How Much to Paint Interior of Home: Complete Cost Guide for 2025
Painting the inside of your home is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your space a fresh new look. Whether you are preparing to sell your home or simply want to brighten up a few rooms, interior painting can make a big difference. But before you start, it’s important to understand how much to paint interior of home and what factors can affect the total cost.
This guide will walk you through the average costs, paint types, labor prices, and helpful tips to make sure you get the best results for your budget.
Average Cost to Paint the Interior of a Home
On average, homeowners spend between $2 and $6 per square foot to paint the interior of a house. This price includes both labor and materials.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Small home (1,000 sq. ft.) – $2,000 to $4,000
- Medium home (1,500 sq. ft.) – $3,000 to $6,000
- Large home (2,500 sq. ft.) – $5,000 to $10,000
If you plan to do it yourself, the total cost can drop significantly — usually between $200 and $1,000, depending on paint quality and tools.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Several factors determine how much you’ll pay to paint the interior of your home.
1. Size of the Area
The total square footage is the biggest cost factor. The more wall space there is, the more paint and labor you’ll need.
2. Paint Type and Quality
Paint prices vary widely.
- Standard paint: $20–$40 per gallon
- Premium or eco-friendly paint: $50–$100 per gallon
Higher-quality paint provides better coverage and lasts longer, which can save money in the long term.
3. Number of Rooms
Each room has a different cost range:
- Bedroom: $300–$800
- Living room: $600–$1,200
- Kitchen: $400–$1,000
- Bathroom: $200–$600
Painting ceilings, trim, and doors will also increase the total.
4. Labor Costs
If you hire professionals, expect to pay $25–$75 per hour or $2–$4 per square foot in labor. Labor often makes up 70–80% of the total project cost. Complex designs or high ceilings may cost extra.
5. Wall Preparation
Old or damaged walls might need cleaning, sanding, or patching before painting. Additional prep work such as removing wallpaper or repairing cracks can raise costs.
6. Paint Finish
Different finishes affect both price and appearance:
- Flat or matte: Least expensive, hides wall flaws well.
- Eggshell or satin: Slightly glossy, easy to clean — ideal for living areas.
- Semi-gloss or gloss: More durable, great for kitchens and bathrooms, but pricier.
7. Color Choice
Darker colors and strong hues may require more coats to get even coverage. Light colors are often cheaper to apply because they cover easily.
DIY vs. Professional Painting
You can either paint your home yourself or hire a professional crew. Both have pros and cons.
DIY Painting
Doing it yourself can save a lot of money. You’ll only need to buy paint, brushes, rollers, tape, and drop cloths.
Pros:
- Much cheaper
- You control the process and pace
- Great for small rooms or single walls
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Physically tiring
- Results may not be as smooth or long-lasting
Professional Painting
Hiring professionals ensures faster and cleaner results, especially for large homes or multi-room projects.
Pros:
- High-quality finish
- Faster completion time
- Less stress and cleanup
Cons:
- More expensive
- Must coordinate with the painter’s schedule
If you value your time or want a perfect result, professionals are worth the extra cost.
Paint Quantity Estimation
Knowing how much paint to buy prevents waste and saves money. One gallon of paint covers about 350–400 square feet on average.
Example:
If your living room measures 12 ft × 15 ft with 8 ft walls, the total area is about 432 sq. ft. You’ll need 1–2 gallons for two coats, depending on paint type and surface texture.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Home Interior?
The time it takes depends on the home size and whether you do it yourself or hire pros.
- DIY: 4–7 days for an average home (1,500 sq. ft.)
- Professional: 2–4 days with a team of painters
Drying time between coats usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on humidity and temperature.
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to pay for each area of your home:
| Room Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $300–$800 |
| Living Room | $600–$1,200 |
| Kitchen | $400–$1,000 |
| Bathroom | $200–$600 |
| Hallways | $300–$800 |
| Ceilings | $150–$400 per room |
| Trim & Doors | $1–$4 per linear foot |
If you include ceilings, trims, and multiple colors, costs will be higher.
Ways to Save Money When Painting
Painting doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some smart money-saving tips:
- Do your own prep work. Clean, tape, and sand walls before painters arrive.
- Buy paint on sale. Many stores offer discounts during holidays or seasonal clearances.
- Use fewer colors. Keeping the same shade across multiple rooms reduces leftover paint.
- Compare quotes. Get at least three estimates from local painters before hiring.
- Handle small jobs yourself. Touch-ups and single rooms are easy DIY projects.
- Store leftover paint. Save it for future touch-ups instead of buying new cans.
Choosing the Right Paint for Each Room
Every room has its own needs based on light, humidity, and traffic.
- Living Room & Bedroom: Eggshell or satin finish for warmth and easy cleaning.
- Kitchen & Bathroom: Semi-gloss paint that resists moisture and stains.
- Ceilings: Flat paint to hide imperfections.
- Children’s Room: Washable or durable paints for easy maintenance.
Pick colors that match your furniture and lighting to create balance and comfort.
How Often Should You Repaint?
Most interior walls need repainting every 5–7 years. High-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms may need a fresh coat sooner. Regular maintenance keeps your home looking bright and protects the walls from damage.
When to Hire Professionals
Consider hiring a painting contractor if:
- You have high ceilings or large wall areas.
- The walls are damaged or uneven.
- You want a custom finish, such as texture or pattern painting.
- You need the job done quickly.
Professionals bring experience, tools, and efficiency that DIY painting can’t always match.
Final Thoughts
So, how much to paint interior of home? In 2025, expect to spend between $2,000 and $6,000 for an average-sized home, depending on paint quality, wall condition, and labor costs.
Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s appearance. Whether you hire professionals or take the DIY route, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform your space — making it brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming.
