Paint is the highest-impact, lowest-cost way to refresh a home — but “cheap” is relative when you’re covering a whole house. Professional painting typically runs $2 to $6 per square foot of surface area. Interior painting for a whole home commonly costs $3,000 to $8,000, and an exterior repaint $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on size, condition, and the number of stories.
Here’s how interior and exterior painting costs break down, what drives the price, and how to get a quality finish for less. These are typical national ranges that vary with prep work, paint grade, and local labor. For real numbers, see the ServiceGoat Cost Guides or get matched with local painters below.
Interior painting cost
Interior pricing is often quoted per room or per square foot of floor area. Ceilings, trim, and doors are usually priced separately.
| Interior job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom | $350–$900 |
| Living room | $600–$1,500 |
| Whole-home interior (avg home) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Trim & baseboards (per room) | $150–$400 |
| Ceiling (per room) | $150–$500 |
Exterior painting cost
| Exterior job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single-story home | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Two-story home | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Trim & accents only | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Deck or fence staining | $1–$3 per sq ft |
What drives the cost
- Square footage: More wall and ceiling area means more paint and labor.
- Prep work: Patching, sanding, caulking, and priming can be a third of the job on older surfaces.
- Surface condition: Peeling paint, water damage, or stucco repair adds time.
- Paint grade: Premium paints cost more per gallon but cover better and last longer.
- Height and access: Two-story exteriors, vaulted ceilings, and tricky access raise labor.
- Number of colors and detail: Accent walls, trim contrast, and fine detail add hours.
Cost breakdown
Painting is labor-heavy: expect 70–85% labor and 15–30% materials. The paint itself is a small slice; you’re paying for prep and skilled application, which is exactly where a good finish is won or lost. Cheap quotes often cut prep — fewer coats, skipped priming — which shows within a year or two.
Example projects
Repainting a 3-bedroom interior
Walls, ceilings, and trim throughout an average 1,800 sq ft home typically run $4,000–$7,000, depending on color changes and trim detail.
Exterior repaint of a two-story home
With moderate prep and a quality paint, a two-story exterior commonly costs $6,000–$11,000 — more if there’s significant scraping or siding repair.
How to save on painting
- Do your own prep where you can — moving furniture, light patching, and cleaning walls saves labor hours.
- Paint fewer colors. One or two colors throughout is faster and cheaper than a custom palette per room.
- Schedule exterior work in the dry season for better results and availability.
- Get three quotes and confirm the number of coats and prep steps in writing.
- Invest in good paint. A higher-grade paint that lasts 10 years beats a cheap one you redo in three.
Get house painting quotes from vetted pros
Tell us about your project and ServiceGoat will match you with up to 3 vetted local pros. Compare quotes side by side — free, with no obligation.
More cost guides: ServiceGoat Cost Guides · Roof Replacement Cost · Kitchen Remodel Cost