- United States$25–75 / hrHourly rate
- PolandPLN 15–40Interior, per m² of wall (walls and ceilings)
- Netherlands€35–65 / hrHourly rate
- Spain€18–30 / hrHourly rate
- Cyprus€150–350Typical room (12–15 m²), materials and labour
Painting costs depend on whether the job is interior or exterior, the condition of the surfaces, and the quality of paint. In the US, expect to pay $2–$6 per square foot for interior painting and $1,500–$4,000 to paint a home's exterior. Per room, interior painting averages $300–$800. Hourly labour: $25–$75 (US), PLN 30–60 (Poland), €35–€65 (Netherlands), and around 18 to 30 euros per hour in Spain. Polish, Dutch, and Spanish rates are lower in absolute terms than the US but similarly proportioned relative to local wages.
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Average painting costs by job type[1,2]
| Job type | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single room (interior) | $300–$800 |
| Entire interior (3-bed home) | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Exterior (single-story home) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Exterior (two-story home) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Cabinet painting | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Deck staining | $500–$2,000 |
| Trim and door painting | $50–$150 per door/window |
What affects the cost?
- Surface prep needed — peeling paint, patching, and priming add significant cost
- Paint quality — premium paints (Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Emerald) cost $50–$80/gallon vs. $25–$40 for standard
- Ceiling height — tall ceilings require scaffolding or specialized equipment
- Number of colors — multiple color changes take more time
- Trim and detail work — cutting in around trim, windows, and doors is labor-intensive
- Lead paint (pre-1978 homes) — EPA RRP compliance adds $500–$2,000+ to the project
Costs by country
Painter costs in the United States
US painters charge $25–$75 per hour or $2–$6 per square foot for interior work. Exterior painting is typically bid per project. Rates are highest in coastal cities and lowest in the Midwest and South. Always get itemized quotes that separate labor, materials, and prep work. Verify the painter is insured — a ladder accident on your property without insurance is your liability.
How to save on painting costs
- Do the prep yourself — moving furniture, removing fixtures, and light cleaning saves labor hours
- Choose fewer colors — each color change takes time
- Book off-season — winter is quieter for painters, and you may get better rates
- Supply your own paint — buy during sales (30–40% off is common) to save on materials
- Get 3+ quotes — prices vary significantly between painters
Costs by country
Painter costs in Cyprus
Painting a typical 12–15 m² room in Cyprus costs €150–€350 with materials and labour included; platform data from over 19,000 jobs puts interior work at €180 and up for rooms up to 25 m² and €600 and up above that, with a full 100 m² interior starting around €1,500. Exterior painting of anything over 25 m² starts at €1,220 because of scaffolding and the sun-resistant coatings Cypriot facades need, and decorative finishes (τεχνοτροπία) add from €250. Quotes normally include paint; wall repairs, mould treatment and extra coats on dark colours are priced on top.
Sources: Douleutaras Cyprus, house-painting (βάψιμο σπιτιού) job-price data, 19,327 jobs (2026); SouXeroEnan Cyprus, painting price guide for Nicosia (2026).
Fix it yourself
Before you pay: what you can do yourself
- Paint bubbling or blisteringmoderate 1–3 h· $15–40 for primer and paint
- Peeling paintmoderate 1–4 h· $20–60 for primer, filler and paint
- Stucco cracking on exterior wallseasy 1–3 h· $20–60 in caulk, patch and paint
- Ceiling water stain bleeding through painteasy 30–90 min· $10–30 for a stain-blocking primer
Frequently asked questions
How much do painters charge per hour?
Painters charge $25–$70 per hour in the US, with most quoting per project rather than hourly. Per square foot, expect $1–$3 for interior, $1.50–$4 for exterior. A typical 3-bedroom interior repaint runs $2,000–$5,000; full exterior is $3,000–$8,000.
How much paint coverage per gallon?
One gallon covers 350–400 sq ft for one coat on smooth interior walls. For new drywall or color changes, plan on 2 coats. A 12'×12' bedroom (480 sq ft of walls) needs about 1.5 gallons for 2 coats. Quality paint costs $35–$70/gallon.
Should I paint or hire a painter?
DIY saves 60–70% on labor (which is 80% of paint job cost) but takes 4–10× longer. Hire a pro for: ceilings, trim work, exteriors, color changes, anything over 1,000 sq ft. DIY is reasonable for: single accent walls, touch-ups, small rooms.
What time of year is best to paint?
Interior: any time, though winter humidity can slow drying. Exterior: spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) — temperatures 50°F–85°F and low humidity give the best paint adhesion. Avoid summer heat and any time with high pollen counts.
Learn about the trade
How to become a professional painter: training, certifications like EPA RRP, salary expectations, and career paths in the US, Poland, and the Netherlands.
How to become a painter