Interior Painting Cost: Room-by-Room Breakdown

Vincenzo Degregorio
Jun 9
3 min read

Understanding Interior Painting Cost: Room-by-Room Breakdown helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. In this guide, we’ll cover average pricing, key factors, and tips for saving—so you can plan your next project with confidence.

Overview of Interior Painting Costs

Why Understanding Costs Matters

Prevents budget overruns
Helps compare DIY vs. professional quotes
Ensures you allocate funds for prep, materials, and labor

Factors That Influence Pricing

Labor rates: $40–$75 per painter-hour
Paint quality: Budget ($20–$35/gal) vs. premium ($45–$70/gal)
Surface prep: Repairs, priming, and extensive sanding
Room complexity: High ceilings, trim work, and built-ins

Cost Breakdown by Room Type

Room Type	Average Size	DIY Cost Range	Pro Cost Range
Bedroom	~120–150 sq ft	$200–$350	$450–$800
Living Room	~200–250 sq ft	$300–$550	$600–$1,200
Kitchen/Dining	~150–200 sq ft	$250–$450	$550–$1,000
Bathroom	~50–70 sq ft	$100–$200	$300–$500
Hallway/Entry	~80–120 sq ft	$150–$275	$400–$700

Bedroom Painting Costs

Bedrooms often have fewer obstacles—costs skew lower.
Pro tip: Combine two bedrooms in one project for volume discounts.

Living Room Painting Costs

Larger walls and height can increase labor.
Expect premium finishes (e.g., satin) for main living spaces.

Kitchen & Dining Room Costs

Includes cabinet touch-ups and moisture-resistant paints.
Trim and backsplash areas add to prep time.

Bathroom Painting Costs

Requires mold- and mildew-resistant coatings.
Ventilation checks and caulking increase prep cost.

Hallways, Stairwells & Entryways

Corners, railings, and tight spaces add complexity.
Often charged at a slightly higher per-sq-ft rate.

Additional Cost Considerations

Ceiling & Crown Molding Painting Costs

Ceilings: add $0.75–$1.50 per sq ft
Moldings: add $1–$3 per linear foot

Accent Walls & Feature Ceilings

Accent walls: additional $50–$150 for color changes
Feature ceilings (e.g., tray): $200–$400 extra

Trim, Doors & Built-In Units

Trim: $1–$3 per linear foot
Doors: $75–$150 each

Color Change & Multiple Coats

Drastic color shifts require primer: $0.50–$1 per sq ft
Extra coats: $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft

How to Get Accurate Quotes

Measuring Your Space Correctly

Measure width × height of each wall; subtract doors/windows.
Use an online calculator like Benjamin Moore Coverage Calculator.

Choosing Paint Quality & Brands

Budget brands: Behr, Valspar
Premium brands: Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams

Comparing DIY vs. Professional Estimates

DIY: only material costs + your time
Pro: labor, materials, prep, cleanup, warranty

Understanding Estimate Inclusions & Exclusions

Confirm if quotes include: priming, patching, cleanup, disposal.
Ask about warranty duration (standard: 1 year).

Tips for Saving on Interior Painting Cost

Timing Your Project for Discounts

Winter months often yield 10–15% lower labor rates.

Bundling Multiple Rooms

Combining adjacent rooms can reduce travel/setup fees.

Opting for Mid-Range Paint Finishes

Eggshell or satin balances cost and durability.

FAQs on Interior Painting Cost

What Is the Average Cost per Square Foot?

$2–$6 per sq ft for professional interior painting.

Do Painters Charge by the Hour or by the Job?

Small jobs: hourly ($40–$75/hr).
Full-room/home: flat project rate.

Are There Hidden Fees to Watch For?

Ask about disposal fees, travel surcharges, and premium-color upcharges.

How Much Should I Budget for Unexpected Issues?

Allocate an extra 10–15% of your total estimate.

How Much Should It Cost to Paint the Interior of a 2000 sq ft House?

Pro Range: $4,000–$12,000 depending on finishes and prep.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a 12×12 Room Professionally Painted?

Typical Cost: $600–$1,200 including prep, two coats, and trim.

By following this Interior Painting Cost: Room-by-Room Breakdown, you’ll gain clarity on pricing, avoid surprises, and plan a project that fits your budget and style requirements.