House Painting Cost Calculator 2026 — Free Estimate Tool
Calculate interior and exterior painting costs for 2026. Get instant estimates per square foot with labor and materials included for any home size.
Painting Cost Calculator
500–5,000 sq ft
1–20 rooms
Estimated Painting Cost
$5,000
Includes labor, materials, and basic prep
Per room (avg)
$625
Interior
$5,000
* Premium paints, high ceilings, extensive repairs, or multiple coats increase costs. Exterior costs include pressure washing and caulking.
How to Use This Painting Cost Calculator
- Enter your home's square footage
- Select interior, exterior, or both
- Enter the number of rooms (for per-room estimates)
- View your total and per-room cost estimates
Average House Painting Costs in 2026
Interior Painting Costs
| Home Size | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$6,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $3,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $4,500–$7,500 | $7,500–$12,000 | $12,000–$18,000 |
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting adds significant complexity from height, prep work, and weather exposure:
- 1-story home: $3,000–$6,000
- 2-story home: $5,000–$12,000
- 3-story home: $7,000–$18,000+
Factors That Affect Painting Costs
Surface condition, number of colors, ceiling height (above 9 ft adds cost), texture complexity, and primer requirements all affect final pricing. Labor typically accounts for 75–85% of total painting costs.
Related Articles
- House Painting Cost Guide — interior vs. exterior cost breakdowns and pro tips
- Home Renovation ROI Guide 2026 — fresh paint delivers some of the best pre-sale ROI
- How to Hire a Renovation Contractor — vet painting contractors before you sign
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a house in 2026?
Interior painting costs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot in 2026, or $3,000–$7,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home. Exterior painting costs $2–$5/sq ft, or $4,000–$10,000 for the same home. Full interior + exterior for a 2,000 sq ft home averages $7,000–$17,000.
How long does it take to paint a house?
Interior painting of a 2,000 sq ft home takes 3–5 days for a professional crew. Exterior painting takes 3–7 days depending on height, prep needed, and weather. Proper prep work (cleaning, caulking, priming) is essential and takes additional time.
What is the cost difference between budget and premium paint?
Contractor-grade paint costs $15–$30/gallon. Premium paints from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams cost $50–$90/gallon. Premium paint covers better, lasts longer (10–15 years vs 5–7 years), and reduces the number of coats needed — often making it cost-effective long-term.
How do I prepare for house painting?
Clear rooms of furniture, repair wall damage (cracks, holes), clean surfaces thoroughly, cover flooring and remaining furniture, remove outlet covers, and sand any rough surfaces. Good prep determines 80% of the final result quality.
How often should a house be painted?
Interior walls should be repainted every 5–10 years depending on traffic and paint quality. Trim and doors every 3–5 years. Exterior painting should be done every 5–10 years for wood siding, 7–12 years for brick, and 10–15 years for stucco.