The cost to paint a room: Understanding what impacts the final price

The cost to paint a room depends on your room size, paint quality, and the complexity of the job.

In this article, we’ll break down the costs, factors influencing the price, and ways to save money on room painting.

Let’s start by looking at the average cost for painting a small, standard-sized, and large room to give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

How much does it cost to paint a room?

The average cost to paint a room professionally ranges from $400 to $1,000. It depends on the room size, paint quality, labor, finish type, prep work required, and location. For smaller rooms (around 10' x 10' or 100 square feet), the cost ranges from $300 to $600. This covers basic materials, labor, and the use of mid-range paint quality.

On the other hand, expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a standard-sized room (about 12' x 12' or 144 square feet) with moderate-quality paint and standard prep work (such as taping and priming).

The cost can range from $800 to $1,500 for larger rooms (over 200 square feet) or rooms with high ceilings, intricate designs, or specialty finishes. This includes multiple coats and prep work like patching holes, sanding, and priming surfaces.

Factors that affect the cost to paint a room

These factors affect the final cost of painting a room.

Room size & square footage 

The larger the space, the more paint and materials you'll need. This also increases the labor costs since it will take longer to cover the surfaces, contributing to the total expense.

Type of paint & finish

Premium paints, especially those from well-known brands, cost more but provide better coverage, durability, and color retention over time. On the other hand, budget-friendly paints are less expensive, but you might need more coats or deal with quicker fading or wear. 

The finish you select, whether matte, satin, or gloss, also impacts the cost. Glossy finishes are more expensive and require more prep work to achieve a smooth, reflective surface, while matte finishes are less costly because they don't need as much prep work.

Number of coats & prep work 

The number of paint coats required can increase costs, as each additional layer uses more materials and adds labor time. Likewise, proper surface preparation, such as filing, sanding, mold treatment, and sealing, increases the overall cost, especially if your walls have cracks or water damage.

Ceiling height & complexity 

Rooms with high ceilings or intricate architectural details, like crown molding or textured surfaces, increase the complexity of the job. Higher ceilings demand ladders or scaffolding and lead to longer labor times. Similarly, complex designs or hard-to-reach areas require more precision, increasing labor costs.

Local labor rates

The average price to paint a room depends on where you live. In areas with a higher cost of living or more demand for painters, labor rates are typically higher compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

Labor cost to paint a room

There are two main pricing models for calculating the labor cost to paint a room: per hour and per square foot.

Professional painters typically charge between $30 and $60 per hour, depending on their experience, location, and complexity. Alternatively, when pricing by square footage, painters charge between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot.

If you want to save on labor costs, you can do it yourself. However, remember that DIY painting also includes the cost of paint, tools, and materials like brushes, rollers, drop cloths, painter’s tape, and primer. These materials can range from $150 to $500.

That said, DIY painting takes much longer, especially for beginners, and the quality of the finished job may not meet professional standards. Mistakes like uneven coverage, visible brushstrokes, or paint splatters can affect the room's overall look.

It’s a no-brainer that hiring a professional painter will eliminate these risks. Professionals already have the tools and materials needed and bring expertise and efficiency, ensuring a high-quality finish. They know how to properly prepare the room, fix imperfections, and apply the paint smoothly and evenly. Professionals also work faster, saving you valuable time, especially on a tight schedule. 

Ultimately, whether to do it yourself or hire a pro depends on your budget, the quality you’re aiming for, and how much time and effort you're willing to invest.

Cost to paint specific rooms

The cost for a painter to paint a room is determined by the unique characteristics of that room (size, wall condition, ceiling height, and trim or textured surfaces).

How much does it cost to paint a bedroom?

How much to paint a bedroom? For a small bedroom (100 to 200 sq. ft.), you can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000. This price typically includes the cost of paint, labor, and minor prep work. As the room size increases, so does the price. 

A medium-sized bedroom (200 to 300 sq. ft.) will cost between $500 and $1,400, considering more materials and time are needed to complete the job. For a large bedroom (300+ sq. ft.), the cost ranges from $800 to 2,000.

Additional features like having your trim, baseboards, or ceilings painted come at an extra cost. Trim and baseboards cost around $1 to $3 per linear foot. If you want the ceiling painted as well, it costs between $1 and $2 per square foot and could add an extra $100 to $800 to the total price, depending on the size and height of the room.

Cost to paint a living room

Due to their larger size compared to bedrooms, living rooms require more paint and labor. As a result, the cost of painting a living room is higher. 

Painting a small living room costs $450 to $1,700. A standard living room costs between $550 and $2,100, while a large one can cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000. 

The cost increases with the presence of furniture and the texture of the walls. If the living room is heavily furnished, the painter will need extra time to protect the furniture or move it out, which adds to the labor costs. Additionally, textured walls or ceilings, such as those with heavy textures or popcorn ceilings, require more prep work like sanding or patching, increasing the time and materials needed. Textured walls can add $100 to $300 to the painting cost.

Breakdown of material costs

• Paint cost per gallon. A gallon of paint from budget brands costs $20 to $40, while premium paints can cost anywhere from $40 to $100.
• Primer costs. Primer is necessary when painting over raw surfaces like drywall or bare wood and for sealing stains, such as water or smoke damage. It’s also useful for dark colors that need to be covered by lighter paint. Depending on the type and brand, it costs $15 to $30 per gallon.
• Additional materials. Other materials, like brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths, contribute to the total cost of a painting project. Brushes typically range from $2 to $15 each. You may need several brushes for detailed work like trim or edges. Rollers are priced between $5 and $15, while painter’s tape costs between $3 to $10. Drop cloths can be as low as $5 and as high as $30, depending on the size and material.

How to save money on room painting

If you want to save money on room painting without compromising quality, here is how to do it.

• Choose cost-effective paint brands that offer good coverage and finish without the high price tag.
• Do prep work yourself. Move furniture, tape edges, and clean the walls so your painters can focus only on painting and reduce their time on the job.
• Hire painters during the off-season (typically winter or fall). Due to lower demand then, most contractors offer discounts.
• Try DIY painting for smaller rooms or accent walls to save some money.
• If you're painting multiple rooms or doing a large area, buying paint in bulk can lower the price per gallon. Some stores also offer discounts for larger quantities.
• Reuse leftover paint from a previous job if it’s still in good condition and the right color. Check our “Does paint go bad” article to make sure it hasn’t expired.

Getting quotes from multiple room painters

Always ask for an itemized quote outlining all costs, such as labor, materials, and prep work, to better negotiate and uncover hidden fees. If you have doubts, don’t hesitate to ask the painter. 

Another sure way to save money is to contact multiple painters for quotes. You can compare prices, services, reviews, and timelines, ensuring you get the best value for your project. Read our article on how much painters charge to get a better sense of local rates.