If you’re trying to budget how much it should cost to paint the interior of a 1,000 sq ft house, here’s the straight answer most homeowners are looking for:
Painting the interior of a 1,000 sq ft home typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on labor rates, wall condition, number of coats, ceilings, trim, and paint quality.
This price range reflects real-world contractor pricing, not ideal scenarios. Lower prices usually mean minimal prep or one coat, while higher prices include full prep, ceilings, and trim.
Quick Cost Snapshot
| Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Labor | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| Paint & materials | $300 – $1,000 |
| Total interior cost | $2,000 – $5,000 |
If your home is occupied, has wall repairs, or includes trim and ceilings, expect costs toward the higher end.
Why a 1,000 Sq Ft House Costs More Than People Expect
One reason homeowners get confused is how square footage works.
A 1,000 sq ft house refers to floor space, not wall surface.
In reality:
- Paintable wall area is usually 2.5–3× the floor size
- That equals 2,500–3,000 sq ft of interior walls
- Most professional jobs include two coats of paint
This is why pricing based only on “house size” is often misleading.
Average Interior Painting Cost Per Square Foot
Professional painters typically price by paintable surface area, not just floor size.
Current market ranges:
- $1.50 – $3.50 per sq ft for standard repainting
- $4 – $6 per sq ft for detailed work or heavy prep
For a 1,000 sq ft home, this aligns with a total project cost of $2,000–$5,000.
Real-World Interior Painting Cost Examples
Most competitor articles give ranges but no context. Here’s how pricing looks in real situations:
| Home Scenario | Scope of Work | Realistic Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Empty home, good walls | Walls only, 2 coats | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Lived-in home | Walls + light prep | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Older home | Wall repairs + repaint | $3,500 – $4,800 |
| Full repaint | Walls, ceilings, trim | $4,000 – $5,500 |
These examples reflect actual contractor workflows, not best-case estimates.
Cost Breakdown by Room
Most homeowners think in rooms, not square feet.
Average Interior Painting Cost per Room
- Bedroom: $300 – $700
- Living room: $600 – $1,200
- Kitchen: $400 – $900
- Bathroom: $200 – $500
- Hallways & closets: $200 – $400
Homes with more rooms or accent walls usually cost more overall.
How Much Does Interior Paint Cost Alone?
Paint prices vary by quality and brand. Most professionals use products from brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Behr.
Typical paint usage:
- 8–12 gallons for walls
- $30–$60 per gallon
Paint-only cost: $300 – $700
(Paint is usually included in professional quotes.)
Do Ceilings Increase the Cost?
Yes, ceilings are often priced separately.
- Most ceilings need one coat
- Typical cost: $0.50 – $1.50 per sq ft
For a 1,000 sq ft home:
- Ceiling painting adds $500-$1,500
Vaulted or textured ceilings increase labor time and cost.
Cost to Paint Trim, Doors, and Baseboards
Trim work is detail-heavy and increases labor time.
Typical add-ons:
- Interior doors: $50-$100 per door
- Baseboards & trim: $300-$800
Semi-gloss and gloss finishes take longer and require more prep.
How Many Coats Are Included in the Price?
Most professional quotes include two coats on the walls.
Extra coats may be needed when:
- Painting over dark colors
- Covering stains
- Changing paint sheen
One-coat jobs are cheaper but usually don’t last.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a 1,000 Sq Ft House?
Typical professional timeline:
- Prep work: 1 day
- Painting walls: 1–2 days
- Ceilings & trim: 1 day
- Touch-ups & cleanup: ½ day
Total time: 2.5–4 days
Occupied homes may take longer due to furniture protection and staging.
A Simple Interior Painting Cost Formula
(Paintable wall sq ft × rate per sq ft) + ceilings + trim + prep
Example:
- 3,000 sq ft × $2.50 = $7,500 (raw labor value)
- Bundled contractor pricing → $3,000–$4,500 final
This explains why contractor quotes look different from online calculators.
Hidden Costs
These factors often change the final price:
- Moving heavy furniture
- Wall damage or nail hole repairs
- Low-VOC or odor-resistant paint upgrades
- Occupied homes (slower workflow)
- Rush timelines or weekend work
Transparent contractors will explain these upfront.
DIY vs Professional Interior Painting Cost
DIY:
- Paint & supplies: $300 – $800
- Time: 3–7 days
- No labor warranty
Professional:
- $2,000 – $5,000
- Faster completion
- Better finish
- Less stress
DIY saves money but costs time and effort.
When a Painting Quote Is Too Cheap
Be cautious if a quote:
- Includes only one coat
- Skips surface prep
- Uses low-quality contractor paint
- Has no written scope or warranty
Cheap jobs often cost more later in touch-ups and repainting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should it cost to paint the interior of a 1,000 sq ft house?
Most homeowners pay $2,000 to $5,000, depending on prep work, ceilings, trim, and paint quality.
Is paint included in interior painting quotes?
Yes, most professional quotes include paint and materials.
Does wall repair increase painting cost?
Yes. Extensive drywall repairs are usually priced separately.
Is it cheaper to paint an empty house?
Yes. Empty homes are faster to paint and often cost less.
How long does interior paint last?
Quality interior paint typically lasts 7–10 years with proper prep.
Final Takeaway
Painting the interior of a 1,000 sq ft house usually costs between $2,000 and $5,000, including labor and materials. The final price depends on prep work, number of coats, ceilings, trim, and paint quality.
If you want durable results and less hassle, professional painting is often worth the investment.
