How much does it cost to paint a house?
Painting the exterior of an average 2,000-square-foot house typically costs $3,000 to $10,000, or roughly $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot. Interior painting averages about $2,021, generally falling between $1,000 and $3,000.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior (per sq ft) | $1.50 - $5.00 | Professional labor and materials; varies by siding and prep |
| Exterior (avg 2,000 sq ft home) | $3,000 - $10,000 | Full project total for a typical single-story house |
| Interior (average project) | $2,021 | Angi 2026 data; typical range $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Interior (per sq ft) | $2 - $6 | Depends on rooms, ceilings, and trim included |
| Vinyl siding | $600 - $3,500 | About $1.25 - $3 per square foot |
| Brick exterior | $3,500 - $10,000 | About $1.50 - $4.50 per square foot; more prep and primer |
Exterior vs. interior costs
Exterior painting is usually the larger expense because of the surface area, the need for ladders or scaffolding, surface prep, and weather-resistant paint. For an average 2,000-square-foot house, expect $3,000 to $10,000, or about $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot. Siding type matters: vinyl and wood sit at the lower end, while brick and stucco cost more because they require extra primer and prep.
Interior painting is generally cheaper per project, averaging around $2,021 in 2026 according to Angi, with most homeowners paying between $1,000 and $3,000. At $2 to $6 per square foot, the price depends on how many rooms, ceilings, and trim pieces are included and how much patching the walls need.
What drives the price
Labor is the biggest single cost in any paint job, typically the largest share of the total. Prep work, such as scraping, sanding, caulking, and priming, adds hours and is often what separates a low bid from a durable result. Homes with peeling paint, repairs, or detailed trim cost more to prepare.
Other factors include the number of stories (height raises labor and equipment costs), paint quality, the number of coats, and your region's labor rates. Darker or custom colors and specialty finishes can also add to the bill.
Ways to manage the cost
Get at least three written estimates and make sure each spells out prep work, number of coats, paint brand and grade, and whether materials are included. A higher bid that includes thorough prep often lasts years longer than a cheap, paint-only quote.
You can lower costs by painting in the off-season, handling simple prep or low-reach areas yourself, or repainting only the most weathered sides of the house. Choosing standard colors and buying mid-grade rather than premium paint can also trim the total without sacrificing much durability.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to paint a house inside or outside?
- Interior painting is usually cheaper per project (around $2,021 on average) than a full exterior repaint of a 2,000-square-foot home, which runs $3,000 to $10,000.
- What is the biggest part of the cost?
- Labor is the largest expense in nearly every paint job, with surface prep being a major driver of both price and how long the finish lasts.
- How does siding affect the price?
- Vinyl and wood are at the lower end (about $1.25 to $3 per square foot), while brick and stucco cost more (up to $4.50 per square foot) due to extra prep and primer.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.