How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House? Inside and Outside
Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a home’s appearance. But paint costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a single room to tens of thousands for a large exterior. Understanding what drives painting costs helps you budget accurately and decide how much work to tackle yourself.
Interior Painting Costs
Professional interior painting typically runs $2-$6 per square foot of wall area. For a single average bedroom (12×12 with 8-foot ceilings, roughly 400 square feet of wall area), expect $800-$2,400 for professional painting. A full 2,000-square-foot house interior costs $3,000-$8,000 professionally. These prices include labor, paint, and basic preparation.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting costs $1.50-$4 per square foot of surface area. A typical 2,000-square-foot house has considerably more exterior surface area than its footprint — usually 2,500-3,500 square feet of paintable exterior. Total exterior painting cost ranges from $3,750-$14,000 professionally. Two-story homes, homes with complex trim details, and homes needing significant prep work land at the upper end.
Factors That Drive Cost Up
- Ceiling height — Each additional foot over 8 feet increases cost
- Surface condition — Peeling, water damage, or wood rot requires additional prep
- Number of colors — Multiple accent colors add time and cost
- Type of surface — Stucco, brick, and rough siding require more paint
- Trim detail — Extensive molding, shutters, and decorative elements add labor
DIY vs Professional Cost Comparison
DIY painting typically costs $200-$600 per room in materials (quality paint, primer, brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths). You’ll spend 2-4 times as long as a professional. For interior rooms, DIY is manageable. Exterior DIY painting is feasible for single-story homes but requires scaffolding or tall ladders and significant time investment for two-story homes.
Paint Quality Matters
Budget $35-$55 per gallon for quality interior paint, $50-$80 for exterior. Premium paint covers better, lasts longer, and is easier to clean. The cost difference between cheap and premium paint is small relative to labor — always choose quality paint when hiring professionals or when your own time is valuable.
Calculate how much paint you need. Use the Paint Calculator on diycalculator.net to estimate gallons needed for any room or exterior surface.