
Painting your home is an exciting yet daunting task. Whether you're sprucing up the interior or boosting your curb appeal with an exterior makeover, one of the key considerations is cost. Several factors influence the cost of painting the interior or exterior of a house, including the size of the space, the complexity of the job, the type and amount of paint used, labour expenses, and any additional preparatory work required. So, which is more expensive?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of painting the interior of a house | $2,000 |
| Range of cost for painting the interior of a house | $1,000 to $6,000 per 1,000 sq ft |
| Average cost of painting the exterior of a house | $3,000 |
| Range of cost for painting the exterior of a house | $1,800 to $13,000 |
| Cost of paint per gallon | $25 to $70 |
| Cost of primer per gallon | $20 to $75 |
| Cost of labour per hour | $25 to $100 |
| Cost of ladder | Over $100 |
| Cost per sq ft for exterior painting | $1.50 to $6 |
| Average cost per 100 sq ft | $60 to $160 |
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What You'll Learn
- Exterior painting costs more due to labour, equipment, and paint requirements
- Interior painting is cheaper, but prices vary based on paint quality and finish
- Exterior paint jobs are influenced by the number of home stories and siding material
- Interior paint costs $25 to $70 per gallon, with labour being the biggest expense
- Exterior painting costs $3 to $6 per square foot, with labour being 70-80% of the cost

Exterior painting costs more due to labour, equipment, and paint requirements
Exterior painting is generally more expensive than interior painting due to the higher labour, equipment, and paint requirements. The cost of painting the exterior of a house depends on various factors, such as the size of the house, the number of stories, the condition of the surface, and the type of siding material. For example, a single-story, 2000-square-foot home typically needs about six gallons of paint for two coats, while a three-story home can exceed a $10,000 painting cost. The paint cost for the exterior of a house can range from $200 to $500, and the average homeowner spends around $3,000. The paint cost also depends on the sheen, grade, and special features like mould resistance or lifetime warranties.
Labour is the most significant cost factor in painting projects, and exterior painting often requires more labour hours due to the larger surface areas and the need for specialised equipment like ladders, scaffolding, or lifts to access high areas. The complexity of the job, surface accessibility, and the need for additional prep work or repairs can also increase labour expenses. Experienced technicians typically charge $25–$100 per hour, and 70%–80% of the total cost of professional exterior painting jobs goes toward labour.
Equipment costs can add up, especially for exterior painting projects. In addition to the cost of paint, other necessary equipment includes tarps, tape, brushes, rollers, and ladders. Ladders, in particular, can cost over $100. Exterior painting often involves extensive prep work, such as power washing, scraping, and repairing damaged areas, which can double the overall cost.
The type of siding material also affects the cost of exterior painting. Different materials require varying amounts of prep work, painting supplies, and coats of paint. For example, stucco is usually more expensive to paint than concrete due to its textured ridges, which require more paint and prep.
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Interior painting is cheaper, but prices vary based on paint quality and finish
Interior painting is generally cheaper than exterior painting. This is because interior projects usually involve smaller areas, fewer materials, and less complex prep work. However, the price of interior painting can vary significantly depending on the paint quality and finish.
The cost of interior painting depends on several factors, including the size of the area to be painted, the quality of paint and materials used, labour expenses, and any additional preparatory work required. On average, interior painting projects range from $500 to $6,000, with the average homeowner spending around $2,000. The cost of paint itself can vary from $25 to $70 per gallon, depending on factors such as brand, quality, and finish.
When budgeting for an interior painting project, it's essential to consider the number of gallons needed based on the size of the area and any special considerations such as multiple coats or accent walls. Intricate designs, multiple colours, or extensive prep work like repairing walls or removing wallpaper can increase the overall cost.
While interior painting is generally cheaper, it's worth noting that the price of paint is only one factor in the overall cost. Labour is typically the most significant expense, and the complexity of the job, accessibility of the surfaces, and the need for additional prep work or repairs can all impact labour costs.
By considering the various factors that affect the cost of interior painting, homeowners can make informed decisions and budget accordingly for their specific projects.
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Exterior paint jobs are influenced by the number of home stories and siding material
Painting the exterior of a house is generally more expensive than painting the interior. The cost of painting the exterior of a house depends on several factors, including the number of home stories and siding material.
