Room Painting Cost by Size
| Room Size | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small 10×10 | $40–$80 | $150–$350 | Walls only |
| Average 12×14 | $60–$120 | $250–$600 | Walls only |
| Large 15×20 | $100–$180 | $400–$900 | Walls only |
| With ceiling + trim | +$30–$60 | +$100–$250 | Add to above |
What Affects the Cost to Paint a Room?
Room size. The biggest factor. More wall area means more paint and more labour time. Painters typically charge $2–$6 per square foot of wall area.
Paint quality. Budget paint costs $20–$30 per gallon. Premium paints (Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Emerald) cost $60–$90 per gallon. For an average room, this is a $40–$100 difference in paint cost alone.
Number of coats. Two coats are standard. A dramatic colour change requiring three coats adds 30–50% to labour time and paint cost.
Ceiling and trim. Adding ceiling painting typically adds $50–$150 to professional cost. Trim painting adds $75–$200 depending on the amount of trim.
Location. Labour rates vary significantly by region. Professional painters in major metropolitan areas charge 30–50% more than rural areas.
DIY vs Professional — True Cost Comparison
DIY painting saves 60–70% compared to hiring professionals. For an average 12×14 bedroom, professional painting costs $250–$600 vs $60–$120 DIY. However, DIY requires your time — typically a full day for an average room.
Professional painters include all prep work in their quote — filling holes, sanding, priming, and masking. First-time DIY painters often underestimate the time and cost of prep materials (tape, drop cloths, spackle, sandpaper) which add $30–$60 to the DIY cost.
Money-Saving Tips for Painting a Room
Do the prep yourself. If hiring professionals, offer to move furniture and do the prep work yourself. Many painters will reduce their quote by $50–$100.
Buy paint during sales. Major paint brands run 30–40% off sales several times a year. Stock up on frequently used colours when sales occur.
Use a tinted primer for dramatic colour changes. A $15–$20 quart of tinted primer can eliminate the need for a third topcoat, saving the cost of an extra gallon.
Get multiple quotes. Professional painter prices vary significantly. Get at least three quotes for any room — prices often differ by 30–50% for identical work.
Related Paint Calculators
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- How to Calculate Paint for a Room →
- Cost to Paint a Bedroom →
- Cost to Paint a Living Room →
- Bedroom Paint Calculator →
- How Many Gallons of Paint for a Room? →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a room professionally?
Professional painters charge $150–$800 for an average room depending on size. An average 12×14 bedroom typically costs $250–$600 including labour and paint.
How much does it cost to paint a room yourself?
DIY painting an average room costs $60–$120 in paint plus $30–$60 in supplies (tape, drop cloths, rollers, brushes). Total DIY cost is typically $80–$180 per room.
How much do painters charge per square foot?
Professional painters typically charge $2–$6 per square foot of wall area including labour and paint. The rate varies by region, with metropolitan areas at the higher end.
Is it worth hiring a professional painter?
Professional painters work 2–3× faster than DIY, include all prep, and produce a higher-quality finish. Worth it for large spaces, difficult prep situations, or when your time has high value.
How much does paint cost per gallon?
Paint costs $20–$35 per gallon for budget brands and $55–$90 per gallon for premium paints like Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin-Williams Emerald.
Does the type of paint finish affect cost?
Finish type has minimal impact on paint cost — most brands charge the same price across finishes. Semi-gloss trim paint may cost slightly more than flat ceiling paint in some product lines.