What's the Cost of Interior House Painting in 2025?

What’s the Cost of Interior House Painting in 2025?

Planning to refresh your home with a new coat of paint but worried about the budget? You’re not alone in wondering about the cost of interior house painting. Most homeowners struggle to understand what they’ll actually spend on this common home improvement project. This guide breaks down every aspect of interior painting rates, from DIY expenses to professional services, giving you the complete picture you need to make smart decisions for your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Interior of House

The average cost of interior house painting ranges from $1,200 to $4,800 for a typical home. This wide range depends on several key factors that directly impact your final bill.

Table of Contents

Labor costs make up 60-70% of your total expense when hiring professional painters. The remaining 30-40% covers materials like paint, primer, and supplies. Your location plays a huge role too. High-cost areas like California or New York see prices 20-40% above national averages.

Here’s a quick breakdown by home size:

Small homes (1,000 sq ft): $1,200-$2,400
Medium homes (1,500 sq ft): $1,800-$3,600
Large homes (2,500 sq ft): $3,000-$6,000

To estimate your project cost, multiply your square footage by $2-4 for basic work or $4-6 for premium finishes. This simple formula gives you a starting point for budgeting.

Several factors affect your final painting interior cost:

Room size and ceiling height make the biggest difference. Standard 8-foot ceilings cost less than 10-foot or vaulted ceilings. Wall condition matters too. Smooth, well-maintained walls need minimal prep work, while damaged or textured surfaces require more time and materials.

Paint quality impacts both cost and results. Budget paints cost $25-35 per gallon, while premium options run $50-80. The number of coats needed depends on color changes and paint quality. Going from dark to light colors often requires extra coats.

Trim and detail work adds complexity and cost. Crown molding, wainscoting, and built-in features require careful cutting and more time. Local labor market rates vary significantly. Rural areas typically see lower costs than major metropolitan regions.

Interior Painting Cost per Square Foot

One of the easiest ways to estimate painting interior cost is by looking at cost per square foot.

In 2025, the painting price per square foot for walls only is usually between $1.50 and $3.50. When you include trim and ceilings, the interior painting cost rises to $3 to $5 per square foot.

Most of the cost comes from labor. Around 60% to 70% of the total cost goes to labor and the rest to paint and materials. Licensed professional painters often charge more but give a better finish. Unlicensed workers may be cheaper, but the results can be uneven.

In San Diego, the average cost to paint per square foot is on the higher end due to skilled labor and the demand for quality finishes.

Cost of DIY Compared to Hiring a Professional

Many homeowners think about painting their home themselves to save money. Let’s compare both options.

DIY costs:
When painting your home on your own, you must buy supplies. You will need brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, sandpaper, ladders, and of course, paint. These supplies can cost hundreds of dollars. A DIY project can be slower, and mistakes may mean extra costs later.

Professional costs:
Hiring a professional means you pay for prep work, materials, and skilled application. It costs more at the start but often saves money in the long run. A good finish lasts longer, and you avoid costly errors.

For those in California, companies like San Diego Custom Painting offer interior painting services in San Diego and nearby areas. When you search for “interior home painters near me,” you want experts who can give accurate estimates and deliver good work.

So, when should you do it yourself, and when should you hire? If you need just a small accent wall and you have time, DIY can be fine. If you need to paint a house interior or a full room with trim and ceilings, hiring a professional is the safer choice.

Cost to Paint a 1500 Square Foot Interior

If your home has around 1,500 square feet, here’s what to expect in 2025:

Materials and paint: $400 to $1,000 depending on the quality of paint.
Labor costs: $1,500 to $4,000 based on local rates.
Prep work: $200 to $500 if there is wall repair or extra cleaning.

Total cost:

Low end: $2,000
Mid-range: $3,500
High end: $6,000 or more if using high quality paint and custom finishes.

Homes with textured walls or detailed trim and ceilings will cost more because the work takes longer.

Interior Painting Costs By Housing Type

Different housing types have distinct cost profiles based on size, layout, and accessibility.

Single-family homes offer the most variety in pricing:

Ranch style homes: $2,000-4,000 for typical layouts with standard ceiling heights
Two-story colonial homes: $3,000-6,000 due to increased square footage and stairwell complexity
Split-level homes: $2,500-5,000 with moderate complexity from multiple levels

Condominiums and townhomes generally cost less due to smaller square footage:

1-bedroom condos: $800-1,500 for compact layouts
2-bedroom townhomes: $1,200-2,500 depending on ceiling heights and finishes
3-bedroom townhomes: $1,800-3,500 for larger floor plans

Apartments and rental properties have unique considerations:

Studio apartments: $400-800 for minimal square footage
1-bedroom apartments: $600-1,200 for standard layouts
Multi-unit projects often qualify for bulk pricing discounts

Rental properties face restrictions on paint choices and timeline. Many landlords prefer neutral colors and quick turnarounds between tenants.

Cost To Paint By Room

The cost to paint a room also depends on the size and type of room:

Living room or family room: A large living room can cost $800 to $2,000.
Bedroom: A standard 12×12 bedroom costs around $350 to $800 with labor and materials.
Kitchen: Prep work takes time because of grease on walls. Expect $700 to $1,500.
Bathroom: Moisture-resistant paint is a must. Costs usually run from $250 to $650.
Ceilings and trim: These are often priced separately. Trim can cost $1 to $3 per linear foot. Ceilings can add $1 to $2 per square foot.

Adding an accent wall with a different color may increase the cost of painting, but it gives a stylish finish.

How to Save Money on Interior Painting

Here are proven ways to save money on painting your home without losing quality:

Get multiple estimates: Talk to at least three professional painters to compare interior painting rates.
Pick mid-grade paint: It gives good results without paying for top luxury brands.
Do prep yourself: Cleaning walls, moving furniture, and small patching work can cut down on labor costs.
Time the project: Schedule in late winter or early fall. Many companies offer discounts in slower seasons.
Hire local trusted painters: Companies like San Diego Custom Painting have a good reputation and may offer fair pricing.

These small steps can lower your total cost and still give a professional result.

FAQ'S

How much should it cost to paint the interior of a 2000 square foot house?

The cost of interior house painting for a 2000 square foot house is usually between $4,000 and $8,500.
Low range: $4,000 to $5,000
Mid range: $5,500 to $7,000
High range: $7,500 to $8,500
Extra work like wall repairs, textured walls, and detailed trim can make the price higher.

How much does it cost to have a 12x12 room professionally painted?

For a 12×12 bedroom, the average costs in 2025 are $350 to $800. This includes materials, labor, and one coat of paint. In San Diego, expect to pay near the higher end.

How much do painters charge in San Diego?

House painters in San Diego charge more than in smaller cities. Professional painters often charge $3 to $5 per square foot. Some charge by the hour, usually $55 to $75 per hour. The cost per square foot is higher because of labor costs and high demand for quality finishes.

How much does San Diego Custom Painting charge for interior painting?

San Diego Custom Painting gives custom estimates for every project. The price depends on the square footage of your home, prep work, and the type of paint you choose. For an accurate number, the best way is to request a free estimate from San Diego Custom Painting. They are known for quality work and fair interior painting rates in Spring Valley and the greater San Diego area.