Painting a room sounds simple until you get a quote. So, how much does it cost to paint a room? On average, expect to pay between $2 to $6 per square foot, or $300 to $1,000 total depending on the size, paint type, and who you hire.
In this guide, you’ll learn what really affects the cost, how to estimate your project, and what to expect for different room types. Whether you’re repainting a small bedroom or freshening up a whole living room in San Diego, this breakdown will help you budget smartly and avoid surprises.
Table of Contents
Average Cost to Paint a Room
The average cost to paint a room in the U.S. lands somewhere between $300 and $1,000. That wide range depends on:
- Room size
- Wall height
- Ceiling painting
- Prep work needed
- Location (big factor)
For example, San Diego homeowners may see slightly higher prices due to labor demand and local market rates. If you’re hiring a painter near San Diego, expect to pay on the mid to high end of that range, especially during peak seasons.
Key factors driving the price:
- Room size: Larger rooms cost more.
- Prep work: Holes, stains, or textured walls need extra time and tools.
- Paint type: High-end paints cost more but last longer.
- Labor cost: This makes up most of your bill—more on that below.
Cost to Paint a Room per Square Foot
Most painting pros charge by the square foot. The typical cost to paint a room per square foot ranges from $2 to $6, which usually includes:
- Paint (two coats)
- Basic prep (masking, minor patching)
- Labor
- Clean-up
Project Type | Low-End ($/sq. ft.) | Mid-Range | High-End |
Walls Only | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.00 |
Walls + Trim | $2.00 | $3.50 | $5.00 |
Walls + Ceiling | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
Interior vs Exterior Painting: Interior jobs are usually cheaper. Exterior painting requires more tools, weather prep, and durable materials expect up to $8 per square foot outside.
What’s usually included:
- Primer
- 2 coats of paint
- Basic clean-up
- Trim or baseboard touch-ups (sometimes extra)
Cost to Paint a Room by Type
Different rooms come with different pricing. Some need special paint (like oil-based paints in bathrooms or kitchens), while others involve more square footage.
Room Type | Estimated Cost |
Small Bedroom | $300–$600 |
Master Bedroom | $600–$1,200 |
Living Room | $700–$1,500 |
Dining Rooms | $500–$1,000 |
Kitchen | $400–$800 |
Bathroom | $250–$700 |
Closets/Hallways | $150–$400 |
Why do costs vary?
- Kitchen: May include cabinet painting and grease-resistant finishes.
- Bathroom: Needs moisture-resistant paint.
Living rooms: Usually bigger and may involve an accent wall or vaulted ceilings.
Average Cost to Paint a Room by Type of Paint
Paint isn’t just paint. Prices vary depending on sheen, quality, brand, and VOC levels. Here’s how it breaks down:
Paint Type | Cost per Gallon | Coverage | Best For |
Matte/Flat | $20–$45 | Low traffic areas | Bedrooms |
Satin/Eggshell | $30–$60 | Medium traffic | Living rooms |
Semi-Gloss/Gloss | $40–$70 | High-traffic areas | Kitchens, Trim |
Low-VOC/Eco Paint | $40–$90 | Healthier option | Kids rooms, Whole home |
Pro tip: Go with satin or eggshell for living spaces—they’re easier to clean and give a soft finish.
Paint type affects your total cost significantly. Cheaper paint might save upfront but can require extra coats or wear out faster.
Average Room Painting Labor Costs
Labor is usually 60–70% of your bill. The average painting labor cost ranges between $20 to $50 per hour, or $200 to $600 per room.
Labor pricing models:
- Per hour: $20–$50/hour
- Per room: $300–$800
- Per square foot: $1–$3
In San Diego, expect to pay on the higher end due to higher living and service costs.
Extra labor cost comes from:
- Prepping damaged walls
- Painting ceilings or trim
- High walls or tricky corners
- Seasonal rush (spring and summer)
How to Calculate the Cost to Paint a Room
Here’s a basic formula:
(Room square feet × cost per sq. ft.) + paint + labor + extras
Let’s say you’re painting a 12×12 room (144 sq ft), with standard walls and mid-range paint.
Mini Example:
- Room size: 144 sq ft
- Cost per sq ft: $3
- Labor: $300
- Paint (2 gallons): $100
- Total estimate: $632
Optional tools like HomeAdvisor’s cost calculator or paint brand websites can help you double-check your numbers.
DIY vs Pro?
DIY saves labor cost—but takes time, energy, and skill. If you want clean edges and fast results, hire a pro. Need a Painting Service in San Diego? San Diego Home Remodeling has pros ready.
FAQs
How much does it cost to have a 12x12 room professionally painted?
A 12×12 room costs between $300 to $800, depending on wall prep, paint quality, and labor rates. If you’re including trim or ceiling, add $100–$200.
How much does it cost to paint a 1000 sq ft room?
Painting 1,000 square feet could cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on:
- Number of rooms
- Paint quality
- Labor and prep work
- Trim or ceiling extras
Cost for a painting room can drop if you bundle rooms together instead of painting one at a time.
How much should I pay to have my room painted?
Expect to pay:
- $1.50 to $4 per sq ft for basic wall painting
- $3 to $6 per sq ft for high-end paint or detailed jobs
- Add $100–$300 for ceilings or trim
Going cheap might cut corners, uneven coats, poor prep, or low-grade materials. The average painting job is worth doing right the first time.
How much does it cost to paint a 1000 sq ft room?
Painting 1,000 square feet could cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on:
- Number of rooms
- Paint quality
- Labor and prep work
- Trim or ceiling extras
Cost for a painting room can drop if you bundle rooms together instead of painting one at a time.
How much paint is needed for a 12x12 room?
You’ll usually need 2 gallons for two full coats of paint on standard 8-foot walls. If walls are textured or you’re switching paint colors (like dark to light), you might need an extra gallon or a quality primer.