Painting Cost Index 2026: what it costs to paint a house
Painting Cost Index · October 2026
In 2026 the average U.S. interior paint job runs about $2,000 and the average exterior about $3,100, but the real number swings widely with home size, how many surfaces you include, and where you live. Here are current benchmarks — and a free way to price your own job exactly.
Average cost per square foot
| Job | Per sq ft | Per 1,000 sq ft | National average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior | $2 – $6 | $2,000 – $6,000 | ~$2,000 |
| Exterior | $1.50 – $4 | $1,500 – $4,000 | ~$3,100 |
Interior per-square-foot runs higher when you add trim and ceilings — roughly $3.75/sq ft for walls, up to ~$6.75/sq ft for walls, trim and ceilings together.
Cost by home size
| Home size | Interior | Exterior |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,000 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 – $9,000 | $2,250 – $6,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000 – $12,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $5,000 – $15,000 | $3,750 – $10,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,000 – $18,000 | $4,500 – $12,000 |
Interior cost by room
| Room | Typical cost (labor + paint) |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $650 – $950 |
| Master bedroom | $750 – $1,260 |
| Living room | $940 – $1,700 |
| Dining room | $750 – $1,150 |
| Kitchen | $850 – $1,350 |
| Bathroom | $380 – $670 |
| Stairway | $780 – $1,540 |
| Hallway / entryway | $440 – $1,340 |
| Closet / nook / pantry | $175 – $315 |
How your region changes the price
Because labor is 75–95% of a professional job, local wages drive most of the difference. Coastal and Northeast metros run well above the national average; much of the South and Midwest runs below it. These are directional exterior ranges for a 1,800 sq ft two-story home:
| Metro | Exterior per sq ft | Two-story home |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $4.80 – $6.50 | $8,600 – $11,700 |
| New York City, NY | $4.50 – $6.00 | $8,100 – $10,800 |
| Boston, MA | $4.20 – $5.80 | $7,600 – $10,400 |
| Seattle, WA | $4.00 – $5.50 | $7,200 – $9,900 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $3.80 – $5.20 | $6,800 – $9,400 |
| Miami, FL | $3.20 – $4.50 | $5,800 – $8,100 |
| Denver, CO | $3.10 – $4.30 | $5,600 – $7,700 |
| Chicago, IL | $2.80 – $4.00 | $5,000 – $7,200 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2.60 – $3.80 | $4,700 – $6,800 |
| Atlanta, GA | $2.50 – $3.70 | $4,500 – $6,700 |
| Dallas, TX | $2.40 – $3.60 | $4,300 – $6,500 |
| Houston, TX | $2.20 – $3.40 | $4,000 – $6,100 |
What drives the price
Beyond region, the biggest swings come from prep (patching, sanding, caulking, power-washing — often the largest labor line on repaints and exteriors), number of coats (a big color change or bare surface needs primer plus two coats), surfaces included (walls only vs walls, trim and ceilings), and access (two-story exteriors, high ceilings, stairwells). Two homes of the same size can price very differently once these are counted.
Price your exact job in minutes
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Figures are national U.S. ranges for professional painting as of October 2026, compiled from published industry cost guides. Interior and exterior averages and per-square-foot ranges follow Angi's 2026 data as reported by NerdWallet; per-room ranges and interior per-square-foot detail follow Improovy; metro examples follow a 2026 contractor city guide and are directional (local quotes vary by prep, siding, access and crew). Labor is roughly 75–95% of a professional interior job, so local wage levels are the biggest regional driver. For an exact local number, use the free calculator rather than a national average.
Sources: NerdWallet — Cost to Paint a House (2026) · Improovy — Interior Painting Cost · Exterior House Painting Cost by City (2026).
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FAQ
- How much does it cost to paint a house in 2026?
- The U.S. average is about $2,000 for an interior and about $3,100 for an exterior, but it ranges widely: roughly $2–$6 per sq ft interior and $1.50–$4 per sq ft exterior, driven by home size, surfaces, prep and region.
- Why do painting prices vary so much by area?
- Labor is 75–95% of a professional job, so local wages drive most of the difference. Coastal and Northeast metros run well above the national average; much of the South and Midwest runs below it.
- How can I get an exact price instead of an average?
- Use a calculator that applies real surfaces and local rates. WEDO's free calculator turns a photo into a priced estimate with no signup.