Painting the inside of your home is the most effective way to refresh your living space. Many people want to update their rooms but feel unsure about the actual price they will pay. You likely want to know if your budget matches your vision for a beautiful home.
This guide provides clear and honest pricing for your project in 2026. We will break down the cost of interior house painting by square footage, room type, and material quality. You will learn how to plan your budget and discover where you can save money without losing quality.
What is the Average Cost to Paint the Interior of House in 2026?
The average cost to paint interior of house in 2026 ranges from $4,200 to $11,500 for a standard 2,000-square-foot home. This translates to roughly $2.10 to $5.75 per square foot when you factor in walls, ceilings, and trim work.
Here’s what different home sizes typically cost:
A 1,200-square-foot apartment or condo runs between $2,500 and $6,900. A 1,500-square-foot starter home costs around $3,200 to $8,600. For larger homes at 2,500 square feet, expect $5,200 to $14,400. Houses over 3,000 square feet can easily hit $6,300 to $17,200.
These figures include both labor and materials when hiring professional painters. Geographic location plays a major role too. Urban areas like San Diego, Seattle, or Boston charge 15-25% more than rural regions due to higher labor costs and demand.
Interior Painting Cost by Square Foot
Understanding cost per square foot helps you estimate any project size. Most professional painting contractors charge $2 to $6 per square foot for interior work.
Basic wall painting alone costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. When you add ceilings, that jumps to $2.50 to $5 per square foot. Including trim, doors, and crown molding pushes rates to $3 to $6 per square foot.
Wall height matters significantly. Standard 8-foot ceilings keep costs at the lower end. Vaulted ceilings or 10-foot+ walls add $0.60 to $1.20 per square foot due to extra time and equipment needs.
Here’s a practical breakdown by home size:
- 800 square feet: $1,600-$4,800
- 1,000 square feet: $2,000-$6,000
- 1,500 square feet: $3,000-$9,000
- 2,000 square feet: $4,000-$12,000
- 2,500 square feet: $5,000-$15,000
- 3,000 square feet: $6,000-$18,000
The wide price range reflects paint quality choices, surface conditions, and regional labor rates. A home needing extensive wall repair will land at the higher end.
Cost by Paint Type and Finish
The quality of the paint you choose changes the total price and the look of your home. Cheaper paints may save money now, but they often require more coats. High-quality paints like Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Aura cover better and last longer.
Price per Gallon
- Economy Paint: $25 – $35 per gallon. Best for low-traffic areas or rentals.
- Standard Paint: $40 – $60 per gallon. This is the most common choice for families.
- Premium Paint: $70 – $120 per gallon. These paints offer the best color and durability.
- Primer: $15 – $30 per gallon. You need this for new drywall or dark color changes.
Understanding Sheens and Finishes
The “sheen” refers to how much light the paint reflects. Higher gloss paints are more durable but cost slightly more.
- Flat/Matte: Hides wall flaws well. It is hard to clean, so use it in adult bedrooms.
- Eggshell: A soft glow that is easy to wipe down. Perfect for living rooms.
- Satin: Great for hallways and kids’ rooms because it resists scuffs.
- Semi-Gloss: Very shiny and moisture-resistant. This is the standard for bathrooms, kitchens, and trim.
Choosing the right finish affects the cost to paint interior of house because some require more prep work. Shiny finishes show every bump on the wall. Your painter must spend more time sanding to make the surface perfect.
Cost by Surface
Different surfaces require varying prep work and techniques, which affects pricing.
- Walls and ceilings cost $2 to $5 per square foot. Smooth, well-maintained drywall stays at the lower end. Textured walls or surfaces needing repair push toward the higher range.
- Trim and baseboards run $1 to $5 per linear foot. Simple flat trim costs less than intricate crown molding or detailed woodwork.
- Interior doors average $60 to $120 per door. This includes both sides, edges, and frame painting. Six-panel doors with detailed grooves take more time than flat slab doors.
- Kitchen cabinets cost $1.50 to $3 per square foot or $4,000 to $9,500 for an average kitchen. This specialized work requires careful prep, multiple coats, and proper drying time between applications.
- Bathroom or kitchen tile painting runs $5 to $12 per square foot. This job needs special bonding primers and epoxy-based paints to withstand moisture.
- Accent walls typically add $150 to $400 to your project. The cost varies based on wall size and whether you’re using specialty paint like chalk or metallic finishes.
Cost by Room Type
Breaking down interior painting rates by room helps you prioritize and budget individual spaces.
Bedrooms cost $300 to $750 each. Standard 10×12 foot bedrooms with 8-foot ceilings stay around $350 to $450. Master bedrooms with larger dimensions and vaulted ceilings reach $600 to $750.
Living rooms and dining rooms run $400 to $900 per space. Open concept areas that flow together count as one large space and may cost $800 to $1,200.
Kitchens range from $500 to $1,200 for wall painting only. Adding cabinet painting jumps this to $4,500 to $10,200 total. Much of the wall space gets covered by backsplashes and cabinets, reducing paint needs.
