How much does painting cost? The answer depends on many factors. This guide breaks down average painting costs for 2026 by room, project type, and service. Use these prices to budget your project and evaluate quotes from painters.
Quick Price Reference
Room-by-Room Painting Costs
Here's what to expect for individual rooms:
| Room Type | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (12x12) | $300 | $600 | Walls and ceiling, standard height |
| Master Bedroom | $400 | $800 | Larger room, possibly accent wall |
| Living Room | $400 | $1000 | Larger space, may have high ceilings |
| Kitchen | $350 | $800 | Walls only, cabinets priced separately |
| Bathroom | $200 | $500 | Small space, mold-resistant paint |
| Hallway | $250 | $600 | High walls, tight spaces, trim work |
| Dining Room | $350 | $700 | Standard room, possible accent wall |
| Ceiling Only | $150 | $400 | Per room, standard height |
| Trim/Room | $100 | $250 | Baseboards, window/door trim per room |
💡 Multi-Room Discounts
Painting multiple rooms reduces per-room cost. Painters can work more efficiently, and you save on setup/cleanup time. Expect 10-20% savings on whole-house projects.
Cost by Project Type
Interior Painting
Walls, ceilings, trim throughout home
Exterior Painting
Siding, trim, soffits, fascia
Cabinet Painting
Kitchen cabinets, professional finish
Deck Staining
Clean, prep, and stain wood deck
Accent Wall
Single wall, special color or technique
Trim Painting
All trim throughout home
Door Painting
Interior or exterior doors
Popcorn Removal
Remove and repaint ceiling
🏠 Interior Painting Costs
Interior painting is priced by square foot or by room. Here's what affects the cost:
Home Size Impact
- 1,000 sq ft: $1,500-3,000
- 1,500 sq ft: $2,500-4,500
- 2,000 sq ft: $3,500-6,000
- 2,500 sq ft: $4,500-8,000
- 3,000 sq ft: $5,500-10,000
Price Increases If:
- High ceilings (9'+ adds 15-25%)
- Extensive prep needed
- Dark to light color change
- Premium paint requested
- Complex trim work
🏡 Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting costs more due to equipment, prep work, and weather considerations:
By Home Size
- 1,500 sq ft: $3,000-6,000
- 2,000 sq ft: $4,000-8,000
- 2,500 sq ft: $5,000-10,000
- 3,000 sq ft: $6,000-12,000
- 3,500+ sq ft: $8,000-15,000+
Additional Costs
- Two-story: +25-50%
- Three-story: +50-75%
- Wood siding: +20%
- Major repairs: varies
- Trim different color: +$1,000-2,500
🗄️ Cabinet Painting Costs
Cabinet painting is priced per door/drawer or by linear foot. It's labor-intensive:
Budget Cabinet Refresh
$2,500-4,000Basic prep, quality paint, good finish. Suitable for most kitchens.
Professional Cabinet Painting
$4,000-7,000Full prep, premium paint, spray finish, excellent durability.
Premium Factory Finish
$7,000-12,000+Off-site spraying, conversion varnish, furniture-quality result.
Factors That Affect Painting Costs
🎨 Paint Quality
Premium paint ($60-80/gal) costs more upfront but provides better coverage and longevity.
🛠️ Prep Work
Extensive repairs, patching, or priming significantly increases labor costs.
📐 Room Size & Height
Larger rooms and high ceilings require more paint and longer ladders.
🎯 Color Change
Dark to light (or vice versa) requires extra coats for proper coverage.
📍 Location
Urban areas and high cost-of-living regions have higher labor rates.
⏰ Timeline
Rush jobs or working around your schedule may cost more.
DIY vs Professional: Cost Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (3 rooms) | $200-500 | $1,000-2,000 |
| Time Investment | 15-25 hours | 1-2 days |
| Finish Quality | Variable | Consistent, high |
| Warranty | None | 1-5 years typical |
| Stress Level | High | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
$2-6 per sq ft, or $1,500-5,000 for a typical home. A 2,000 sq ft home costs $3,000-6,000 on average.
$300-800 professionally, including walls and ceiling. DIY costs $50-150 for supplies.
$25-85 per hour depending on location. Most projects are quoted by the job rather than hourly.
$3,000-8,000+ for professional cabinet painting. Premium finishes can exceed $10,000.
Get Your Free Quote
Get accurate pricing for your specific project. Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes provides detailed, no-obligation estimates for all painting services.
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122