Calculators / Interior Painting Cost
Interior Painting Cost
Interior painting costs $2 to $6 per square foot in 2026 for walls (labor and materials combined), averaging about $2.75 — adding trim and ceilings pushes it to roughly $4–$6 per square foot. A standard 12×12 room costs $400–$950, and a whole 2,000 sq ft house averages $6,000–$8,000 (range $4,000–$12,000). Labor is 70–85% of the total, so doing it yourself drops a room to $100–$300 in supplies.
Real ranges, not AI guesses.
Interior Painting cost breakdown
per square foot (walls; +trim & ceiling costs more).
National-average ranges (as of 2026-06); estimates, not quotes. Get a few local estimates for your project, and use the calculator below for exact quantities.
What drives the cost
- Scope — walls only is the baseline; adding trim is +20–30%, adding ceilings +40–60%
- Labor is 70–85% of the cost and varies most by region
- Paint quality — standard latex $10–$30/gal vs premium/specialty $50–$100/gal
- Surface prep — new drywall, dark or glossy walls, and repairs all add primer and labor
- Ceiling height and wall texture
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Painting a room yourself costs $100–$300 in supplies versus $400–$950 for a pro, so real savings are about $100–$650 per room — less than people expect, because labor on a single room isn't huge. Where DIY goes wrong is prep and technique: skipping primer on new or stained drywall, thin or streaky roller coverage, and shaky cut-in lines along trim and ceilings. DIY suits a single small room when your walls are sound and you'll invest in decent brushes and proper drying time; for a whole house or high-visibility spaces, a pro's speed and finish usually win.
Cost by region
The South, Midwest, and rural areas run 10–30% below the national average; the Northeast (especially NYC) runs +30–50% and the West Coast +20–40% on higher labor costs. Spring and summer are peak season at the high end of the range; fall and winter sometimes bring 10–20% discounts.
Know exactly how much you need
Cost ranges get you a budget. For the actual quantity to buy — with editable prices — use the free paint calculator.
Open the Paint Calculator →Interior Painting cost FAQ
How much does it cost to paint a 12×12 room?+
A 12×12 room (about 144 sq ft of floor, with proportional wall area) runs $400–$950 painted by a pro, including two coats on the walls. Adding the ceiling and trim adds roughly $200–$400. Doing it yourself costs $100–$300 in paint and supplies.
How much to paint the interior of a 2,000 sq ft house?+
Expect $6,000–$8,000 on average for a 2,000 sq ft home, with a typical range of $4,000–$12,000. Painting all walls, trim, ceilings, doors, and baseboards lands toward the higher end. A pro crew usually finishes in 3–7 days.
Is it worth painting a room yourself to save money?+
For a single small room, yes — you save $100–$650 and the skill bar is manageable. For a whole house, the math shifts: the time (2–4 weeks DIY vs 3–7 days pro) and finish quality usually justify hiring out, especially for high-visibility rooms or walls needing repair.