The cost to paint a room: Understanding what impacts the final price

The cost to paint a room depends on your room size, paint quality, and the complexity of the job.

In this article, we’ll break down the costs, factors influencing the price, and ways to save money on room painting.

Let’s start by looking at the average cost for painting a small, standard-sized, and large room to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Key takeaways

• Average price: Most rooms cost $500–$1,200 to paint professionally.
  
  
• Room size matters. Larger spaces and high ceilings quickly raise costs.
  
  
• Labor drives the bill. At $2–$6 per sq. ft., professional expertise is the biggest factor.
  
  
• Extras add up. Trim, ceilings, textured walls, or specialty finishes can add hundreds more.

How much does it cost to paint a room?

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The average cost to paint a room professionally ranges from $500 to $1,200. It depends on the room size, paint quality, labor, finish type, prep work required, and location.

For smaller rooms (around 10' × 10' or 100 square feet), the cost ranges from $350 to $700. This covers basic materials, labor, and the use of mid-range paint quality.

On the other hand, expect to pay between $550 and $1,000 for a standard-sized room (about 12' × 12' or 144 square feet) with moderate-quality paint and standard prep work (such as taping and priming).

The cost can range from $900 to $1,600+ for larger rooms (over 200 square feet) or rooms with high ceilings, intricate designs, or specialty finishes. This includes multiple coats and prep work like patching holes, sanding, and priming surfaces.

Calculating the cost of painting a room

When planning your painting budget, it helps to break costs into steps. Follow this process to estimate your total:

Step 1: Measure your space

Calculate the square footage of the walls you’ll be painting. Multiply the room’s perimeter by the height of the walls, then subtract windows and doors.

Step 2: Factor in labor

Decide if you’ll hire a professional or DIY. Professionals typically charge per square foot or hourly. Labor is often the largest part of the cost.

Step 3: Choose paint type and finish

Higher-quality paints and glossy finishes cost more upfront but may last longer and require fewer coats.

Step 4: Add prep work

Repairs, sanding, priming, or dealing with textured surfaces all add to the total.

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Cost by room size 

While the total cost depends on paint, finish, and prep, you can also estimate a typical price range based on room size.

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Cost by room type 

Different rooms have unique requirements that can influence painting costs — from trim and ceiling work in bedrooms to larger wall space in living rooms.

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Cost per gallon

If you’re DIYing it, the amount of paint you’ll need depends on the size of the room and how many coats you’re applying. A gallon of paint typically covers 300–400 sq. ft. with one coat on smooth, primed walls. Rooms with textured surfaces, dark-to-light color changes, or multiple coats will require more.

Here’s a quick guide to how many gallons (and what cost) you can expect for different room sizes. This guide shows the price of the paint only, and does not include the cost of labor.

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Factors that affect the cost to paint a room

These factors affect the final cost of painting a room.

Room size & square footage

The larger the space, the more paint and materials you’ll need. This also increases labor costs, since it will take longer to cover the surfaces, contributing to the total expense. Painters typically charge between $2 and $6 per square foot, so each 100 sq. ft. adds roughly $200–$600 to the total cost.

Type of paint & finish

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Premium paints, especially those from well-known brands, cost more but provide better coverage, durability, and color retention over time. High-end paints average $60–$120 per gallon, while budget paints range from $25–$40 per gallon. The finish you select also impacts cost: matte finishes are the most affordable, satin and eggshell finishes cost slightly more, and glossy finishes are the most expensive because they require more prep work for a smooth, reflective surface.

Number of coats & prep work

The number of coats required can increase costs, since each additional layer uses more paint and adds labor time. Two coats are standard, but dark-to-light color changes or poor wall conditions may require three. Proper surface preparation, such as patching, sanding, mold treatment, and priming, also raises the overall price, often adding $1–$2 per square foot.

Ceiling height & complexity

Rooms with high ceilings or intricate architectural details, like crown molding or textured surfaces, increase the complexity of the job. Higher ceilings usually cost 20–40% more because they require ladders or scaffolding and take longer to complete. Similarly, details like molding or textured walls add precision work and can increase costs by $100–$500 per room.

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Local labor rates

The average price to paint a room depends on where you live. In areas with a higher cost of living or strong demand for painters, labor rates run higher. Professional painters typically charge $35–$70 per hour, while in major metropolitan areas, rates can reach $80–$100 per hour. In smaller towns or rural areas, rates are generally on the lower end.

Labor cost to paint a room (DIY vs professional painter costs)

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There are two main pricing models for calculating the labor cost to paint a room: per hour and per square foot.

Professional painters typically charge between $35 and $70 per hour, depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of the job. Alternatively, when pricing by square footage, painters usually charge between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot.

If you want to save on labor costs, you can do it yourself. However, remember that DIY painting also includes the cost of paint, tools, and materials like brushes, rollers, drop cloths, painter’s tape, and primer. These materials generally range from $200 to $600.

That said, DIY painting takes much longer, especially for beginners, and the quality of the finished job may not meet professional standards. Mistakes like uneven coverage, visible brushstrokes, or paint splatters can affect the room’s overall look.

Hiring a professional painter eliminates these risks. Professionals already have the tools and materials needed and bring expertise and efficiency, ensuring a high-quality finish. They know how to properly prepare the room, fix imperfections, and apply the paint smoothly and evenly. They also work faster, saving you valuable time, especially on a tight schedule.

Ultimately, whether to do it yourself or hire a pro depends on your budget, the quality you’re aiming for, and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest.

Cost to paint specific rooms

The cost for a painter to paint a room is determined by the unique characteristics of that room (size, wall condition, ceiling height, and trim or textured surfaces).

How much does it cost to paint a bedroom?

