How much does it cost to paint a house interior?
Painting a whole house interior typically costs $2–$6 per square foot of floor area — about $3,000–$9,000 for an average 1,500–2,000 sq ft home. Walls only sits at the low end; adding ceilings, trim and doors pushes toward the top.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Home size | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (small home / condo) | $2,000–$4,500 | Walls, standard prep |
| 1,500 sq ft (3-bed) | $3,000–$7,000 | Most common job size |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000–$9,500 | Add ceilings/trim at top end |
| 2,500–3,000 sq ft | $6,000–$14,000+ | More rooms, high ceilings |
What affects the price
What is included
Walls only is the cheapest scope. Ceilings add roughly 30–50% and trim, doors and closets add more — the same house can double in price with full scope.
Prep and wall condition
Patching drywall, sanding, priming over dark colors and dealing with water stains all add labor hours before a brush touches paint.
Ceiling height and layout
Vaulted ceilings, stairwells and open two-story foyers need ladders or scaffolding and slow the crew down considerably.
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How much does it cost to paint a house interior?
Typically $2–$6 per square foot of floor area, so about $3,000–$9,000 for a 1,500–2,000 sq ft home. Scope (ceilings, trim, doors) and prep condition set where you land in the range.
Is it cheaper to paint the whole house at once?
Yes — per-room cost drops when a crew sets up once and works through the whole home, versus separate visits. Whole-house jobs often price 15–25% below the sum of individual rooms.
How long does it take to paint a house interior?
A 2–3 person crew typically takes 3–5 days for an average 3-bed home including prep and two coats, longer with ceilings, trim and lots of patching.