Average Cost Range
$1,500 – $6,000
National Average
$3,500
House painting costs between $1,500 and $6,000 for most projects, with the national average around $3,500. Interior painting for a full home runs $2,000–$5,000, while exterior painting costs $2,500–$7,000. The cost depends on square footage, number of stories, paint quality, and the amount of prep work required.
Cost Breakdown
| Item / Type | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Painting (per room) | $200 | $800 | $450 |
| Whole Interior (avg home) | $2,000 | $5,000 | $3,500 |
| Exterior Painting (avg home) | $2,500 | $7,000 | $4,500 |
| Trim & Molding Painting | $500 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Cabinet Painting | $1,000 | $3,500 | $2,000 |
| Deck / Fence Staining | $500 | $2,000 | $1,200 |
| Accent Wall / Feature Wall | $100 | $400 | $200 |
Labor Costs
Professional painters charge $25–$75 per hour or $2–$6 per square foot. Labor typically accounts for 70–85% of the total painting cost, with the remainder going to paint and materials.
Factors That Affect Painting Cost
Square Footage
The size of the area being painted is the primary cost driver. Larger homes with more wall space require more paint, more labor hours, and more prep time.
Number of Stories
Multi-story exteriors require scaffolding or lifts, increasing labor costs by 25–50%. Second and third story work takes longer and involves additional safety requirements.
Surface Condition & Prep
Surfaces in good condition require minimal prep and cost less to paint. Peeling paint, drywall repairs, caulking, and priming add significant time and cost to the project.
Paint Quality
Budget paint costs $20–$30 per gallon, while premium brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams run $40–$80. Higher-quality paint covers better, lasts longer, and often requires fewer coats.
Color Changes
Painting over a similar color requires fewer coats than drastic color changes. Going from dark to light (or vice versa) may require tinted primer and additional coats, adding 20–40% to the cost.
Tips To Save Money On Painting
Do Your Own Prep
Handle taping, moving furniture, and covering floors yourself to reduce labor hours. Prep work can account for 30–50% of a painter's time on the job.
Paint Multiple Rooms at Once
Painting the whole house at once is cheaper per room than painting rooms individually. Painters can work more efficiently without repeated setup and cleanup.
Choose Fewer Colors
Each additional color requires brush cleaning, separate mixing, and more setup time. Sticking to 2–3 colors throughout the home streamlines the process and reduces costs.
Schedule in Winter
Interior painting during the slower winter months can save 10–20%. Many painters offer off-season discounts to keep their crews busy year-round.