How much does painting cost?
Professional painting typically costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for interiors and $2 to $5.50 per square foot for exteriors, including paint and labor. These are per square foot of surface painted (wall/siding area, not floor area). The number is driven by the area you're painting, whether it's one coat or two, and how much prep the surfaces need.
Typical painting costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | $300 – $800 | Walls, two coats; trim/ceiling extra |
| Interior, whole house | $2,000 – $6,000 | Varies with square footage & prep |
| Exterior, whole house | $3,000 – $8,000 | Siding condition & height matter |
What drives painting cost up or down
- Area: the biggest factor — more square footage means more paint and labor.
- Coats: two coats cost noticeably more than one, but usually look better and last longer.
- Prep: patching, sanding, caulking, and priming add labor — often the hidden cost.
- Trim & detail: doors, windows, crown molding, and multiple colors raise the price.
- Height & access: high ceilings and tall exterior walls need staging and more time.
- Paint quality: premium paints cost more but cover better and wear longer.
How to use this estimate
Use the range to plan, then get quotes from local painters to confirm — real pricing depends on surface condition, prep, trim, and paint choice. You can request free quotes from local pros right in the tool above.