How Much Does It Cost to Repaint a Whole House?

Repainting your entire home is one of the best ways to give it a fresh look, increase property value, and protect surfaces from wear and tear. But before you start, you’ll likely wonder: How much does it cost to repaint a whole house?

The cost depends on many factors, including house size, paint quality, labor, and surface condition. To avoid unexpected surprises, many homeowners turn to Painting Estimating Services to calculate accurate project costs before hiring professionals. In this guide, we’ll break down average prices, major cost factors, and practical tips to help you budget effectively.

Average Cost to Repaint a Whole House

The cost of repainting varies depending on whether you’re painting the interior, exterior, or both.

National Averages

• Interior repainting: $2,500 – $7,500
• Exterior repainting: $3,000 – $10,000
• Entire house (inside + outside): $6,000 – $15,000+

Factors That Influence Repainting Costs

1. Size of the House

The larger your home, the more paint and labor you’ll need.

• Small homes (1,200–1,500 sq. ft.): $2,500 – $5,000
• Medium homes (1,600–2,500 sq. ft.): $5,000 – $9,000
• Large homes (2,600–4,000+ sq. ft.): $9,000 – $15,000+

2. Condition of Surfaces

• Smooth, clean surfaces = lower costs
• Damaged drywall, cracks, peeling, or water stains add 20–40% in prep costs
• Exterior homes may need pressure washing ($150–$300) or scraping old paint

3. Type of Paint

• Basic paint: $25–$35 per gallon
• Mid-range paint: $40–$60 per gallon
• Premium paint: $70–$100+ per gallon (longer-lasting, better coverage)

Average 2,000 sq. ft. home needs 15–25 gallons depending on coverage and coats.

4. Number of Coats

• One coat: Rare, usually for touch-ups
• Two coats: Standard for even coverage
• Three coats: Needed for dark-to-light transitions or stubborn stains

More coats = more paint + labor.

5. Labor Costs

Labor makes up the majority of repainting costs.

• Hourly rate: $25–$60 per painter
• Per square foot: $1.50–$4.00 for interior, $2.00–$5.00 for exterior
• Per day: $250–$600 per painter

6. Ceilings, Trim, and Details

Whole house repainting usually includes more than just walls:

• Ceilings: $1–$2.50 per sq. ft.
• Trim & baseboards: $1.50–$3.50 per linear foot
• Doors & windows: $50–$150 each
• Decorative finishes = higher costs

7. Location and Accessibility

• Urban areas: Higher labor costs ($3–$5/sq. ft.)
• Suburbs: Mid-range pricing ($2–$3.50/sq. ft.)
• Rural areas: More affordable ($1.50–$2.50/sq. ft.)
• Multi-story exteriors need scaffolding, increasing costs.

8. Timing and Season

• Peak season (spring/summer): Higher demand, higher prices
• Off-season (fall/winter): Contractors may offer discounts

Interior Repainting Costs

By Size of Home

• 1,200 sq. ft. → $2,500 – $4,000
• 1,600–2,000 sq. ft. → $3,500 – $6,500
• 2,500+ sq. ft. → $5,000 – $9,000

By Room Type

• Bedroom: $300 – $800
• Living room: $500 – $1,200
• Kitchen: $400 – $1,000
• Bathroom: $200 – $600

Exterior Repainting Costs

By Home Size

• 1,200 sq. ft. → $2,500 – $4,500
• 1,600–2,000 sq. ft. → $3,500 – $6,500
• 2,500+ sq. ft. → $6,500 – $10,000+

Other Exterior Cost Drivers

• Power washing: $150–$300
• Siding repairs: $200–$1,500+
• Window trim & shutters: $25–$100 each

Full House Repainting Example (2,000 sq. ft. home)

Interior:

• Paint: $800
• Labor: $3,500
  
• Ceilings & trim: $1,200
  
• Prep: $600
  Subtotal: $6,100
  
  

Exterior:

• Paint: $700
• Labor: $4,000
• Prep (washing, scraping): $500
  Subtotal: $5,200

Total Cost (Interior + Exterior): $11,300

Conclusion

Repainting a whole house can cost anywhere between $6,000 and $15,000, depending on size, paint type, labor, and surface condition. Interiors usually range from $2,500 to $7,500, while exteriors cost $3,000 to $10,000. Although professional painting costs more upfront, it delivers long-lasting, high-quality results.

By planning carefully, comparing quotes, and doing small prep tasks yourself, you can save significantly. Using professional estimation tools ensures accuracy, helping you budget better and avoid surprise expenses.

FAQs

1. How often should I repaint my whole house?
Interiors: every 7–10 years. Exteriors: every 7-15 years depending on weather.

2. Does repainting increase home value?
Yes, a fresh paint job can boost curb appeal and resale value.

3. Is it cheaper to paint the whole house at once?
Yes, bundling interior and exterior together often lowers per-square-foot costs.

4. How long does repainting a whole house take?
Professionals typically take 7-10 days for both interior and exterior.

5. Can I repaint a whole house myself?
Yes, but it’s time-intensive. DIY may work for interiors, but exteriors are best left to professi