INTERIOR FINISHES
How Much Does Interior Painting Cost?
Estimate interior painting cost per square foot — walls, trim and ceilings — with the free calculator.
Interior painting is one of the fastest ways to transform a home. The price depends on the surface area, wall condition, paint quality and labor. This guide covers the cost per square foot and a calculator.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Interior painting runs $1–$3 per sq ft of wall surface, or $2,000–$7,500 for a typical 2,500 sq ft house interior. Paint is only 10–20% of the total — labor is the big line item at $20–$50 per hour.
What drives the price
The biggest cost factor is labor. Painters charge $1-$3 per sq ft of wall surface, and prep — patching, sanding, priming — can add a day or two of work. Wall condition matters: peeling paint or heavy stains need more prep than smooth walls.
- Walls only: $1.50–$3 per sq ft
- Walls + trim: $2–$4 per sq ft
- Whole interior: $2–$5.50 per sq ft of floor space
- Ceilings: $1–$2.50 per sq ft
Prep is half the job
Sanding, patching holes, caulking trim and priming are where painters earn their money. A room that needs heavy prep can cost 30-50% more than a clean, ready-to-paint room. Never skip the primer on bare drywall or stains.
Finishes and paint quality
Flat paint hides wall imperfections but is harder to clean. Eggshell and satin are washable and suit most rooms; semi-gloss works for trim, kitchens and baths. Premium paint costs more per gallon but covers better and lasts longer.
Try the calculator with your rooms
Enter the surface to paint, the paint price per sq ft and labor per sq ft to see the total for your project.