Paint Costs in Chicago, IL — Full Breakdown
Professional painters in Chicago, IL charge $48–$78/hr per hour. Paint costs $35–$78/gal per gallon at local Chicago stores. Use the cost calculator above — pre-filled with Chicago local rates — for an accurate total project estimate including labour, paint, and materials.
Cost & Paint Reference Table
| Project | DIY Cost (Chicago) | Pro Cost (Chicago) |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (12×14) | $103–$210 | $290–$490 |
| Whole house interior | $1000–$2060 | $4,640–$7,740 |
| Exterior (2,000 sq ft) | $705–$1514 | $2,704–$4,544 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $133–$267 | $1160–$1960 |
| Front door | $20–$50 | $156–$276 |
How to Save on Painting Costs in Chicago, IL
Get three quotes. Painter prices in Chicago vary significantly. Always get at least three quotes — prices often differ by 30–50% for identical work.
Do your own prep. Moving furniture and filling nail holes yourself before the painter arrives can reduce professional quotes by $100–$300.
Buy during sales. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore run 30–40% off sales several times per year. Stock up on frequently used colours during sales.
Related Paint Calculators
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- Paint Calculator Illinois →
- Paint Calculator Chicago IL →
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? →
- How to Calculate Paint for a Room →
- Exterior Paint Calculator →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do painters charge in Chicago, IL?
Professional painters in Chicago charge $48–$78/hr per hour. An average room costs $290–$490 professionally including paint and labour.
How much does it cost to paint a house in Chicago?
A whole-house interior paint job in Chicago costs $4,640–$7,740 professionally. Exterior painting costs $2,704–$4,544 for an average 2,000 sq ft home.
How much does it cost to paint a room yourself in Chicago?
DIY painting a standard 12×14 room in Chicago costs $103–$210 in paint and supplies — saving 60–70% vs professional painting.
Is it worth hiring a painter in Chicago?
Professional painters in Chicago work 2–3× faster than DIY, include all prep, and produce a higher-quality finish. At $48–$78/hr/hr, hiring is worth it for large spaces, complex prep, or when your time has high value.
How much does exterior painting cost in Chicago?
Exterior painting a 2,000 sq ft home in Chicago costs $2,704–$4,544 professionally. DIY costs $705–$1514 in paint and supplies.
How much does cabinet painting cost in Chicago?
Kitchen cabinet painting in Chicago costs $1160–$1960 professionally. DIY costs $133–$267 in paint, primer, and prep materials.