Interior painting is typically priced per square foot of wall area or per room. Here are 2025–2026 rates:

• Per square foot: $2–$6/sq ft of wall area (not floor area). This includes two coats of quality paint and standard prep.
• Per room (average 12×12): $400–$800 for walls only. Add $150–$300 for the ceiling. Add $50–$100 per window/door for trim.
• Whole house interior (2,000 sq ft home): $4,000–$10,000. The wide range depends on ceiling height, number of colors, condition of existing surfaces, and trim/door painting.
• Cabinet painting: $3,000–$7,000 for a full kitchen. This is specialty work — don't let your wall painter do it unless they have cabinet-specific experience and equipment (HVLP sprayer, proper primers).

Paint quality matters. A gallon of contractor-grade paint costs $25–$35. Premium paint (Benjamin Moore Regal, Sherwin-Williams Emerald) costs $55–$80/gallon. The labor is the same either way, so skimping on paint saves very little while significantly reducing durability.

• Average single-story home (1,500 sq ft): $3,000–$6,000
• Average two-story home (2,500 sq ft): $5,000–$10,000
• Large or complex homes: $8,000–$15,000+

Exterior pricing includes more variables than interior:

• Siding type: Smooth surfaces (vinyl, aluminum) paint faster than textured surfaces (stucco, brick, cedar shakes).
• Stories/height: Multi-story homes require scaffolding or lifts, adding $500–$2,000.
• Prep work intensity: A home with peeling paint needs scraping and priming. A home in good condition needs only light washing and spot-priming. Prep can account for 50–70% of the total labor on exterior work.
• Power washing: $200–$500. Should be done 1–2 days before painting to allow drying. Sometimes quoted separately.

Here's exactly what to look for when comparing painting quotes:

• Prep work detail: The quote should specify: filling holes/cracks, caulking gaps, sanding rough areas, priming bare spots, and protecting floors/furniture. If it just says "paint 3 bedrooms," ask what prep is included.
• Number of coats: Two coats is standard. One coat is never enough (despite what some contractors claim). If the quote says "one coat," it's not a professional quote.
• Paint brand and product line: "Latex paint" tells you nothing. The quote should specify the brand, product line, and sheen. This lets you price-check and ensures the contractor isn't downgrading after you sign.
• Surface preparation for different areas: Trim, doors, and cabinets need different prep than walls. If the quote treats everything the same, corners will be cut on the detail work.
• Furniture moving: Who moves the furniture? Most painters will shift furniture to the center and cover it, but some charge extra or expect you to do it.

• Price is 40%+ below other quotes: Painting is labor-intensive. A quote significantly below market means the contractor is either skipping prep, using cheap paint, running uninsured, or paying workers under the table. You'll see the difference within a year.
• No mention of primer: New drywall, stains, and color changes require primer. Skipping it means poor adhesion and bleed-through. Primer adds $0.50–$1.00/sq ft but is essential for a lasting result.
• Spray-only without back-rolling: Spraying is fast but doesn't work paint into the surface texture. Professional painters spray AND back-roll for complete coverage. Spray-only saves time for the contractor but produces inferior results.
• No timeline or crew size: A 2,000 sq ft interior should take a 2–3 person crew about 3–5 days. If someone quotes 1 day, they're spraying everything without proper prep. If they quote 3 weeks, they're a one-person operation juggling multiple jobs.
• Vague "touch up" warranty: A good painter offers a 2-year workmanship warranty. "We'll come back and touch up" without specifics is meaningless.