House Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate what a professional interior or exterior paint job costs in the United States. Adjust the home size, prep level and extras below for an instant low–high range.
Typical house painting prices in the US
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Small job — 1–2 rooms | $600 | $1,800 |
| Average home interior (≈1,500 sq ft) | $3,000 | $7,500 |
| Whole home — interior + exterior | $6,500 | $15,000 |
Ranges reflect local rates in the United States.
What affects house painting cost
- Total paintable square footage and ceiling height
- Amount of prep: patching, sanding, caulking, priming
- Number of colors and paint quality (economy vs premium)
- Trim, doors, cabinets and ceilings add labor
- Access: high walls, stairwells and multi-story exteriors
House Painting in the US — FAQ
How much does it cost to paint a house interior in the US?
Most interior repaints in the US land between the low and high figures shown by the calculator above — roughly $2–$5 per square foot of home size, plus prep and trim. A typical 1,500 sq ft home runs a few thousand dollars.
Is it cheaper to paint yourself?
DIY saves on labor (often 70–85% of a quote) but costs your time and equipment. For exteriors, high walls, or heavy prep, a pro is usually worth it.
Interior vs exterior painting cost — what's the difference?
Exterior work often has a lower per-square-foot rate but adds prep (power washing, scraping, priming) and equipment for height, so totals can be similar.
Do painters in the US charge by the hour or the job?
Most residential painters quote a flat price for the job after a walkthrough. Hourly rates ($25–$60/painter) show up mainly on small touch-up work.