The number of stories in a house can impact the cost of exterior painting. Multi-story homes often require specialised equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, or lifts to access higher areas, increasing labour and equipment costs. The taller the house, the more expensive it will be to paint. For example, a two-story home generally costs between $3,000 and $6,200 to paint, while a three-story home can exceed $10,000.
The siding material of a house also influences the cost of exterior painting. Different materials have different textures and requirements, which can affect the pricing. For example, painting stucco is usually more expensive than concrete due to its textured ridges, which require more paint and prep work. The cost per square foot for painting stucco ranges from $3 to $6, comparable to the cost of replacing the stucco siding entirely. On the other hand, painting vinyl siding is a budget-friendly option, costing between $2 and $7 per square foot.
The size of the house, its architectural style, the condition of the existing paint, and any necessary repairs or surface preparation also impact the overall cost of exterior painting. Homeowners should expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000 or more for a standard-sized home. The presence of intricate architectural details and the accessibility of the surfaces can further affect the cost.
In summary, the number of home stories, siding material, and other factors such as size, condition, and necessary repairs contribute to the overall cost of exterior painting. It is important to consider these factors when budgeting for an exterior painting project to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
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Interior paint costs $25 to $70 per gallon, with labour being the biggest expense
The cost of painting the interior of a house depends on several factors, such as the size of the house, the quality of paint, labour expenses, and any additional preparatory work required. On average, interior paint costs $25 to $70 per gallon, with labour being the biggest expense.
The price of paint depends on the sheen, grade, and any special features. For example, some paints are mould-resistant, while others suppress smells or require fewer coats. Paints with warranties may be priced higher, but they might not be worth the extra cost. Primer can also add to the cost: a gallon typically ranges from $20 to $75. Other materials, such as tarps, tape, brushes, rollers, and ladders, can also increase the overall expense.
Labour is typically the most significant cost when painting the interior of a house. The painter's time is mostly spent preparing the surface so that the paint will adhere well and last. The complexity of the job, the accessibility of the surfaces, and the need for additional prep work or repairs can influence labour expenses. Hiring experienced professionals can save money in the long run by delivering superior results and minimising the need for future touch-ups or repairs.
The overall cost of painting the interior of a house can vary depending on the size of the space. On average, homeowners spend around $2,000, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 per 1,000 square feet of interior space. The average cost per room is between $500 and $1,000, depending on the room's square footage, local labour cost, ceiling height, complexity of trim work, type of paint, and special finishes requested.
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Exterior painting costs $3 to $6 per square foot, with labour being 70-80% of the cost
Exterior painting costs $3 to $6 per square foot, with labour constituting 70-80% of the cost. This price varies depending on the type of siding material, paint quality, and labour rates. For instance, painting concrete, stucco, or metal surfaces may cost more than painting vinyl siding. The number of stories in a house can also impact the cost of exterior painting, as multi-story homes often require specialised equipment like ladders, scaffolding, or lifts, increasing labour and equipment costs.
Exterior painting often involves extensive prep work, such as power washing, scraping, and repairing damaged areas. The condition of the surface and the amount of paint required can also affect the overall cost. For example, a single-story, 2,000-square-foot home typically needs about six gallons of paint for two coats.
The complexity of the job, the accessibility of the surfaces, and the need for additional prep work or repairs can influence labour expenses. Hiring experienced professionals can save money in the long run by delivering superior results and minimising the need for future touch-ups or repairs.
Exterior painting is generally more expensive than interior painting due to larger surface areas, more labour, and the need for specialised equipment and paint that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Exterior painting is generally more expensive than interior painting.
The average cost of painting the interior of a house is about $2,000, but it can range from $1,000 to $6,000 per 1,000 square feet of interior space.
The average cost of painting the exterior of a house is just over $3,000, but it can range from $1,800 to $13,000 depending on various factors.
The cost of painting the interior of a house depends on factors such as the room's square footage, local labor costs, ceiling height, the complexity of the trim work, type of paint, and any special finishes requested.
The cost of painting the exterior of a house depends on factors such as the size of the home, the type of siding material, the number of stories, the condition of the existing paint, the architectural style, and any repairs or surface preparation needed.











































