Average Cost to Paint the Interior of a House in NYC
New paint can completely transform the appearance of your house. It helps brighten rooms, clean rooms, and creates a friendly atmosphere. Painting is also the easiest way to add resale value to your home and protect against the damage walls can suffer from day to day.
Regarding paint expense, the average cost of painting the inside of a house is something every homeowner wants to know before starting the process. The expense varies with your house size, the type of paint you select, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional.
In this blog, we will discuss how much you can expect to spend, what influences the pricing, and the cost of painting various rooms. You will also find easy tips to save money.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint the Interior of the House?
The primary consideration for most people when initiating a house interior painting project is expenditure, with an average cost of around $2021. It is essential to note that the price can range between $350 and $5,800 in NYC.
The average price is between $2 and $6 per square foot; thus, larger houses are costlier to paint. A small room may seem affordable, but it will not take long before the cost of painting a complete home is way beyond affordability.
Factors that Decide Your Interior Paint Budget
There are many factors you should know as they impact the cost of interior house painting significantly.
● Square Footage of Home
It costs between $2.75 and $3.50 per square foot to paint the interior of a house in NYC. By the time you make an order with a professional, you should have the square footage so you can get the most accurate quote. A regular room is ~10 feet in width and 12 feet in length for comparison.
If you are undertaking a whole home interior, read on to know the cost to paint an entire house interior by square foot, ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot:
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Install Drywall – 2025 Guide
| Size of Home (per Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
| 500 | $200–$1,000 |
| 800 | $1,600–$4,800 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$6,000 |
| 1,200 | $2,400–$7,200 |
| 2,300 | $4,600–$13,800 |
| 2,500 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| 3,000 | $6,000–$18,000 |
● Plain Surfaces
Not all surfaces in your home are the same when it comes to painting costs. Partitions, tops, frames, and baseboards all vary in expense.
Most homeowners enjoy having an accent wall to add ornamental flair. One way of making a room unique is to have a more expensive accent wall. It generally increases the project budget by 20%-30% because of higher paint and material costs. In addition, there is a need for taping and drying. It does make the price more than just painting one wall as part of the room decor.
| Surface | Average Cost to Paint |
| Baseboard and trim | $1–3 per linear foot |
| Hard-to-reach areas | $6 per sq. ft. |
| Smooth ceiling | $1–3 per sq. ft. |
| Walls | $1–2 per sq. ft. |
| Accent Walls | $2–$6 per sq. ft. |
● Ceiling Height
Ceiling height has a significant impact on the cost of house painting. These 8-foot ceiling boards are the cheapest to paint. More expensive are higher ceilings (vaulted or cathedral ceilings). This is because painters will need special ladders and other safety gear. The taller walls also take longer and more work to cover satisfactorily. The extra equipment and labor costs make this project more expensive.
● Labor
Labor is the most significant part of the house painting budget. Professional painters usually charge 75% to 95% of the total estimate for their work. It consists of their time, expertise, and equipment. Although the cost of labor is high, it ensures that the task is completed cleanly and efficiently.
You can save money by preparing the walls yourself. Cleaning, patching, and repairing holes yourself will reduce the work for painters and ultimately lower their demand.
● Quality and Type Of Paint
You will find that when shopping for paint or asking a painter, prices range between $15 and $40 per gallon. The cost varies in accordance with the brand and the type of finish that you are using.
Premium paint and gloss finishes, and special paints are more costly. These options may add to your budget. An average house can require approximately six gallons of paint for one coat, excluding primers.
| Paint Type | Per Gallon Average Cost |
| Primers | $10 |
| Flat paint | $13 |
| Semi-gloss interior paint | $17 |
| High-gloss enamel paint | $35 |
| VOC-free paint | $35 |
● Preparation and Repairs
An essential step to painting is preparation—first, clean dust and dirt from the walls. Then, remove any rough or uneven spots. Finally, patch small holes or cracks to prepare the surface for painting. The prep work may require additional time and effort in case the walls are damaged or peeling.
This process is as significant as the painting process itself and may increase the overall expense. The cost of repairing a crack or fixing plaster, or scraping off old paint, can add hundreds of dollars to the total project cost.
Cost to Paint Specific Areas of a House
The cost of painting your home depends on which spaces you choose. Some people select to paint only one or two rooms, while others need to paint all the rooms of the house. The cost for each area is determined by size, height of the ceiling, and other particulars like trim or moldings. You should establish an accurate budget before commencing by breaking down the cost room by room.
It is more economical to paint a single room compared to painting the entire house—the cost of painting a room depends on the size of the room as well as the level of detail.
● Bedroom
The average price to paint a bedroom is 350 to 850 dollars. Smaller bedrooms with standard ceilings typically fall on the lower end of the range, while larger bedrooms, or those with crown molding and additional trim, are on the higher end.
Closets, doors, and baseboards add more cost (if included). Many people prefer soft or calm colors in bedrooms, which may require more than one coat. Extra coats require more paint and time, increasing the total project expense.
● Living Room
The living rooms are generally larger than the bedrooms, and they are more challenging to maintain. It is usually between $600 and $1500. High walls or cathedral ceilings also increase the cost of a large living room, since painters must use ladders or scaffolds.
The living room painting cost is also higher due to the addition of trim, doors, or built-in features. Most homes have living rooms at the core, and hence most of the homeowners prefer higher-quality paints. These paints are polished and have a longer lifespan; however, they are more expensive.
