
The cost of painting a room varies depending on several factors, including room size, paint type, and whether you hire a professional. The average cost to paint a room is $350 to $850, with professional interior paint jobs typically priced per square foot at $2 to $6. Painting a room yourself costs $100 to $736 on average, depending on whether you already have the necessary equipment. The type of room also influences the price, with bathrooms being the least expensive and living rooms the most costly. Paint choice can also affect the final bill, with designer and high-gloss paints carrying higher price tags.
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What You'll Learn

Room size
The size of the room is a critical factor in determining the cost of painting it. The room's size influences the amount of supplies needed and the labour required, which in turn affects the overall cost. Larger rooms with high ceilings, such as primary bedrooms and living rooms, tend to be more expensive to paint as they require more paint, additional supplies, and more labour hours.
For example, the average cost to paint a living room is $600 to $2,000, with the price depending on the room's size and ceiling height. Painting an attached dining room or large hallway can add $300 to $1,000 to the cost. On the other hand, painting a bathroom is less expensive, with an average cost ranging from $60 to $400. The average half-bath size is about 20 square feet, a full bathroom is about 40 square feet, and a master bathroom is generally about 100 square feet.
A 12’ x 12’ room, which is a common size for a bedroom or a larger office, typically costs between $215 and $505 to paint. If you include the ceilings, baseboards, and other trim, the price increases to between $430 and $575. Painting the walls of a 200 square foot room, which includes bedrooms, master bathrooms, and home offices, costs between $300 and $700. For a 300 square foot room, the price increases to between $450 and $1,050.
The height of the walls is another important consideration. As the height of the wall increases, the cost per square foot also increases since higher walls provide a larger paintable area. Vaulted and cathedral ceilings, for instance, are more complex and time-consuming to paint.
The cost of paint itself is also influenced by the room's size. One gallon of paint covers approximately 300 to 400 square feet, and professionals recommend using two coats of paint. Therefore, the larger the room, the more paint will be needed, impacting the overall cost.
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Type of room
The price of painting a room depends on the type of room. Here are some estimates for different types of rooms:
Living Room
The average cost of painting a living room is $600 to $2,000. However, some sources state that the cost can be as high as $724 or even $1,200. This is because living rooms tend to be larger and have higher ceilings, requiring more paint and labour. If you have an attached dining room or large hallway, expect to add $300 to $1,000 to the cost.
Kitchen
Painting kitchen walls costs $150 to $250 since cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances occupy most of the wall space. If you want to paint the cabinets as well, expect to pay $30 to $60 per linear foot or between $900 and $3,800 on average.
Bedroom
The average cost to paint a bedroom is $350 to $850, while a primary bedroom runs from $600 to $1,400. A master bedroom will be larger and costlier to paint. Painting a bedroom typically requires two gallons of paint, which will cost $96 to $148.
Bathroom
Painting a bathroom costs between $150 and $400. A large primary bathroom will cost $250 to $650. Bathroom painting is more expensive because of the cut-in work around fixtures and the removal of accessories like towel bars. The average half-bath size is about 20 square feet, a full bathroom is about 40 square feet, and a master bathroom is generally about 100 square feet. It is important to use moisture-resistant paint in bathrooms for long-lasting results.
Office
A 12’ x 12’ room, which is a common size for an office, will cost between $215 and $505 to paint. Painting the walls usually takes a few hours, but including the ceilings, baseboards, and trim will increase the time and cost, with the total cost ranging from $430 to $575.
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Paint type
The paint type is a crucial factor in determining the final cost of painting a room. Paint prices depend on the brand, makeup, and finish. On average, paint costs $20 to $70 per gallon, with each gallon covering between 300 and 400 square feet. The price of paint can vary depending on its quality, with high-quality paint offering better coverage and a longer-lasting finish due to its thicker consistency and higher solid content. High-quality paint can reduce the number of coats required, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Latex-based paint is a popular choice for main living spaces due to its durability and long-lasting qualities. It is also more environmentally friendly and healthier than oil-based paint. However, oil-based paint is more expensive and requires special cleaning products and equipment, such as mineral spirits, ventilation fans, and natural bristle paintbrushes.
