How much does it cost to paint a room or house exterior in 2026? Detailed breakdown by surface type, paint quality, and labor.
Paint is the most variable cost element. Here's how the grades break down:
Painting labor runs $25 – $35/hour for general painters and $40 – $50/hour for experienced professionals. Most contractors bid by the square foot rather than hourly. A typical crew of 2-3 painters can complete 800 – 1,200 sq ft of wall area per day for interior work.
Prep is often the hidden cost driver. Properly prepared surfaces take more paint efficiently and last longer.
| Room Type | Avg. Wall Area | Cost Range | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (12×12) | ~430 sq ft | $650 – $1,200 | 4 – 6 hours |
| Living Room (16×20) | ~620 sq ft | $900 – $1,800 | 6 – 8 hours |
| Kitchen | ~350 sq ft | $500 – $1,100 | 4 – 7 hours |
| Bathroom | ~200 sq ft | $350 – $700 | 3 – 5 hours |
| Hallway | ~250 sq ft | $375 – $750 | 3 – 5 hours |
| Whole Interior (1,500 sq ft home) | ~3,500 sq ft | $3,500 – $8,000 | 3 – 5 days |
Ceiling painting adds 30-50% to costs due to slower production and extra drop cloth / masking requirements.
| Home Size | Paintable Area | Cost Range | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (single story) | ~1,200 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,000 | 2 – 3 days |
| 1,500 sq ft (single story) | ~1,600 sq ft | $3,200 – $6,500 | 3 – 4 days |
| 2,000 sq ft (two story) | ~2,400 sq ft | $4,800 – $10,000 | 4 – 6 days |
| 3,000 sq ft (two story) | ~3,200 sq ft | $6,400 – $14,000 | 5 – 8 days |
Two-story homes cost 20-40% more per square foot due to ladder/scaffold setup and slower production at height.
New drywall with a simple prime-and-paint is fastest and cheapest. Peeling, chalking, or stained surfaces require extensive prep that can double the labor cost. Water-damaged areas may need drywall repair before painting can begin.
Two coats is standard for repaints. Going from a dark to a light color may require 3 coats or a tinted primer + 2 coats. Each additional coat adds roughly 30-40% to labor time.
Every color change means brush cleanup, new masking, and potential waste. Budget $50 – $100 extra per accent wall or color change within a room.
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