If you’re planning to paint your home, you’re probably thinking about how much it’ll cost.
The truth is, there isn’t a single price that fits every house. Costs can change based on your home’s size, the type of paint you choose, how much prep work is needed, and local labor rates.
In this guide, you’ll learn how much it costs to paint a house, both inside and out, plus what affects pricing and how to estimate your total before hiring a painter.
It’s a simple way to plan your budget with confidence and make sure you get the best results for your money.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?
When you combine all factors: size, prep, paint quality, and labor, the total cost to paint a home can range from $2,000 to $15,000 or more.
Interior jobs usually fall between $2–$6 per square foot, while exteriors average $1.50–$5.00 per square foot.
Getting a few local quotes, checking what’s included, and planning ahead will help you stay within budget and get long-lasting results.
Painting a house isn’t a one-price-fits-all project. The cost depends on several things: your home’s size, wall or siding condition, paint quality, and local labor rates.
On average, interior painting costs $2–$6 per square foot, while exterior painting costs $1.50–$5 per square foot.
Let’s try to breakdown this cost!
Costs of Painting the Interior
If you’re planning to refresh your home’s interior, understanding how prices are calculated helps you budget wisely before hiring a painter.
1. Cost per Square Foot
Interior painting costs usually include paint, prep, and labor. Most homeowners spend around $2–$6 per square foot for walls and ceilings.
The price depends on surface condition, the number of coats, and ceiling height. Homes needing repairs, detailed finishes, or color changes often fall on the higher end of this range.
2. Interior Cost by Home Size
The total cost depends largely on your home’s size. Smaller homes typically cost less overall but more per square foot.
| Home Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $2,000–$6,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $3,000–$9,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $4,000–$12,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $5,000–$15,000 |
For example, painting a 1,000 sq. ft. home may cost $2,000–$6,000, while a 2,500 sq. ft. home can reach $15,000 depending on prep work, trim, and paint quality used throughout.
3. Room-by-Room Cost Estimates
If you’re only painting certain rooms, costs vary by size and complexity. Bedrooms may run $300–$800, while larger spaces like living rooms range from $600–$1,500.
| Room Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $300–$800 |
| Living Room | $600–$1,500 |
| Kitchen | $400–$1,000 |
| Bathroom | $150–$400 |
| Ceiling or Trim (separate) | $200–$600 |
Kitchens and bathrooms usually cost less but may need moisture-resistant paint. Ceilings and trim are often priced separately depending on height and detail.
4. Labor and Material Breakdown
Labor is the biggest part of any painting job, often 70–85% of the total cost. Paint quality also matters; premium paints offer better coverage and last longer.
Prep work, such as sanding, taping, or patching, can raise the price slightly but ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish that looks professional.
Costs of Painting the Exterior
If you’re updating your home’s exterior, the cost can vary based on siding material, home size, and prep work. Understanding these details helps you plan a realistic budget before hiring a painter.
1. Cost per Square Foot
Exterior painting typically ranges from $1.50–$5.00 per square foot. Single-story homes usually cost less because painters can reach most areas easily.
Two-story homes need extra prep, ladders, and safety equipment, which raises labor costs and extends project time.
2. Cost by Home Size
Here’s an overview of what you might spend depending on the home’s total square footage:
| Home Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $2,500–$7,500 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $3,000–$10,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $4,000–$12,500 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $5,000–$15,000 |
Larger homes often need more prep and paint, especially if there’s peeling or exposed wood. Multi-story homes also take longer due to setup time.
3. Cost by Siding Material
Different siding materials require specific prep methods and paints. Here’s how costs compare across common types:
| Siding Material | Average Cost Range (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1.50–$4.00 |
| Vinyl | $1.50–$3.50 |
| Stucco | $2.00–$5.00 |
| Brick | $2.50–$5.00 |
| Aluminum | $1.75–$4.00 |
Wood and stucco usually cost more because they absorb more paint and need extra prep before coating.
