How Much Does Interior Painting Cost? A Complete Guide

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By Cynthia Anaya

Updated: Apr 15, 2025

8 min read

How Much Does It Cost To Paint A House Interior
AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

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    Are you looking to give your room a makeover? What’s better than a fresh coat of paint? It helps refresh the space, making it look cleaner and brighter. A new coat of paint can change the aesthetic of the room and help conceal any imperfections such as marks, stains, etc. But how much does it cost to paint a house interior?

    That’s the question more homeowners are stuck with. But knowing the cost will help you decide better. So, this guide will help you understand the cost. This guide also highlights the factors affecting the cost of painting and how to save a few extra dollars.

    Cost to Paint a House Interior

    As per Angi and Home Advisor, one can expect to spend somewhere between $996 to $3,076. Remember, the price may vary depending on several factors.  You’re expected to pay anywhere between $2 - $6 per square foot, depending on if the ceiling, trim, and walls are included.

    If we consider the hourly rate, it may cost somewhere between $46 - $51 per hour. This is because, for an experienced painter, it may take somewhere between 2-6 hours to complete a 12’x12’ room work, depending on the size of the room.

    Cost to Paint a Bedroom

    A Person Painting a Bedroom
    AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

    The bedroom mostly has walls and ceiling, which makes it perfect for DIY. It’ll cost you less than hiring a professional. Cost may range from $350 - $850, which may depend on room size and inclusion of baseboard, trim, ceiling, etc.

    Room Size Average Cost
    10X10 $300 - $700
    10X12 $350 - $850
    12X12 $400 - $950
    12X15 $500 - $1,000
    14X16 $650 - $1,250
    16X16 $750 - $1,400

    Cost to Paint a Bathroom

    Cost of Painting Bathroom
    AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

    The cost of painting a small bathroom will be less than that of a large one. The bathroom may be more costly because of the cut in the work around the tub, shower, and vanity, in addition to removing towel bars and toilet paper holders. An average estimate may range from $150 - $650.

    Type of Bathroom Average Cost
    Standard Bathroom $150 - $400
    Primary Bathroom $250 - $650

    Cost to Paint a Living Room

    A Person Painting a Living Room
    AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

    The cost of painting a living room depends on the size and ceiling height. Painting a living room attached to a large hallway or dining room may increase the cost, adding more $300 to $1,000.

    Size of the Living Room Average Cost
    Small (200 Square Feet) $600 - $1,000
    Medium (320 Square Feet) $900 - $1,600
    Large (450 Square Feet) $1,200 - $2,000

    Cost to Paint Kitchen

    A Person Painting the Kitchen Walls
    AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

    The cost of painting kitchen walls is $150 - $250, depending on the type of paint. This is because most of the space in the kitchen is occupied by cabinets, backsplashes, appliances, etc, so painting cost is reduced.

    Area of the Kitchen Average Cost
    Walls $150 - $250
    Cabinets $900 - $3,800

    Cost to Paint Accent Walls

    A Women Painting an Accent Walls
    AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

    The cost of painting a wall may cost around $1 - $2 per square foot. Prices may vary depending if ceiling, trim, or baseboards are included. A single accent wall may cost around $80 - $200 to paint. The average cost to paint trim is $1 to $4 per linear foot.

    Items Cost Per Square Foot
    Walls Only $1.00 - $2.00
    Addition Of Texture $0.80 - $2.00
    Addition Of Ceiling $1.00 - $2.00
    Notes Paintings such as - Trompe L’oeil or murals cost around $35 to $150 per square foot.

    Cost to Paint a Ceiling

    A Person Painting the Ceiling of a Room
    AI Generated Image: Heaven Gables

    Painting a ceiling may cost around $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the texture type, number of coats, etc. A 12’ X 12’ room may cost around $150 - $300 (approximately).

    Ceiling Average Painting Cost
    Bathroom $50 - $170
    Bedroom $150 - $300
    Kitchen $100 - $500
    Living Room $250 - $1,000
    Primary Bedroom $300 - $600
    Open-Plan Basement $500 - $2,000
    Primary Bathroom $80 - $300

    Factors That Affect the Cost of Painting a Home’s Interior

    Read on to explore various factors that affect the cost of painting the interior of the house -

    Type of Homes

    The cost of a paint job varies on the type of the house. The average cost of painting an apartment will be somewhat less than that of a condo.

    Home Size

    You can expect to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000 per 1,000 square feet on painting the home.

    Room Type

    Every room has a different size and design, which affects the cost of painting them. Painting small spaces such as a bathroom is more affordable than a master bedroom or living room.

    Type of Surface

    The type of surface you want to cover will also affect the price of painting an interior. The average cost of painting a wall will cost anywhere between $1 to $2 per square feet.

    Priming

    You may need to prime the surface before starting the paint work - especially if you’re opting to coat a darker shade over a lighter one. Also, priming helps the paint adhere firmly. It may cost $10 per quart, which covers approximately 100 square feet with a single coat.

    Paint Type

    The cost of paint depends on the brand, quality, and gloss level. It is estimated that one gallon paint mostly covers 350 square feet. Hence, it can be concluded that you may require approximately 6 gallons per coat. A gallon of paint may cost around $20 - $100.

    Wall Repair

    Issues like dent, scratches, or water stains - needs to be taken care of with a spackle and putty knife. Repairing these damages gives a clear and smooth canvas to work with. Wall repair may also include wallpaper removal to give the room a fresh look, which may cost around $3 per square foot.

    Popcorn Ceiling Removal

    De-popping a popcorn ceiling may cost around $1 to $2 per square foot. After the ceiling is removed, extra costs for texture, painting, or other refurnishing work will be added to the total cost.

    How to Save on Painting the Home’s Interior?

    If you’re concerned about the amount of painting an interior, here are certain things you can consider -

    • Fix the drywall and finish any wall patching required before the painters arrive.

    • Do the prep work on your own. Cover the furniture, trim interior shrubs, remove any accents on the wall or ceiling, tape the baseboard, etc.

    • Consider premium paints. This is because, at first, they may seem expensive, but they actually increase the coverage. More coverage means less usage of paint.

    • Check and consider multiple painters before finalizing one. This will help you get the best deal with quality work.

    Conclusion

    The average cost of painting a house's interior depends on several factors, including the size and type of the house. With this brief guide, you can figure out and have an estimate for your painting project, whether you need only one room painted or the entire; this guide can help you calculate the budget for the painting work.

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