How Much Does Interior Painting Cost?
Last updated February 1, 2026Interior painting is one of the highest-impact, most affordable home improvements. Costs depend on room size, ceiling height, and how much prep work is needed. Here are typical 2026 prices for professional interior painting.
Typical Costs
Single Room (12x12)
Whole House (3 bedroom)
Accent Wall
Cabinet Painting (kitchen)
What Affects the Cost?
- Room Size
- Painters charge by square footage of wall space. A standard 12x12 room has roughly 400 sq ft of wall area.
- Ceiling Height
- Rooms with 9-10 ft ceilings cost 15-25% more than standard 8 ft ceilings due to extra wall area and ladder work.
- Paint Quality
- Builder-grade paint costs $20-$30/gallon. Premium brands (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams) run $50-$80/gallon but cover better and last longer.
- Surface Prep Needed
- Walls with holes, cracks, or peeling paint need repair before painting. Extensive prep can add 30-50% to the total cost.
- Number of Coats
- Two coats are standard. Dark-to-light color changes or fresh drywall may require primer plus two coats, adding 25-35% to labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
A professional crew can paint a standard room in 4-6 hours including prep. A full 3-bedroom house takes 3-5 days.
DIY saves 50-70% on cost but takes 3-4x longer. Professionals deliver cleaner lines, better prep, and handle high or difficult areas safely.
High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens) benefit from repainting every 3-5 years. Bedrooms and low-traffic rooms can go 5-10 years between painting.
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