How Much Does Interior Painting Cost?
The national average cost for interior painting is $2,500 (per room or whole home). Most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the scope of work, your location, and other factors.
Interior painting includes wall preparation, priming, painting walls, ceilings, trim, and doors with professional-grade materials for a lasting finish.
What Affects Interior Painting Cost?
- Room size and ceiling height
- Number of rooms
- Wall condition and prep work needed
- Paint quality and brand
- Trim, ceiling, and door painting
- Furniture moving and protection
Interior Painting Costs by City
Prices vary significantly by location. Here are interior painting costs in major US cities:
| City | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $1,450 | $3,620 | $8,700 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,350 | $3,380 | $8,100 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,200 | $3,000 | $7,200 |
| Houston, TX | $1,000 | $2,500 | $6,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1,050 | $2,620 | $6,300 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,200 | $3,000 | $7,200 |
| San Antonio, TX | $900 | $2,250 | $5,400 |
| San Diego, CA | $1,300 | $3,250 | $7,800 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,050 | $2,620 | $6,300 |
| San Jose, CA | $1,500 | $3,750 | $9,000 |
| Austin, TX | $1,100 | $2,750 | $6,600 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $950 | $2,380 | $5,700 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $1,000 | $2,500 | $6,000 |
| Columbus, OH | $950 | $2,380 | $5,700 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $900 | $2,250 | $5,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
A single room (12x12) costs $300-$800 to paint professionally, including walls and trim. Larger rooms, vaulted ceilings, or extensive prep work increase the price.
One room takes 1-2 days. A whole home (3-bedroom) takes 3-5 days with a crew. This includes prep, priming, two coats, and trim work.
DIY saves 60-70% on labor but takes 3-4x longer and often shows imperfections. Hire a pro for large areas, high ceilings, trim work, or when selling your home for the best finish.