How Much Does It Cost To Paint the Interior of Your House (2024)?

If it's time to refresh the look of your home's interior or you need to cover up damage, you might be wondering how much it will cost. The cost to paint the interior of your house can vary wildly depending on several factors, including square footage, paint type, surfaces, and other costs.

We'll break down the cost to paint the interior of your house and help you estimate your project's budget. As always, the best way to determine the price of a paint job is to contact a professional, such as Mr. Handyman®, to receive a more accurate quote on residential painting services.

Cost by Square Foot

The primary factor that will help you determine the cost to paint the interior of a home is square footage. The more space you want to paint, the higher labor and material costs will rise. The average American home is a little over 2,000 square feet, making the average cost to paint the entire house around $4,000-$10,000.

Determine the square footage of the area you want to paint and compare it to the price table below. The lower ranges represent less expensive regions of the U.S. (rural areas) using more affordable paints, while the higher range represents more costly areas (urban areas) and specialty paints.

• 500 sq ft: $1,000-$2,500
• 1,000 sq ft: $2,000-$5,000
• 1,500 sq ft: $3,000-$7,500
• 2,000 sq ft: $4,000-$10,000
• 2,500 sq ft: $5,000-$12,500
• 3,000 sq ft: $6,000-$15,000
• 3,500 sq ft: $7,000-$17,500
• 4,000 sq ft: $8,000-$20,000

Cost by Paint Type

The type of paint used will also significantly impact the cost of painting your home's interior. For many home interiors, the most popular option is latex paint, which can cost $20-$35 per gallon, with each gallon covering around 300-400 square feet.

Other options include enamel, oil-based, and chalk paints, which can be fun for that special accent wall. Most paint jobs will also require a primer, which costs $15-$25 per gallon. The following prices are the average costs by paint type and can help you determine the cost to paint your home's interior.

• Chalk paint: $20-$35 per gallon
• Enamel paint: $20-$35 per gallon
• Latex paint: $15-$30 per gallon
• Oil-based paint: $20-$35 per gallon
• Primer: $15-$25 per gallon

Cost by Surface

Different surfaces within your home can cost different prices to paint due to their unique complexity and preparation requirements. Walls and ceilings will cost $2-$5 per square foot, with the higher end reserved for hard-to-reach spaces, such as high ceilings. Other surfaces and their average prices include:

• Kitchen cabinets: $1-$1.50 per sq ft
• Interior doors: $50-$100 per door
• Kitchen or bathroom tile: $4-$10 per sq ft
• Trims and crown moldings: $1-$5 per linear ft
• Walls and ceilings: $2-$5 per sq ft

Cost by Room Type

While we recommend obtaining the most accurate cost for painting the interior of your home by contacting a professional, you can estimate the cost by room type. Some rooms with high humidity, like bathrooms, may require additional treatments, while kitchens are typically more expensive due to the potential need to paint additional surfaces, such as your traditional or hutch cabinets to match.

• Bathroom: $200-$600
• Bedroom: $200-$500
• Dining room: $300-$800
• Kitchen: $400-$1,000
• Living area: $300-$800

Additional Costs To Consider

There are other costs to consider beyond labor and the paint itself. Your home may require specialty cleanup or surface repair for acceptable painting conditions, which can add to the price. You may also need to move furniture, pay extra for hard-to-reach spots, or spend add-on fees for specialty paints.

• Cleanup: $100-$500
• Environmental fees: $50-$200
• Furniture moving: $50-$500
• Location complexity: +10-20% extra
• Specialty paints: Varies
• Surface repair: $50-$500

How To Save Money on Interior Painting

If the interior painting cost for your home sends shivers down your spine, there are ways to help save money. Saving funds on your home's paint job means making smart purchasing decisions, considering alternative options, and prioritizing your needs.

• Purchase paint in bulk: When it's time to buy paint, consider purchasing it in bulk, as some retail stores may offer discounts when purchasing large amounts. Don't forget that extra bucket of paint for touch-ups in the future!
• Consider touch-ups for problem areas: Your home's interior may not require an entirely new paint job. Work with your painter to determine if touch-ups are an option to restore the look of your home.
• Focus on high-traffic areas of your home: Prioritizing the most important areas of your home is an excellent way to save money. Don't paint everything at once, and focus on the areas of your home that have the most traffic, such as your living room, kitchen, and hallways.
• Prepare your house for painting: The more you prepare your home, the less your service professionals need to do when they arrive on site. Be sure to clear the room you are painting, wash the walls, and move any furniture out of the way.
• Choose generic brands: While fancy brand names may offer enticing options, less expensive store brands can also look great and offer comparable quality. 

Don’t DIY Interior Painting

When it comes to interior painting, don't do it yourself; this is a DIY job to avoid and leave to a professional. Taking a residential painting job into your own hands can end up costing more money in the long run. You might end up spending more money fixing mistakes, and if you're not a pro, you'll probably use more paint than you need.

Mr. Handyman's service professionals can help save you time and effort by bringing their skills and expertise to the job. With their experience, our service professionals can help ensure a quality paint job with smooth finishes that don't have streaks or drips. Professionals can also help provide ideas like how to paint crown moldings or accent walls.

Trust Mr. Handyman With Painting Your Home

The Mr. Handyman team is here to deliver an accurate quote for painting the entire home and a high-quality paint job that leaves your home looking fresh and beautiful. If repair work is required first, Mr. Handyman offers carpentry services to prepare surfaces—we can even paint the exterior of your home. 

Contact Mr. Handyman today to get started.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Interior Painting FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about interior painting.

How do I estimate interior paint costs?

Estimating interior paint costs will largely depend on the square footage and type of paint you use. On average, a home costs $2-$5 per square foot to paint, with the average gallon of latex paint costing $15-$30. For a more accurate quote, contact your local Mr. Handyman.

How long does it take to paint a house interior?

The time it takes to paint your home's interior can vary depending on its size and complexity, but in general, the average American home will take two to four days. Large homes more than 3,000 square feet can take over a week, depending on their exact size and hard-to-reach areas, such as high ceilings.

When is the best time to paint a home’s interior?

Typically, the best time to paint a home is spring or fall, as the mild temperatures are ideal for paint drying. But if your home has adequate climate control, this factor is less important. Low humidity during these times of the year can also help prevent moisture problems, such as paint adhesion.

Do painter’s quotes include the cost of paint?

Most interior house painters include paint costs in their quotes, but you should ask the service professional if you’re unsure. If you plan to provide your own paint for the job, be sure to let the professional know ahead of time to obtain an accurate price.

What should I do to prepare for my painter’s arrival?

Preparing for your painters' arrival is an excellent way to reduce project times and potential additional interior painting costs. Before your painter arrives, clear the area of any furniture, rugs, and items that might get in the way of painting. You can put down drop cloths to help protect floors from spills and wash your walls to remove dirt, dust, or grime, allowing the paint to attach better.