How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in USA?

The cost to paint a house typically ranges from $1,800 to $6,500, depending on the size of the home, whether you're painting the interior, exterior, or both, and the amount of prep work required. Smaller homes may cost less than $1,500, while larger or multi-story houses can exceed $8,000. On this page, you can estimate the cost to paint your house based on square footage, project type, and other key factors, so you get a realistic price range before hiring a painter.

cost to paint a house
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How Much Will My Painting Project Cost?

Here's a quick look at national average painting costs:

Project Type
Average Cost
Interior only
$1,500 – $4,500
Exterior only
$2,000 – $6,500
Interior + Exterior
$3,500 – $9,000
Cost per square foot
$1.50 – $4.00

Prices vary based on location, paint quality, surface condition, and labor rates.

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Cost to Paint a House by Square Footage

Many painters price projects based on square footage.

Home Size
Interior Cost
Exterior Cost
1,000 sq ft
$1,000 – $3,000
$1,800 – $3,500
1,500 sq ft
$1,500 – $4,000
$2,200 – $4,800
2,000 sq ft
$2,000 – $5,500
$2,800 – $6,500
3,000 sq ft
$3,000 – $7,500
$4,000 – $9,000

These estimates include labor and standard materials but may increase for specialty finishes or heavy prep work.

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Interior vs Exterior Painting Costs

Understanding the cost differences between interior and exterior painting helps you budget effectively for your project.

Interior Painting

Interior painting is usually cheaper because it involves:

  • •Less prep work
  • •Easier access
  • •Fewer weather-related delays

Average interior painting cost: $1.50 – $3.50 per square foot

Exterior Painting

Exterior painting costs more due to:

  • •Pressure washing
  • •Scraping and repairs
  • •Ladders or scaffolding
  • •Weather exposure

Average exterior painting cost: $2.50 – $4.00 per square foot

What Factors Affect the Cost of Painting a House?

Several factors influence the final price:

Paint <br>Quality

Paint
Quality

Higher-quality paints last longer but cost more upfront.

Surface <br>Condition

Surface
Condition

Cracked walls, peeling paint, or damaged siding increase labor time.

Home Height & <br>Layout

Home Height &
Layout

Multi-story homes and complex layouts cost more due to accessibility.

Location

Location

Labor rates vary by city and state.

Prep <br>Work

Prep
Work

Repairs, priming, and sanding can add 10–30% to the total cost.

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How Do I Estimate the Cost of Painting My House?

You can estimate your painting cost in three simple steps:

Measure square footage (interior living space or exterior surface area)

Multiply by average cost per sq ft

Add prep, repairs, and paint upgrades

Example: A 2,000 sq ft home × $2.50 per sq ft = $5,000. For faster results, many homeowners use a house painting cost calculator to get an instant estimate.

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Is It Cheaper to Paint a House Yourself?

DIY painting can reduce costs, but it comes with trade-offs.

DIY Pros

  • •Lower upfront cost
  • •Full control over timeline

DIY Cons

  • •Time-consuming
  • •Professional results are harder to achieve
  • •Mistakes can increase long-term costs

For large homes or exterior projects, hiring professionals is often worth the investment.

Get an Accurate House Painting Cost Estimate

While national averages are helpful, your actual cost depends on your home's unique details. Use our house painting cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate based on your square footage, project type, and location.

Free Estimator
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About House Painting Cost Calculator

Most painting projects range from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on whether the work is interior or exterior.
Interior painting usually takes 2–5 days, while exterior painting projects take 3–7 days, depending on weather and home size.
Yes. Many contractors offer off-season discounts during winter, especially for interior painting projects.
Yes. A fresh paint job can increase home value by 2–5% and significantly improve curb appeal. Neutral colors and professional finishes provide the highest return on investment.
Measure the paintable area, calculate paint needed by dividing area by coverage, then add paint cost, labor, supplies, and a small buffer for extras.
It provides a good estimate but not an exact price. Accuracy depends on measurements, number of coats, paint quality, surface condition, and local labor rates.
Professional interior painting typically costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, depending on the home's condition, layout, and location.
Divide the total painting cost, including paint, labor, and supplies, by the total paintable square footage.
Painting the interior of a 2000 square foot house typically costs between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on prep work, ceiling height, number of rooms, and paint quality.
Exterior painting for a 2000 square foot house usually costs between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on siding type, number of stories, and surface preparation.
A house painting cost calculator is accurate for budgeting and planning, but final costs may vary based on on-site conditions and contractor pricing.