 – 3,500 | 250 – 400 |
Living Room Painting Cost
The most significant section of a house interior to be painted can be the living room; the costs can be significant, depending on the area and details. The following is a rough cost estimate of the process of painting the living room in 2025:
Room Size | Walls Only($) | Walls + Ceiling + Trim($) | DIY Cost (Supplies Only)($) |
10′ x 10′ | 400 – 1,200 | 800 – 2,400 | 150-300 |
10′ x 12′ | 480 – 1,400 | 960 – 2,800 | 150-300 |
12′ x 12′ | 580 – 1,700 | 1,160 – 3,400 | 150-300 |
12′ x 14′ | 680 – 2,000 | 1,360 – 4,000 | 150-300 |
14′ x 14′ | 760 – 2,200 | 1,520 – 4,400 | 150-300 |
15′ x 15′ | 850 – 2,400 | 1,700 – 4,800 | 150-300 |
16′ x 16′ | 960 – 2,800 | 1,920 – 5,600 | 150-300 |
Kitchen Painting Cost
The prices of kitchen painting are based on the size and inclusions: the walls, ceilings, trim, and self-help. A simple table could be easily referred to as below:
Kitchen Size / Area | Walls Only ($) | Walls + Ceiling + Trim ($) | Full Service / Premium ($) | DIY Supplies ($) |
Small(~100 sq ft) | 200 – 400 | 330 – 660 | 400 – 800 | 150 – 300 |
Medium(~200 sq ft) | 400 – 700 | 570 – 1,210 | 700 – 1,400 | 150 – 300 |
Large(~300 sq ft) | 600 – 1,000 | 850 – 1,800 | 1,000 – 2,000 | 150 – 300 |
Cost by Interior Surfaces
Painting a house isn’t just about the walls. Here’s a breakdown of how much is it to paint a house interior for different surfaces:
Interior Surface | Cost($) | Notes |
Cabinets | 900 – 3,500 or 3 – 8 per sq. ft. | Commonly, kitchen cabinets and smaller projects are charged per square foot. |
Ceilings | 1 – 2.50 per sq. ft. | It depends on the ceiling texture; it is usually less expensive than the walls. |
Doors | 40 – 100 per door | Easy to paint yourself due to its small size. |
Trim | 1 – 3 per linear foot | Includes baseboards, crown molding, wainscoting; $500–$1,500 for a 1,500 sq. ft. home. |
Walls | 1 – 2 per sq. ft. | Slightly higher if walls have unusual angles or features. |
Costs To Do It Yourself
The overall price is more than just paint when you do your own painting. You will need to think about the quality, type, and finish of the paint, primer, and materials required. This is a breakdown that will assist you in setting up your own painting budget in case you do it yourself:
- Paint Costs by Quality
Quality | Price per Gallon ($) | Notes |
Value | 15 – 35 | Basic paint may require more coats |
Mid-tier | 35 – 50 | Better coverage and durability |
Premium | 50 – 60+ | Long-lasting finish, High-quality pigments |
- Paint Costs by Type
Type | Notes |
Latex / Water-based | Easy to use and clean; slightly cheaper. |
Oil-based | Smooth finish, better adhesion, harder to work with. |
- Paint Costs by Finish
Finish | Notes |
Flat | No shine, good coverage, least durable. |
Eggshell | Slight shine & durable for medium-traffic areas. |
Satin | Common: good balance of coverage & durability. |
Semi-gloss | Glossy, stain-resistant, &shows imperfections more easily. |
High-gloss | Shiniest & most durable; shows brush marks, harder to apply. |
- Primer Costs
Primer Type | Price ($) | Notes |
Standard 1-gallon | 20 – 30 | Base coat for paint adhesion. |
Standard 5-gallon | 50 – 100 | Bulk for large areas. |
Low-cost 1-gallon | 10 – 20 | Cheaper option. |
Self-priming paint | 25 – 45 | Paint+primer in one; best for touch-ups or same-color repainting. |
- How Much Paint You Need
Step | Description |
Measure surface area | Length × Width × Wall Height, minus windows/doors. |
Gallons for 1 coat | Divide surface area by 400 sq. ft. per gallon. |
Gallons for two coats | Multiply by 2 (most walls need two coats). |
Round up | Round up to the nearest whole gallon. |
- Essential Equipment and Supplies
Item | Price ($) |
Brushes | 3 – 20 |
Rollers | 10 – 20 |
Paint trays | 3 – 5 |
Painter’s tape | 3 – 10 |
Drop cloth | 5 – 30 |
Scraper | 5 – 20 |
Sandpaper | 5 – 30 |
Ladder | 80 – 300 |
DIY Or Hiring Professionals
You can paint your home yourself or hire professionals. Doing it yourself is cheaper but takes more time. Hiring pros costs more but is faster and usually looks better.
