How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Interior of a House in 2025?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The cost of an interior painting project can range from $350 to $5,800, with a national average of $2,021. At about $2.75 per square foot for walls—or $4.70 per square foot for walls, trim, and ceilings—the size of the room makes the biggest price difference, with larger spaces costing more. Knowing what to expect can help you plan your budget confidently for your painting project.

Interior Painting Cost Factors

Beyond square footage and room type, several key factors influence the cost of your interior painting project.

Size

Interior painting costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, including paint and materials.

Interior Painting by Room Type

Interior painting costs vary by room because each space has a different square footage. Painting a bathroom costs less since it's typically the smallest room. The living room is often the largest in the home and will cost more to paint.

Materials

A 2-gallon can of paint covers up to 800 square feet—enough for two coats in an average-sized room. A 3-gallon can cover up to 1,200 square feet. For an average-sized house, plan on about 6 gallons of paint per coat.

Most gallons cost between $15 and $40, depending on the type and finish:

• Flat paint averages $13 per gallon

• Semi-gloss interior paint costs around $17 per gallon

• High-gloss enamel paint averages $35 per gallon

• VOC-free paints also average around $35 per gallon

Gloss vs. Matte

You can expect to spend about $2 more per gallon for each increase in gloss level—the glossier the paint, the higher the cost. For an average-sized home, choosing glossy paint adds roughly $10 to your final cost. Glossy paints are more stain-resistant and easier to clean, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms.

Primer

Primer costs around $10 per gallon, covering approximately 100 square feet with a single coat. Primer is the step most people want to skip, but applying it before that first coat of paint can help the finished product look smoother and last longer. Some brands even sell paint and primer in one. Primers come in water-based latex or oil-based types.

For walls and ceilings, use a water-based primer. And for doors, windows, metal, and woodwork, use oil-based. If you have water damage or mold stains, try a stain-blocking primer.

Labor

Labor costs account for 75% to 95% of the total painting cost. Local professional painters may charge by the square foot or by floor space, so discuss pricing structures with your local professional painter to understand your estimate.

Accent Walls

Painting an accent wall can increase your project costs by 20% to 30% due to additional paint and materials. Specialty work like murals can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 because they require specialized labor.

Textured Walls

Painting textured walls can increase costs significantly, as textured walls can require double the amount of paint compared to smooth walls, potentially driving up painting fees by up to 50% . Factor in the additional surface area into your square footage when seeking professional estimates.

How Often Should You Paint Interior Walls?

You should repaint your home's interior every three to 10 years. High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children's rooms may need repainting more frequently due to wear and tear. Factors like pets, quality of the previous paint job, type of paint used, and sunlight exposure can influence how soon repainting is needed. Regular repainting keeps your home looking fresh and helps protect your walls.

Budgeting for Interior Wall Painting

Here are some cost-saving strategies that don’t compromise quality:

• Buy paint during sales or off-season to get the best prices.

• Prep the walls yourself by filling holes and sanding before the painter arrives to reduce labor costs.

• Consider combining painting projects to reduce travel and setup fees.

• Compare quotes from at least three local professional painting companies to find the best combination of price and quality.

• Look for paint-and-primer-in-one products that can reduce the total number of coats needed.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Painting the interior yourself can save $1,700 to $1,800 because supplies typically cost just $200 to $300. However, remember to factor in the time and effort the project demands. It’s best to hire a local professional painter to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.

“Many homeowners will offer to buy the paint for the professional painter, thinking that they’ll save money,” says Bob Tschudi , Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor. “But painters usually get significant discounts from their suppliers and often pass some of that savings on to you.”

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.