Planning to repaint your home — inside, outside, or both? Before you pick a color, it helps to know what you’re getting into financially. Painting is one of the most common home improvement projects, and costs can vary widely based on your home’s size, the number of stories, local labor rates, and the materials you choose.
Below is a breakdown of what you can realistically expect to pay, based on estimates from the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA).
Disclaimer: Cost figures here are general estimates for education purposes. Get multiple in-person quotes for your specific project — prices vary by region, contractor, and current material costs.
Average Cost to Paint a House
Interior Painting
Interior painting costs scale primarily with your home’s square footage:
- ~1,000 sq ft: $1,500–$3,000
- ~2,500 sq ft: $3,750–$7,500
- ~4,000 sq ft: $6,000–$12,000
Exterior Painting
Exterior costs depend on both square footage and the number of stories:
- 1-story, ~1,000 sq ft: $1,000–$3,000
- 2-story, ~2,500 sq ft: $3,000–$5,000
- 3–4-story, ~4,000 sq ft: $4,000–$7,000
Note that these estimates typically exclude siding-specific materials. Certain siding types require specialty paint, which adds to the bill:
High-end painting cost by home size (professional estimate)
| Siding Type | Estimated Cost per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Stucco | ~$3,000 |
| Concrete | ~$2,000 |
| Vinyl | ~$2,000 |
| Wood | ~$2,000 |
| Metal | ~$1,500 |
Paint and Supplies Costs
Paint Types
There are two main paint types for residential projects:
Oil-Based Paint
Best for high-moisture or high-traffic surfaces — bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. Generally runs $20–$60 per gallon.
Latex (Water-Based) Paint
The standard for most interior and exterior walls. Lower odor, easier cleanup, and more environmentally friendly. Typically $30–$70 per gallon.
Paint Finishes
Finish affects both cost and durability. Shinier finishes cost more and hold up better in busy areas:
| Finish | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | $20–$50 |
| Eggshell | $25–$55 |
| Satin | $30–$60 |
| Semi-Gloss | $35–$65 |
| High-Gloss | $40–$75 |
Primers
Primer is often necessary before painting bare wood, drywall, or dark colors:
| Primer Type | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Oil-Based | $20–$80 |
| Latex | $30–$85 |
| Shellac | $40–$65 |
Painting Supplies
If you’re doing any prep work yourself, here’s what common supplies cost:
- Drop cloths: $1–$20 depending on material (plastic cheapest, canvas most durable)
- Painter’s tape: $7–$10 per 60-yard roll
- 16-ft extension ladder: $100–$200
- 3-inch paintbrush: $10–$20
- Roller kit with tray: $10–$20
Labor Costs
Most professional painters charge $25–$100 per hour, with rates varying by region, complexity, and how much prep work is needed. Rush jobs or travel surcharges can push that higher.
Labor cost estimates by square footage:
| Square Footage | Estimated Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $500–$3,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $750–$5,250 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,000–$7,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $1,250–$8,750 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $1,500–$10,500 |
Two factors that can push labor costs up: additional stories (harder access) and poor wall condition (mold removal, rust treatment, or heavy patching takes time).
How to Save Money on a Paint Job
Hiring a professional painter is worth it for quality and efficiency — but there’s plenty you can do yourself to trim the bill.
Do the Prep Work Yourself
Painters charge by the hour. The less time they spend prepping, the less you pay. Before they arrive:
- Move furniture away from walls and cover it
- Remove hardware, switch plates, and outlet covers
- Clean walls and spot-treat any stains or damage
- Trim shrubs and clear access around the home’s exterior
- Scrape loose or peeling paint and caulk any gaps
Test Paint Samples Before Buying in Bulk
Paint colors look different on a wall than on a swatch. Buy small sample sizes of your top two or three choices and test them in the actual room before committing to gallons. It’s a small upfront cost that prevents expensive re-dos.
Get at Least Three Quotes
Ask contractors to inspect your home in person before giving a formal estimate. Price differences between quotes can be significant — and the cheapest bid isn’t always the best value. Ask about experience, what’s included, and how they handle prep and cleanup.
Compare Bids Carefully
Look beyond the bottom-line price. Consider:
- What’s included (paint, supplies, cleanup)?
- How many coats?
- References or portfolio of past work?
Do the Cleanup Yourself
Once the painter finishes, you can handle the teardown — rolling up drop cloths, removing tape, and cleaning brushes and rollers. It’s straightforward work that can save a meaningful amount in hourly labor.
Why This Matters for Home Insurance
A fresh coat of exterior paint isn’t just cosmetic — it protects against moisture intrusion, wood rot, and structural damage. Well-maintained homes tend to fare better in the home insurance underwriting process and can help you avoid claims related to deferred maintenance. Some insurers factor in property condition when setting premiums, so routine upkeep like painting can pay off in more ways than one.