- Professional Painting: Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
The job is done quickly and consistently | Higher cost due to labor |
No need to buy expensive tools | Must work around the painter’s schedule |
No risk of strain or injury |
- DIY Painting: Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Saves money on labor | Results may be uneven depending on skill |
Can work at your own pace | Must buy tools and supplies |
More control over the outcome | Time-consuming |
Paint Quality & Material Costs
The quality of paint, finish, and the supplies that you use can greatly influence the cost and outcome.
Item | Options / Notes | Cost Range ($) |
Paint Types | Latex, Oil-based, Eco-friendly | Varies |
Primer | Needed for bright colors or repaired walls | 10 – 30 per gallon |
Paint Finish | Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-gloss | Adds to paint cost |
Supplies | Brushes, rollers, drop cloths, painter’s tape | 50 – 150 (DIY) |
How To Save Money On Interior House Painting
To make your home look fresh without breaking the budget, you can do the following to save on the interior painting cost with ease:
- Do preparations yourself: Clean walls, patch holes, and tape edges before painting.
- Paint rooms together: It will cost less than on a room-by-room basis.
- Pick standard colors: Custom mixes usually cost more.
- Get paint in bulk: Buy paint in bulk or during discounts.
- Try partial DIY: Paint the walls yourself and hire pros for tricky areas like trim.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
The initial step towards planning your budget for painting is getting the correct quote.. Here’s what to do:
- Get several quotes: Compare prices based on 2-3 quotes from different painters.
- Request the details: Prep, labor, paint, and clean-up should be estimated.
- Check reviews: Look at past work and references for quality.
- Confirm timeline and warranty: Get the job finish date and whether touch-ups are covered.
Other Costs and Considerations
In some cases, it can be more expensive to paint the interior of your house than you think. A few common reasons include:
- Accent Walls: They require additional colors or designs that consume additional time and paint.
- Location: It is more expensive to paint in such costly cities as New York or San Francisco.
- Rough or Bumpy Walls: Rough walls are more difficult to paint and may increase costs by 0.50-1 dollar per square foot.
- Damage to Wall: The price for cracks, holes, or other damage that requires repair will increase.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Paint A House Interior?
It depends on the size and detail. Small homes take 2–4 days, and larger homes take about a week. Preparation, drying, and trim work require additional time.
Why do Two Houses Of The Same Size Have Very Different Painting Costs?
Costs vary due to wall condition, ceiling height, doors/windows, paint quality, and location. Homes with damaged walls or detailed trim cost more.
Should I Hire A Professional Or DIY My Interior Paint Project?
DIY is an inexpensive, time-consuming, and talent-based activity. Professionals are more expensive, faster, better finished, and prepare and clean the dishes. Decide according to money, time, and comfort.
Is Cheap Paint Really More Expensive In The Long Run?
Yes. Low-quality paint usually requires additional coats, has a shorter lifespan, and fades sooner, thus requiring repainting on a more regular basis. Quality paint is expensive in the short run but saves in the long run.
Do Painter’s Quotes Include The Cost Of Paint?
Most of the quotes include paint, although some might charge individually. Always have a written estimate with details to know what is included.
Conclusion
Interior painting can entirely change the appearance and experience of your house. Painting costs depend on your house size, wall condition, type of paint, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Knowing these factors helps you understand how much is it to paint a house interior and plan your budget.
Every project differs; it can be a small bathroom or a large living room. It is essential to have a precise estimate. By planning and advising correctly rather than making assumptions or taking risks of hidden costs, you can save time, money, and stress.
Looking for reliable and detailed painting estimating services? Whether for a single room or your entire home, Prime Estimation helps you avoid surprises and stay within budget.
Contact us today and get your free quote.
