Interior Painting Cost Calculator (2026)
Professional interior painting priced by floor area. Cost covers labor, prep, primer and paint — the biggest driver is how much prep and how many coats.
Interior Painting Cost Calculator
Adjust the details for an installed-cost range tailored to you.
Use your home's finished square footage for a whole-home repaint.
Ballpark estimate for planning — not a quote.
Get your exact price from local interior painting pros
This is a ballpark — compare up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted contractors.
Interior Painting cost per sq ft
Installed cost per sq ft, and a typical 1,500 sq ft project (national average).
| Material | Per sq ft | Typical project |
|---|---|---|
| Walls only, standard prep | $2–$4 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Walls, ceilings & trim | $3.5–$6 | $5,250 – $9,000 |
| Heavy prep / premium paint | $5–$8 | $7,500 – $12,000 |
What affects interior painting cost
- How much surface (walls only vs walls + ceilings + trim)
- Prep work: patching, sanding, priming
- Number of coats and color changes
- Ceiling height and access
- Paint grade and local labor
Frequently asked questions
How much does interior painting cost per sq ft?
Installed interior painting runs roughly $2–$8 per sq ft in 2026, depending on material — walls only, standard prep $2–$4, walls, ceilings & trim $3.5–$6, heavy prep / premium paint $5–$8. Labor and your region shift the number; use the calculator above for your exact size and state.
How much does it cost to paint a house interior in 2026?
Professional interior painting runs about $2–$6 per sq ft of floor area. A 1,500 sq ft home usually costs $3,000–$9,000 depending on whether ceilings and trim are included and how much prep is needed.
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Prep and scope drive the spread: walls-only with minimal patching is cheap, while heavy patching, multiple color changes, high ceilings, and painting ceilings + trim can double the price per square foot.
Interior Painting cost by state
Localized interior painting prices for your state.