● Bathroom
Bathrooms are smaller in nature and hence cheaper to paint. Its average cost is $150 to $400 in NYC. A small guest bathroom is located at the low end, with a full-size bathroom being more expensive.
Before painting, bathrooms usually have to be prepared because they are mostly damaged due to mildew or water leakage. It is time-consuming, and it adds to the bill. Bathrooms should also have moisture-resistant paint to prevent mold; this is long-lasting but expensive.
● Kitchen
Rooms are not as complicated as kitchens. In NYC, the cost to paint a kitchen typically ranges from $400 to $ 1,200. Coming up with the painting of the walls would be cheaper on its own. Cabinets will increase the price.
Painting a cabinet is a long process since it involves sanding, priming, and coating it with multiple layers to get a seamless finish. It complicates the process of painting the kitchen and increases the expenses. There is also the work of painting around appliances, counters, and backsplashes, which is a labor-intensive task.
Semi-gloss or satin paint is used in most kitchens. These types of finishes are less laborious to clean and tend to cost more. A small kitchen may be on the lower end of the range, while a large kitchen with many cabinets will be more expensive.
● Dining Room
Dining rooms can cost between $300 and $900 to paint in New York. A basic dining room with unadorned partitions and conventional tops is cheaper. Big eating rooms or those that are decorated are more expensive.
Homeowners always paint their dining rooms in bright or glamorous colors. These are colors that will need extra layers before getting a well-covered look. There is also higher-quality paint here, which gives it a sophisticated and smooth appearance. Both factors increase the dining room paint cost.
| Rooms | Average Cost |
| Bedroom | $350 – $850 |
| Living Rooms | $600 – $1,500 |
| Bathrooms | $150 – $400 |
| Kitchen | $400 – $1,200 |
| Dining Rooms | $300 – $900 |
How Much Does it Cost to Paint the Interior of a Full House?
| Small Homes | (1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft.): $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Medium Homes | (1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft.): $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Large Homes | (2,500 sq. ft. and above): $6,000 – $9,000+ |
How to Save Money on House Interior Painting
You do not necessarily have to spend a lot of money on painting your home. There are several ways to save money on house interior painting.
● Save with a Do-It-Yourself Approach!
If you want to save some money, DIY is the best option. But you need a lot of preparation for this. Clean the walls before you start. Fill cracks and patch small holes so the paint sticks well. Use painter’s tape on edges for neat lines.
When choosing paint, pick mid-range brands. They cover better than cheap paint and last longer. Cheaper paint can be low-quality paint, and more coats are required. That means you spend more time and money.
● Look for Seasonal Discounts!
Painters are often less busy in winter. Many offer lower prices to get work during the slow months. You might save a lot if you plan your project during this season. Summer and spring are four-season seasons, hence the prices are usually more expensive.
● Get Multiple Quotes!
Never settle for one price. Ask at least three painters for quotes. Consider what each one includes, such as preparation work, labor, and materials. The cheapest bid will skip necessary steps. A price margin will pay it off and save you trouble in the future. You should always ask questions when you are concerned.
● Carry Out Drywall Repair If Possible!
Doing minor repairs yourself is an easy way to save money on your project. Fix wall holes or cracks before painters arrive. Painters charge extra for these repairs as it takes more time and effort. If the walls are ready, painters can start painting faster. It will reduce labor hours and lower your bills.
● Paint, Trim, & Ceilings at the Same Time!
Ask workers to cover trim and ceilings when they paint your walls. It costs more upfront. But it saves money overall. Painters are already at your home. They have the tools and ladders ready. Completing all tasks together avoids a second visit. This way, you spend less on labor. Also, it finishes the work in one go.
● Buy the Materials Yourself!
Having everything ready before the job starts will keep your total project bill lower. Painters may charge extra for materials. Some add a markup on paint and supplies. Purchasing them yourself can save dollars. It also gives you control over quality by allowing you to choose the exact shade, eliminates the need for additional trips, and cuts unexpected expenses.
Paint the Interior of Your House Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional
House interior painting is not very hard, and many homeowners try it on their own. Doing it yourself can save between $1,700 and $1,800. There will be a spending of only $200 to $300 on paint, primer, tape, rollers, and brushes.
It looks like a significant saving, but the job also takes time. A professional painter will save you hours. They also give your home a neat look that DIY often lacks—many painting companies offer a warranty on their work. You can get advice on colors, finishes, and styles, too. So, hiring a professional is best for this work.
Let Experts Estimate Your Painting Project the Right Way!
Contact NYC Painting Estimating before engaging a professional to paint your house, and we will provide an estimate of the project’s cost. This will save you hundreds of dollars and will ensure high-quality results.
FAQs
How long does it take to paint the inside of a house?
If you choose to work yourself, it will take around one day for each room. Time can be expanded if the room is large because you have to coat extra. A professional painter works faster because they have a team and experience. In most cases, a whole house takes one to three days when done by professionals.
When is the best time to paint inside a home?
Late fall or winter is the best time to paint the interior of your house. We hear from some people that summer is better, but winter and low humidity help paint dry quickly. So, avoid humid and summer weather to get good results.
How often should you paint your home’s interior?
After every 10 years, you should paint the interior of your house. If you have children or pets, you need it more often. Also, the paint surface, quality, and room type impact the time span.