4. Prep and Add-On Work
Before painting begins, prep work helps create a smooth, durable finish and adds to the total cost. Here’s what those extra tasks might include:
- Pressure washing: $200–$450
- Scraping and sanding: $0.50–$1.00 per sq. ft.
- Caulking: $200–$500
- Priming: $20–$50 per gallon
- Trim, doors, and shutters: $200–$1,000
Proper prep makes paint last longer and protects the home from weather damage.
Factors That Affect Painting Costs of a House
Before you plan your budget, it helps to understand what actually drives painting prices up or down. Knowing these details can save you from surprises when comparing quotes or estimating materials.
- Home Size and Layout: Larger spaces mean more paint, more time, and higher overall cost.
- Surface Condition: Cracks, stains, or rough walls require extra prep before painting.
- Paint Quality: High-end paints cost more but can reduce the need for multiple coats.
- Number of Coats: Lightening a dark color often needs primer and an extra coat.
- Access and Height: Tall walls and steep exteriors take longer and need special equipment.
- Location and Season: Rates rise during busy months or in areas with higher labor costs.
Each of these factors adds up in different ways, so it’s important to evaluate them early. A quick walkthrough with a painter can help you identify which ones will matter most for your home.
Painting a House: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Deciding between doing it yourself and hiring a pro depends on your time, skill, and budget. Painting a room yourself can cost around $150–$300 in supplies, but it takes effort and patience.
Hiring professionals for a 1,500 sq. ft. interior may run $3,000–$9,000, yet you’ll save time and get high-quality results with prep and cleanup handled for you.
How to Estimate Your Own Paint Job?
Estimating your paint job ahead of time helps you plan costs and stay on budget. Use these steps as a simple guide:
Step 1:Measure the total wall or siding area you plan to paint.
Step 2:Subtract doors and windows from that total to get accurate coverage.
Step 3: Decide how many coats you’ll need based on color and surface condition.
Step 4: Estimate paint quantity, about 350–400 sq. ft. per gallon is typical.
Step 5: Multiply gallons needed by paint price and add local labor rates.
Step 6: Include costs for prep, primer, and trim work if they apply.
Step 7: Add 10–15% extra for touch-ups or any hidden repairs.
Following these steps keeps your estimate realistic and helps you compare quotes with confidence.
Ways to Save Money on Painting the House
Even with careful planning, painting can get expensive. The good news is that there are simple ways to cut costs without lowering quality or skipping important steps.
- Get at least three quotes: Make sure each painter bids on the same job scope for fair comparison.
- Buy paint during sales: Ask about bulk discounts or store promotions to reduce material costs.
- Handle small prep work: Move furniture, remove outlet covers, or tape edges yourself.
- Paint in the off-season: Labor rates are often lower during slower months.
- Choose mid-range paints: They cover well, need fewer coats, and balance quality with affordability.
Saving money doesn’t mean cutting corners. By planning ahead and handling small tasks yourself, you can stay on budget while still getting a clean, professional finish.
How Often Should You Repaint the House?
Repainting frequency depends on how much wear and weather your home faces.
Interior walls usually need a new coat every 5–7 years, especially in high-traffic or humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Exterior siding often lasts 5–10 years, depending on material, sunlight, and climate. Routine care, like washing walls, cleaning trim, and sealing cracks, helps extend your paint’s lifespan and keeps surfaces looking fresh.
Wrap Up
Now that you understand how much it costs to paint a house, you’re better prepared to plan your next project.
I wanted to make this guide clear and practical, so you know what really affects the price, from your home’s size and paint type to labor and prep work.
If you’re getting ready to hire a painter, take time to compare local quotes and see what fits your budget. A little planning now can save you money later and help your home look its best.
If you liked this post, I hope you’ll check out more of my blogs for simple, real advice on home projects that make your space feel like yours.