Bathrooms cost $250 to $650. Smaller half-baths stay around $250 to $350. Full bathrooms with tub surrounds reach $500 to $650. Tile, mirrors, and fixtures take up considerable wall space, keeping paint costs lower.
Hallways and stairwells run $300 to $800. Straight hallways cost less than staircases with tall walls requiring ladders and scaffolding.
Home offices or dens cost $350 to $700. These medium-sized rooms usually have straightforward layouts without complex features.
Cost by Room Type
Breaking down interior painting rates by room helps you prioritize and budget individual spaces.
Bedrooms cost $300 to $750 each. Standard 10×12 foot bedrooms with 8-foot ceilings stay around $350 to $450. Master bedrooms with larger dimensions and vaulted ceilings reach $600 to $750.
Living rooms and dining rooms run $400 to $900 per space. Open concept areas that flow together count as one large space and may cost $800 to $1,200.
Kitchens range from $500 to $1,200 for wall painting only. Adding cabinet painting jumps this to $4,500 to $10,200 total. Much of the wall space gets covered by backsplashes and cabinets, reducing paint needs.
Bathrooms cost $250 to $650. Smaller half-baths stay around $250 to $350. Full bathrooms with tub surrounds reach $500 to $650. Tile, mirrors, and fixtures take up considerable wall space, keeping paint costs lower.
Hallways and stairwells run $300 to $800. Straight hallways cost less than staircases with tall walls requiring ladders and scaffolding.
Home offices or dens cost $350 to $700. These medium-sized rooms usually have straightforward layouts without complex features.
What Factors Affect the Interior House Painting Cost?
Several variables beyond square footage influence your final bill.
Surface Condition and Preparation
Wall repair adds $50 to $600 depending on damage severity. Small nail holes and minor cracks cost $50 to $150. Extensive damage with large holes or water stains runs $300 to $600. Surface prep including sanding, patching drywall compound, and cleaning is essential for quality results.
Number of Coats
One coat saves money but rarely looks professional. Two coats cost 40-60% more but deliver proper coverage and color depth. Dark-to-light color changes always need two coats.
Ceiling Height and Access
Standard 8-foot ceilings keep labor costs normal. Ten-foot ceilings add 15-20% to labor costs. Vaulted or cathedral ceilings can increase costs by 30-40% due to scaffolding and extra time requirements.
Paint Quality and Finish
Budget paints at $20-30 per gallon need more coats and wear faster. Premium paints at $50-80 per gallon offer better coverage, durability, and easier cleaning. Flat finishes hide imperfections but mark easily. Satin and eggshell finishes cost the same but clean better for high-traffic areas.
Labor Rates by Region
Painting contractors charge different rates nationwide. Rural areas average $25 to $40 per hour. Suburban regions run $40 to $60 per hour. Major metropolitan areas hit $60 to $90 per hour.
Furniture Moving and Protection
Most painters charge $75 to $300 for moving furniture and covering floors with drop cloths. You can reduce this by clearing rooms yourself before the crew arrives.
Trim and Detail Work
Crown molding costs $2 to $5 per linear foot to paint. Wainscoting adds $1.50 to $4 per linear foot. Intricate woodwork requires careful brushwork, increasing labor time.
Environmental and Disposal Fees
Some contractors charge $50 to $150 for proper paint disposal and cleanup. Low-VOC and eco-friendly paints add $5 to $15 per gallon but improve indoor air quality.
How to Save Money on Interior Painting
Smart planning cuts costs without sacrificing quality results.
- Book During Off-Season: Schedule work between November and March when demand drops. Painting companies offer 10-25% discounts during these slower months. Spring and summer see higher prices due to increased exterior work demand.
- Prepare Rooms Yourself: Move furniture, remove wall decorations, and clean walls before painters arrive. This prep work saves you $100 to $400 in labor charges.
- Focus on High-Traffic Areas First: Paint living rooms, kitchens, and main hallways now. Save bedrooms and less-used spaces for later. This staged approach spreads costs over time.
- Buy Paint in Bulk: Purchasing 10+ gallons at once often earns 10-15% discounts at paint stores. Buy extra for future touch-ups too.
- Choose Mid-Range Paint: Premium brands aren’t always necessary. Quality mid-range options from Behr, Valspar, or PPG perform well at $30-45 per gallon.
- Consider Touch-Ups Instead of Full Repaints: If only certain walls show wear, spot painting saves substantially. Professional touch-ups cost $150 to $400 versus $800+ for complete room repaints.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Contact three to five painting contractors for estimates. Prices can vary 20-40% between companies for identical work. Compare what each quote includes.
- Skip Unnecessary Surfaces: You don’t need to paint closet interiors or rooms you never use. Focus budget on visible, frequently used spaces.
The Gallon Formula: Estimating Your Materials
If you want to buy your own paint, you need to know how much to get. One gallon of paint usually covers about 350 to 400 square feet. To find your needs, multiply the length of each wall by the height. Add these numbers together. Subtract the area of windows and doors.
