How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? (2026)
Quick answer
Hiring a professional to paint one average room costs about $700 to $3,000 in 2026, depending on the room size, ceilings, trim and prep work. Painting it yourself usually costs about $60 to $200 for paint and supplies.
Paint is one of the cheapest ways to change how a room looks. Whether you hire a pro or do it yourself, it helps to know what is a normal price before you start.
Professional painting cost by room
| Room | Approx. size | Walls only | Walls, ceiling and trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom or office | 10 x 10 ft | $650 – $1,900 | $1,000 – $2,600 |
| Average bedroom | 12 x 12 ft | $750 – $2,300 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Living room | 14 x 18 ft | $1,000 – $3,100 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| Bathroom | 5 x 8 ft | $350 – $900 | $600 – $1,300 |
Painters often price by the square foot of wall surface. Many charge about $2 to $6 per square foot for walls only, and more when ceilings, trim and doors are included.
DIY painting cost
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Paint (2 gallons for an average room) | $60 – $160 |
| Primer (if changing colors a lot) | $25 – $50 |
| Roller, tray, brushes | $20 – $40 |
| Painter’s tape and drop cloth | $15 – $30 |
What changes the price
- Ceiling height. Rooms with tall or vaulted ceilings need ladders or scaffolding.
- Wall condition. Patching holes, sanding and fixing cracks adds labor.
- Color change. Going from dark to light usually needs primer and an extra coat.
- Trim and doors. Detailed trim takes much longer than flat walls.
- Furniture. Moving and covering furniture adds time.
DIY or hire a pro?
DIY makes sense for small, simple rooms with standard ceilings. Hire a pro for tall ceilings, lots of trim, major wall repairs, or when you want a perfect finish fast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to paint a room?
A professional can paint an average bedroom in one day. DIY painters usually need a weekend, including prep and drying time.
How much paint do I need for a 12 x 12 room?
A 12 x 12 room with 8-foot ceilings has about 384 square feet of wall space. Two coats usually take about two gallons.
Sources: Home Pro DMV. Prices are national planning ranges, not quotes. See how we research costs.
