Thinking about freshening up your home with new paint, but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Interior painting is one of the easiest ways to make a place feel new again—but the price can surprise people if they don’t know what to expect.
On average, interior painting costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, or $300 to $1,000 per room, depending on the room size, paint quality, and labor. A full home interior usually falls between $2,000 and $6,000.
Now let’s break it down in a simple, no-confusing-words way.
What affects the cost of interior painting?
Room size and wall space
Bigger rooms cost more. High ceilings, long hallways, and lots of wall space mean more paint and more time.
- Small bedroom: lower cost
- Living room or open area: higher cost
- Tall ceilings: extra labor cost
Paint quality
Paint comes in different price ranges.
- Budget paint: cheaper, may need more coats
- Mid-range paint: good balance of price and quality
- Premium paint: costs more but lasts longer and looks better
Better paint can save money later because it doesn’t peel or fade fast.
Labor costs
Labor is usually the biggest part of the bill.
- Professionals charge per square foot or per room
- Skilled painters cost more, but work faster and cleaner
- DIY saves labor money but costs your time and effort
Wall condition
If walls are cracked, stained, or rough, prep work adds cost.
- Small holes or cracks: minor extra cost
- Heavy damage or peeling paint: higher cost
Location
Prices change based on where you live. Big cities usually cost more than small towns.
Average interior painting costs (quick view)
| Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom | $300 – $500 |
| Medium bedroom | $400 – $700 |
| Living room | $600 – $1,200 |
| Kitchen | $400 – $800 |
| Bathroom | $200 – $600 |
| Whole house (1,500–2,000 sq ft) | $2,000 – $6,000 |
Pros & cons of painting interiors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes your home look fresh | Can be costly for large homes |
| Boosts home value | Quality paint costs more |
| Easy style change | Takes time and prep |
| Fixes dull or stained walls | DIY can be messy |
Real-world examples
Example 1:
Sarah painted her 12×12 bedroom using a professional painter. She paid $450, including paint and labor. The job took one day.
Example 2:
Ali repainted his full 3-bedroom home (1,800 sq ft). He chose mid-range paint and paid $3,500 total. The work took four days.
Example 3:
John did it himself for a single room. He spent $180 on paint and supplies, but it took him the whole weekend.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Is it cheaper to paint myself or hire a painter?
Painting yourself is cheaper in money, but costs more time and effort. Hiring a painter costs more upfront but gives clean, fast results.
How long does interior painting take?
- One room: 1 day
- Full house: 3–7 days, depending on size
Does paint color affect cost?
Dark or bold colors often need extra coats, which can raise the price.
Do painters include paint in the price?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Always ask before hiring.
How often should interiors be repainted?
Most homes repaint every 5–7 years, sooner if walls get dirty or damaged.
Final verdict
Interior painting usually costs $300 to $1,000 per room, with full homes reaching $2,000 to $6,000. The final price depends on room size, paint quality, wall condition, and labor. You want fast, clean, long-lasting results, hiring a pro is worth it. If you’re on a tight budget and have time, DIY can work for smaller spaces.
If you want, I can also help you estimate your exact cost based on your room size and paint choice—just say the word.