Quick Answer: Painting a house typically costs $2,500 to $6,000 for a 1,500-square-foot exterior in 2026, while a full interior repaint often runs $3,000 to $8,000. Prep work, story height, paint quality, trim detail, and repairs have a bigger impact on price than paint alone.
How much does it cost to paint a house?
| Painting Project | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior, 1,500 sq ft home | $2,500-$6,000 | Includes siding, trim, and standard prep on many average homes |
| Interior whole house | $3,000-$8,000 | Depends on room count, ceiling height, and trim or wall condition |
| Prep and repair add-ons | Varies | Scraping, patching, caulking, and priming can change the final quote a lot |
Paint itself is only one piece of the budget. The real cost is driven by prep work, surface condition, and labor time, especially when crews need to repair damaged siding, patch drywall, protect landscaping, or work on tall exterior walls.
Cost Breakdown by Project Type
- Exterior painting costs rise with story height, ladder access, trim complexity, and weather exposure.
- Interior painting depends on room count, ceiling height, patching needs, and how much trim is included.
- Premium paints can raise material costs but may improve coverage and long-term durability.
- Old peeling paint, water damage, and wood rot increase preparation time before coating starts.
- Accent colors, doors, shutters, and extensive trim work are common quote multipliers.
What Affects House Painting Cost?
Surface prep is usually the biggest variable. A home in good condition with clean, paint-ready walls or siding is far cheaper to repaint than one with peeling finishes, cracks, mildew, or damaged trim. Exterior projects also depend on height and access because multi-story ladders, scaffolding, and detailed trim take more labor. For interiors, empty rooms are quicker to paint than furnished homes that require extra masking and moving. Finally, paint grade matters: better products may cost more per gallon, but they often reduce coats and can perform better over time.
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View on Amazon →Ask every painter whether the estimate includes patching, primer, paint brand, number of coats, and cleanup. That makes bids easier to compare and helps you avoid paying extra for basics that should have been defined upfront.
Free Paint Calculator →Is exterior painting more expensive than interior painting?
Often, yes. Exterior painting usually requires more setup, ladder work, weather planning, and surface prep. However, very large interiors with high ceilings and detailed trim can also be expensive.
How often should a house be repainted?
Many homes are repainted every five to ten years, but the exact timing depends on climate, sun exposure, paint quality, and surface condition. Touch-ups can extend the life of a full repaint.
Do painters charge by square foot?
Many painters use square footage as a starting point, but most final bids also factor in prep work, trim detail, accessibility, and paint quality. Square footage alone does not tell the whole pricing story.
Should I buy my own paint?
Sometimes, but many homeowners prefer contractor-supplied paint so the exact products and quantities stay tied to the warranty and bid. If you buy paint yourself, confirm the brand and finish requirements first.
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