Interior Painting Cost

Angi prices interior painting at $2 to $6 per square foot, with most jobs between $1,000 and $3,000.

Cost by room

Cost by room size

Source: Angi. The whole interior of a 2,000 sq ft home runs $4,000 to $12,000.

What's included

• Walls only: about $2.75 per sq ft
• Walls, trim and ceilings: about $4.70 per sq ft
• Ceilings alone: $1 – $3 per sq ft; baseboard and trim $1 – $3

Labor and materials

Labor is 70% to 90% of the price. Painters charge $25 to $100 per hour, or about $1 to $3.50 per sq ft. Paint averages $20 to $30 per gallon and covers 350 to 400 sq ft per coat. Each coat beyond two adds about $50 to $70 per 300 to 400 sq ft.

Add-ons

Paint and supplies

• Paint averages $20 to $30 per gallon, with a range of $10 to $100+; primer runs $10 to $20.
• One gallon covers 350 to 400 sq ft per coat.
• Supplies run $200 to $300 per room.

Doing it yourself

Angi says DIY saves about $700 to $1,800 in labor on a typical job, since labor makes up most of the bill.

More room sizes

Prep and extras

Angi's average for a painting project of any kind is $2,500, with a range of $350 to $8,000.

What goes into an interior paint job

• Moving and covering furniture and floors.
• Patching holes and cracks.
• Sanding and cleaning walls.
• Caulking trim gaps.
• Priming repairs or stains.
• Applying finish coats.

Prep often takes as long as painting.

Choosing paint and sheen

• Flat or matte: hides flaws, best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms.
• Eggshell and satin: easier to clean, good for living areas and bedrooms.
• Semi-gloss: durable, used on trim, doors and bathrooms.

Higher-quality paints often cover better and wear longer.

What affects the price

• Room size and ceiling height.
• Wall condition and repairs.
• Number of colors.
• Ceilings, trim and doors.
• Dark-to-light color changes that need more coats.
• Furniture moving.

Questions to ask

1. How many coats are included?
2. What brand and product line will you use?
3. Is wall repair included?
4. Will you paint the ceilings and trim?

In Texas

Many Texas homes have textured walls. Patching to match the texture before painting gives a cleaner finish. In humid areas, use bathroom paints that resist mildew.

What professional prep includes

The quality of a paint job comes mostly from preparation. A professional painter usually:

1. Moves furniture to the center of the room and covers it.
2. Protects floors with drop cloths.
3. Removes outlet covers and switch plates.
4. Fills nail holes, cracks and dents with spackle or caulk.
5. Sands patches and glossy surfaces so new paint adheres.
6. Cleans walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
7. Primes patches, stains and new drywall.
8. Masks trim, windows and fixtures where needed.

Only then does painting begin. Painters who skip prep may be cheaper but the result often shows patches, peeling or uneven color.

How many coats

Most rooms need two coats for even color and durability. Dramatic color changes, especially from dark to light, may need a primer and two coats. Paints labeled "paint and primer in one" can reduce coats in some cases, but they do not replace a dedicated primer on new drywall, stains or glossy surfaces.

Choosing sheen

• Flat or matte: hides imperfections, good for ceilings and low-traffic rooms, harder to clean.
• Eggshell: a soft sheen that is more washable, popular for living areas and bedrooms.
• Satin: more durable and washable, good for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
• Semi-gloss: very durable, common on trim, doors and cabinets.

Paint quality

Higher-quality paints cover better, resist stains and last longer. Painters often include paint in their price. If you supply the paint, confirm the brand and line the painter recommends.

Low-VOC and odor

Many paints today are low-VOC or zero-VOC, which reduces odor and indoor air pollution. Good ventilation during and after painting helps the paint dry and clears the smell.

How long it takes

A single room is often painted in a day. A whole house interior may take several days to a week or more, depending on the size, prep and number of colors.

Getting a fair quote

Ask each painter to include the same items: walls, ceilings, trim and doors, number of coats, paint brand and line, and prep work. Ask whether repairs to drywall are included.

Ceilings, trim and doors

Ceilings, trim and doors are often priced separately from walls. Ceilings take longer because the work is overhead. Trim needs careful cutting in and often a glossier paint. Doors need both sides painted. Make sure quotes say whether these are included.

Leftover paint

Ask the painter to leave labeled leftover paint for each room, with the brand, color name and sheen written on the can. It makes future touch-ups much easier to match.

Painting in occupied homes

Painters can work room by room so the rest of the house stays usable. Ask how they will sequence the work and protect furniture that cannot be moved. Agree on which rooms will be done each day before work starts.

Sources

1. Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Paint Your Home's Interior and Exterior? (updated Apr 16, 2026)