One of the most affordable methods of updating your home and adding value to it is by painting the inside of your house. However, the most frequently asked question from homeowners, before choosing colors and inviting a painter, is: How much does it cost to paint a house interior?
The response is based on various factors such as size of the house, quality of the paint, labor expenses, and preparation. This guide dissects what you need to know so that you can budget on the safe side.
Average Cost to Paint a House Interior
The general price per house interior painting is in the range of:
- $3,000 to $8,000 for a whole house
- $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot of floor space
- $300 to $1,200 per room
Smaller houses or apartments are less expensive, whereas bigger houses with tall ceilings or detailed trim may be pricier.
Cost Breakdown by Home Size
Here’s a general estimate based on average home sizes:
Small Homes (800-1,200 sq ft)
Cost: $1,500 – $3,500
Best for: Apartments, condos, small, single-family houses
Medium Homes (1,300-2,500 sq ft)
Cost: $3,000 – $6,500
Best for: Most suburban homes
Large Homes (3,000+ sq ft)
Cost: $6,500 – $10,000+
Best for: Large or luxury houses with high ceilings
These prices usually include labor, basic prep, and standard paint.
Factors That Affect Interior Painting Costs
Labor Costs
Labor makes up 70–80% of the total cost.
Professional painters typically charge:
- $20-$50 per hour, or
- $2-$6 per square foot of wall surface
Rates vary by region. Labor costs are normally higher in cities and coastal states as compared to rural areas.
Paint Quality and Type
Prices for paint vary greatly according to brand and quality:
Budget paint: $20-$35 per gallon
Mid-range paint: $40-$60 per gallon
Premium paint: $70-$100+ per gallon
Better quality paints are longer lasting, offer better coverage, and in most cases, fewer coats of paint are needed, which is cost saving in the long run.
Number of Coats
The majority of interior painting projects involve the use of two coats of paint. Dark colors, strong accents, or significant color shifts might need another coat, which can add up.
Surface Preparation
Prep work is mandatory and can be a big factor on price.
This includes:
- Patching holes and cracks
- Sanding rough areas
- Repairing drywall
- Removing wallpaper
- Priming walls
Houses that have broken walls or old surfaces are normally expensive to paint.
Ceiling Height and Architectural Details
Increased ceilings mean increased paint and work.
The cost-increasing features are:
- Vaulted ceilings
- Crown molding
- Baseboards and trim
- Doors and window frames
It can cost a project an extra $500-$2,000 to paint the trim and doors alone.
Cost to Paint Interior by Room
The following are the average prices that homeowners might pay per room:
Bedroom
$300 – $800
Living Room
$600 – $2,000
Kitchen
$400 – $1,500
Bathroom
$200 – $600
Hallways and Closets
$100 – $500
The cost of the product is determined by the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and the trim work.
DIY vs Professional Interior Painting Costs
DIY Painting Costs
If you paint yourself, you’ll mainly pay for materials:
Paint: $200 – $600
Materials (rollers, brushes, and tape): $100 – $300
Ladder, drop cloths, primer: $100 – $200
Total DIY cost: $400 – $1,000
Painting yourself saves cash, but it takes time, effort, and talent.
Professional Painting Costs
Employing a professional provides:
- High-quality finish
- Faster completion
- Proper surface preparation
- Clean-up included
Professional work is more expensive, but it takes longer and appears more impressive.
Additional Costs to Consider
Some services may not be included in basic estimates:
Wallpaper removal: $1 – $3 per sq ft
Large drywall repairs: $50 – $100 an hour
Accent walls or special finishes: $200 – $1,000 additional
Furniture transport: May be an additional cost or a job that will need homeowner assistance
A detailed quote should be requested at all times to prevent unexpected costs.
How to Save Money on Interior Painting
The following are intelligent methods of cutting expenses without compromising quality:
- Get several estimates from various painters
- Select neutral colors that demand fewer coats
- Do minor prep work yourself
- Paint off-season (end of fall or winter)
- Buy paint during sales at major retailers
Is Interior Painting Worth the Cost?
Yes—interior painting offers one of the highest returns on investment for home improvement projects.
Fresh paint:
- Makes a home look better immediately
- Prevents deterioration and dampness of walls
- Increases resale value
- Freshens up and modernizes a room
Painting is an affordable way to upgrade your home that has long-term paybacks for many homeowners.
