When it comes to the cost to paint a house, the total price can vary significantly. The size of your home, the type of paint used, the complexity of the job, labor costs, and your location all affect how much it costs to paint a home. A small bungalow with budget latex paint will be far less than a two-story home finished with high-quality paint and professional painters. This guide breaks down the average cost to paint both the interior and exterior of your home. You’ll also see what impacts the cost of painting your house, so you can get reliable cost estimates, whether you want to DIY or hire a pro.
Quick look
- The average cost to paint a house is around $1,000–$15,000 USD or $1,500–$20,000 CAD, depending on square footage, location, and paint quality.
- A DIY paint job can cost $300–$600 in supplies, while professional painters charge more but deliver faster results and warranties.
- Home size, paint type, prep work, design complexity, and labor and material costs are the key factors affecting price.
- Small DIY jobs land at the low end, while large two-story homes with premium paints and pro crews can exceed $15,000+.
How much does it cost to paint a house?
Here’s what painting a house typically costs in the U.S. and Canada:
| Level | U.S. Estimate* | Canada Estimate* |
| Low/basic | ≈ $1,000 | ≈ $1,500 |
| Mid-range | $5,000 – $10,000 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| High / premium | $15,000+ | $15,000 – $20,000+ |
*Includes both interior painting cost and house exterior ranges.
How these numbers play out
Exterior painting costs: In the U.S., painting the exterior of your home averages $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot, which includes primer, paint, and labor.
Interior painting cost: For the interior of a house, painters typically charge $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on prep work, ceiling height, and the type of paint used.
For those living in Canada, the exterior of your home may cost between $1,500 and $3,000 for smaller properties. In Ontario, painting the interior of a house measuring approximately 1,200 sq ft can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD.
Small homes with less square footage and minimal prep work cost less to paint, while large homes with detailed trim and high ceilings raise the overall cost.
Key factors affecting the cost of painting a house
Size: Bigger homes mean bigger bills
Painting a house is often priced by square feet. Interiors run $1 to $3 per square foot, while the exterior paint job ranges $1.50 to $4 per square foot. A 1,000 sq ft home might cost $1,500 to $3,500, while a 3,000 sq ft home could cost $6,000 to $12,000 or more.
Materials: Budget vs. premium options
Common paint types:
- Latex paint: A popular choice for home interiors. Easy to clean, dries quickly, and costs less per gallon.
- Oil-based paint: Durable but takes longer to dry and requires harder cleanup, often used for trim.
- Specialty coatings: Low-VOC, eco-friendly, or designer paint color options.
Budget interior latex paint:
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, easy to use.
- Cons: Less durable; old paint may show through faster.
Premium paints (designer, eco-friendly, specialty):
- Pros: Longer lasting, better coverage, healthier for the interior of your house.
- Cons: Higher paint costs; premium paints often run $50 to $100 per gallon or more, while basic paints typically cost $20 to $40 per gallon.
Complexity: Simple vs. custom design
Plain walls with one coat of paint cost less to paint. Homes with trim, textured walls, accent walls, or detailed ceilings cost more. Multi-story homes add labor costs because painters need scaffolding and safety gear.
Labor: DIY vs. contractor pricing
- DIY: Supplies like brushes, rollers, tape, primer, and drop cloths for a 1,200 sq ft home may cost between $300 and $600. One way to save money is to paint your home yourself, though it takes time and effort.
- Contractors: Professional painters charge more upfront but include prep work like sanding and caulking, provide warranties, and finish the job faster. Labor typically accounts for 70–80% of the total cost.
Other factors
- Regional labor costs: Higher in large cities.
- Prep work: Fixing drywall, primer, sanding, or removing old paint raises the cost of the project.
- Access challenges: The exterior of a home with steep roofs or limited access costs more to paint.
Basic vs. high-end painting examples
Basic example: One-story bungalow
A 1,000 sq ft bungalow interior might cost between $2,750 and $2,850 CAD. By painting the interior yourself with budget latex paint, you can spend significantly less on paint costs, although it will take more time to paint and may require multiple coats for optimal coverage.
High-end example: Two-story custom home, pro painters with eco-friendly paints
The cost to paint a house exterior (2,500 sq ft, two-story home) averages $7,582 USD (range $5,844–$9,321) with professional painters. Using low-VOC high quality paint increases material costs, and the prep work, labor, and material costs can bring the total cost to $15,000+ USD or $15,000–$20,000 CAD.
These examples show the wide gap between a budget DIY job and a full professional, premium project. Using the ranges and real cost data above, you can help readers imagine where their own project might land, then refine estimates based on their home size, material choices, and region.
Ready to plan your next project?
If you want more cost estimates and tips for saving money, check out these related guides:
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