For bathrooms, it is recommended to use moisture-resistant paint to ensure long-lasting results. The type of paint chosen can also impact the number of coats required. For major colour changes, at least 3 to 5 gallons of paint may be needed, and additional accent walls or colours can require another gallon or two.
Designer paints are also an option, offering natural colouring agents that result in more vibrant colours. However, these paints tend to be more expensive, and similar colours can be achieved with high-quality non-designer paints.
Primers are another consideration, with prices ranging from $16 to $70 per gallon depending on the type. Shellac primers are ideal for wood surfaces and water-damaged walls.
Overall, the paint type, quality, and finish will significantly impact the final cost of painting a room, and it is important to consider the specific needs of the space being painted to make the most cost-effective choices.
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Hiring a professional
Professional painters typically charge by the hour or a fixed-price per square foot. Hourly rates can range from $20 to $75 per hour, while fixed-price jobs can be as low as $1.50 to $6 per square foot. The average cost to paint a room in 2024 ranges from $150 to $2,000, depending on the size of the room. Painting a bathroom will cost between $60 and $400, while a bedroom will cost between $350 and $1,240. Painting a living room will cost $600 to $2,000 on average, but can go as high as $724 or $1,200.
The paint used can also affect the final cost. Designer paints can be much more expensive, but you are paying for quality and vibrancy. High-quality paint will cost more but will provide better coverage and a longer-lasting finish. Oil-based paints are also more expensive than latex-based paints and require special equipment.
Before hiring a professional, it is important to get multiple bids from different contractors to ensure you are getting a fair price. It is also crucial to make sure the painters are licensed and insured to avoid any potential repairs or financial issues after the job is complete. When contacting painters, have the room measurements ready to receive an accurate quote.
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Additional costs
The final price of painting a room depends on several factors, such as the room's size, the height of the ceiling, the type of paint, and the cost of labour in your area. The average cost of painting a room ranges from $150 to $2000, with professional interior paint jobs typically priced per square foot at $2 to $6.
Type of Room
The type of room you want to paint is a significant factor in determining the final cost. For instance, painting a bathroom costs between $150 to $400, while a bedroom costs between $350 to $1240. Painting a living room is the most expensive, with an average cost of $600 to $2000.
Paint Type
Paint costs depend on the brand, makeup, and finish. On average, paint costs $20 to $70 per gallon, with each gallon covering 300 to 400 square feet. Designer paints are more expensive but offer better quality and vibrancy. Additionally, oil-based paints are more expensive than latex-based paints and require special supplies like mineral spirits, ventilation fans, and natural bristle paint brushes.
Labour
The cost of labour can vary depending on how it is estimated. Some professionals charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $75 per hour. Others may charge a fixed-price based on the size of the room, typically priced at $1 to $4 per square foot.
Prep Work
The cost of painting a room can increase if there is extensive prep work required. This includes tasks such as sanding, patching, stripping, caulking, spackling, and crack repair. Additionally, if you require the painter to move furniture or remove wallpaper, this will add to the overall cost.
Trim and Accents
Painting trim, baseboards, crown moulding, and windows can cost $1 to $6 per linear foot, with prices increasing for hard-to-reach areas or ornate trim with intricate details. Additionally, accent walls can cost 20% to 30% more due to the extra paint and supplies needed.
Primer
The type of primer used can affect the overall cost, with prices ranging from $16 to $70 per gallon. Shellac primers, for example, are great for wood surfaces and water-damaged walls. If your home was built before 1978, lead-based paint may be an issue, and your contractor will need to follow safety protocols, increasing the cost.
It is important to consider these additional costs when budgeting for a room painting project to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of painting a room ranges from $150 to $2000, depending on the room size, ceiling height, and whether you include the ceiling, baseboards, and trim. The average cost of painting a room in 2024 was $624, including the total cost of labor, paint, and materials.
The cost of DIY painting a room varies depending on whether you already have the necessary equipment. If you do, the average cost is $412, but if you need to buy new equipment, the average cost is $736.
The best way to find a fair price is to research various professionals in your area and compare their rates. You can also narrow down your list of potential contractors and get bids from each of them to ensure they are within the same price range.











