Divide the total by 350. This gives you the number of gallons for one coat. Always plan for two coats for a professional look. Your second coat will use about 30% less paint because the wall is no longer porous.
You may also want to read this. How Much Does a Gallon of Paint Cover?
Don't DIY Interior Painting
DIY projects seem money-saving but often cost more long-term.
Professional painters complete work 3-4 times faster than homeowners. What takes you three weekends takes them two days. Your time has value.
Quality suffers without proper technique. Common DIY mistakes include visible brush strokes, uneven coverage, paint drips, and poor edge work. Fixing these errors costs more than hiring professionals initially.
Tools and materials add up quickly. You’ll need ladders, extension poles, multiple brushes, paint rollers, painter’s tape, drop sheets, sanding pads, scrapers, buckets, and cleaning supplies. This equipment costs $200 to $500 for a full setup.
Professional painters bring expertise you can’t match. They know proper surface preparation, ideal weather conditions for drying, and how to achieve smooth finishes without streaks. They also carry liability insurance protecting you from accidents.
Paint coverage calculations require experience. Homeowners typically buy too much or too little paint, wasting money either way. Professionals calculate precise amounts needed.
The physical demands are significant. Painting for 8-10 hours requires stamina, balance, and strength. Painting overhead causes neck and shoulder strain. Professional crews rotate tasks to prevent fatigue.
Why Choose SD Custom Painting for Interior Painting?
When you want the best results, you need a team you can trust. San Diego Custom Painting provides expert service for every room in your home. We understand that your house is your biggest investment. Our team uses premium materials and careful prep work to ensure a finish that lasts for years.
We offer professional interior painting services in San Diego for homeowners who want quality and value. We provide clear quotes so you never have to guess the cost of interior house painting. Whether you need one room refreshed or a full home makeover, we handle the hard work so you can enjoy your beautiful new space.
What is the Cost to Paint the Interior of a House Conclusion
Estimating interior painting costs requires understanding multiple factors. Square footage, paint quality, surface conditions, and labor rates all influence your final investment. Most homeowners spend $4,200 to $11,500 for complete interior painting of a 2,000-square-foot home.
Professional painters deliver value that DIY projects can’t match. They work efficiently, use proper techniques, and guarantee quality results. While hiring experts costs more upfront, you avoid mistakes, save time, and get finishes that last years longer.
Smart planning reduces expenses without cutting corners. Book during off-season months, prepare rooms yourself, and focus on high-visibility areas first. Get multiple quotes and choose reputable contractors with proven track records.
Your home deserves quality workmanship. Fresh paint transforms spaces, protects walls, and increases property value. When you’re ready to start your project, contact San Diego Custom Painting for a free, detailed estimate tailored to your specific needs.
Interior Painting FAQs
How do I calculate interior painting costs for my home?
Measure each room’s wall length and multiply by wall height to get square footage. Multiply total square footage by $2-6 depending on your region and project complexity. Add 20-30% for ceilings and trim work. This gives you a rough estimate. Professional painters provide accurate quotes after inspecting your space.
What affects interior painting rates the most?
Labor costs typically account for 70-80% of your total bill. Geographic location, project complexity, and paint quality significantly impact rates. Homes needing extensive surface repair or featuring high ceilings cost substantially more than standard projects.
How long does interior house painting take?
Average 2,000-square-foot homes take 3-5 days with a professional crew. Single rooms require 4-8 hours. Factors affecting timeline include surface condition, number of coats needed, drying time between coats, and detail work complexity.
Should I provide my own paint or let painters supply it?
Most contractors include paint in their quotes and get contractor discounts you can’t access. They also guarantee their work when using their materials. If you’ve already purchased paint, discuss this upfront to adjust the estimate accordingly.
When is the best time to paint interior spaces?
Winter months from November through February offer the best deals due to lower demand. Spring and fall provide ideal humidity conditions if you lack climate control. Avoid summer when exterior projects keep contractors busy and prices rise.
Do painters move furniture or do I need to clear rooms?
Most professional painters offer furniture moving for $75-300. You can reduce costs by moving items yourself. At minimum, clear small decorations, wall hangings, and fragile items. Discuss furniture handling expectations during the estimate process.
How do I choose between paint brands?
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer premium quality with excellent coverage and durability. Mid-range brands like Behr, Valspar, and PPG deliver solid performance at lower costs. Avoid the cheapest options that require extra coats and wear quickly. Your painter can recommend the best choice for your budget and needs.
Mark Sullivan
Mark Sullivan is a seasoned expert in the residential and commercial painting industry, with over 27 years of experience transforming homes across San Diego. His deep understanding of color, finishes, and surface preparation allows him to deliver exceptional results on every project. Mark is passionate about sharing practical painting advice, maintenance tips, and design insights that help homeowners make confident decisions. His expertise and dedication to quality are reflected in every article he contributes to the San Diego Custom Painting blog.