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For a small bedroom (100 to 200 sq. ft.), you can expect to pay between $350 and $900. This price typically includes the cost of paint, labor, and minor prep work. As the room size increases, so does the price.

A medium-sized bedroom (200 to 300 sq. ft.) will cost between $600 and $1,400, considering more materials and time are needed to complete the job.

For a large bedroom (300+ sq. ft.), the cost generally ranges from $900 to $1,600.

Additional features, like having your trim, baseboards, or ceilings painted, come at an extra cost. Trim and baseboards typically cost around $1.50 to $4.00 per linear foot. If you want the ceiling painted as well, it costs between $1.25 and $2.50 per square foot and could add an extra $150 to $1,000 to the total price, depending on the size and height of the room.

Cost to paint a living room

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Due to their larger size compared to bedrooms, living rooms require more paint and labor. As a result, the cost of painting a living room is higher.

Painting a small living room typically costs $600 to $1,900. A standard living room costs between $800 and $2,400, while a large living room can range from $1,000 to as much as $3,500 for oversized rooms with heavy prep work.

The cost increases with the presence of furniture and the texture of the walls. If the living room is heavily furnished, the painter will need extra time to protect the furniture or move it out, which adds to the labor costs. Additionally, textured walls or ceilings, such as those with heavy textures or popcorn ceilings, require more prep work, like sanding or patching, increasing the time and materials needed. Textured walls can add $150 to $400 to the painting cost.

Breakdown of material costs

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Paint cost per gallon. A gallon of paint from budget brands costs $20 to $60, while premium paints can cost anywhere from $70 to $120 or more.

Primer costs. Primer is necessary when painting over raw surfaces, sealing stains, or covering dark colors with lighter ones. It typically costs $15 to $40 per gallon, depending on the type and brand.

Additional materials. Other supplies like brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths contribute to the total project cost. Brushes generally range from $3 to $20 each, rollers from $6 to $20, painter’s tape from $3 to $12, and drop cloths from $10 to $40, depending on size and material.

The long-term cost of budget vs. premium paint

At first glance, budget paint can seem like the better deal. But the true cost comes down to how often you’ll need to repaint. Premium paints cost more upfront but last longer, require fewer coats, and hold their color better. Over time, they can actually save you money.

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Spending more upfront on premium paint can reduce the need for frequent touch-ups or repaints, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Hidden costs of painting a room

Even if you’ve budgeted for paint, labor, and basic materials, there are often costs that slip through the cracks. These “hidden” expenses can quickly turn a straightforward project into a pricier one. For example, many painters don’t include furniture moving, ceiling painting, or trim in their base quotes. Small details like line set covers for neat edges or cleanup fees can also add up.

The biggest wildcards are wall condition and timing. If your walls need repairs, patching, or extra priming, expect the bill to rise. Likewise, scheduling during peak seasons or asking for a rush job can tack on an extra 10–20%. These aren’t always obvious when you first get a quote, so it’s smart to ask upfront what’s included.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common hidden costs to keep in mind:

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How to save money on room painting

If you want to save money on room painting without compromising quality, here is how to do it.

• Choose cost-effective paint brands that offer good coverage and finish without the high price tag.
• Do prep work yourself. Move furniture, tape edges, and clean the walls so your painters can focus only on painting and reduce their time on the job.
• Hire painters during the off-season (typically winter or fall). Due to lower demand, most contractors offer discounts.
• Try DIY painting for smaller rooms or accent walls to save some money.
• If you're painting multiple rooms or doing a large area, buying paint in bulk can lower the price per gallon. Some stores also offer discounts for larger quantities.
• Reuse leftover paint from a previous job if it’s still in good condition and the right color. Check our “Does paint go bad” article to make sure it hasn’t expired.

Getting quotes from multiple room painters

Always ask for an itemized quote outlining all costs, such as labor, materials, and prep work, to better negotiate and uncover hidden fees. If you have doubts, don’t hesitate to ask the painter. 

Another sure way to save money is to contact multiple painters for quotes. You can compare prices, services, reviews, and timelines, ensuring you get the best value for your project. Read our article on how much painters charge to get a better sense of local rates.

Cost to paint a room FAQs 

How much does it cost to paint a 12x12 room?
A 12x12 room costs about $550–$1,000 to paint professionally, depending on prep work, ceiling height, and paint quality.

How much should I charge to paint a 20x20 room?
For a 20x20 room, the typical professional charge ranges from $1,000–$2,500, depending on prep, coats needed, and labor rates in your area.

What’s the average labor cost to paint a bedroom?
Labor alone to paint a bedroom averages $300–$700, based on room size, prep work, and regional painter rates.

How much will a painter charge to paint a room?
Most painters charge $350–$1,600+ per room. Costs vary by size, ceiling height, wall condition, and paint quality.

Is it cheaper to DIY or hire painters?
DIY saves on labor ($200–$600), but you’ll still spend $150–$400 on paint and supplies, plus your time. Pros cost more but deliver faster, higher-quality results.

How long does it take to paint a 12x12 room?
A pro can finish a 12x12 room in 4–6 hours. DIYers often need 1–2 full days, especially if walls need extra prep.

Will 1 gallon of paint cover a 12x12 room?
Usually no. A 12x12 room with 8-ft ceilings needs 2–3 gallons for two coats, depending on wall texture and color.

Do painters include paint in their quote?
Yes, most professional quotes include paint, materials, and labor. Always confirm upfront to avoid surprise charges.

Can painters paint a room in one day?
Yes, most pros can complete a standard room in one day, including prep and two coats, unless repairs or specialty finishes are needed.

How much does Home Depot charge for interior painting?
Home Depot interior painting generally ranges from $2–$6 per sq. ft., or about $400–$1,500 per room, depending on size and complexity.