Quick answer: Hiring a professional to paint an average room in the US costs about $1,100, with most projects falling between $200 and $2,000. Painting it yourself usually costs $100–$300 in paint and supplies.
Your exact price depends on room size, ceiling height, paint quality, prep work and whether you include ceilings and trim. Here is how to estimate it.
Cost to paint a room by size (professional)
Painters typically charge $2–$6 per square foot of floor area for walls, including labor and paint.
| Room size | Floor area | Estimated pro cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | $200 – $600 |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 sq ft | $240 – $720 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | $290 – $870 |
| 14 × 16 ft | 224 sq ft | $450 – $1,350 |
| 16 × 16 ft | 256 sq ft | $515 – $1,540 |
Add roughly $1–$6 per sq ft for ceilings and $1–$3 per linear foot for trim and baseboards.
DIY cost to paint a room
For a typical 12 × 12 bedroom with 8-foot ceilings:
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Paint, 2 gallons (mid-range, $30–$50/gal) | $60 – $100 |
| Primer, 1 gallon (if needed) | $15 – $25 |
| Roller frame, covers and tray | $15 – $30 |
| Angled brush (2–2.5 in) | $8 – $20 |
| Painter’s tape and drop cloths | $15 – $30 |
| Spackle, sandpaper, caulk | $10 – $20 |
| Total | $125 – $225 |
Once you own the tools, your next room costs mostly just paint.
How to estimate how much paint you need
- Measure the perimeter: add the lengths of all walls. A 12 × 12 room = 48 ft.
- Multiply by ceiling height: 48 × 8 = 384 sq ft of wall.
- Subtract openings: about 20 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per window. One door and one window: 384 − 35 = 349 sq ft.
- Divide by coverage: one gallon covers about 350–400 sq ft. 349 ÷ 350 ≈ 1 gallon per coat.
- Multiply by coats: two coats = about 2 gallons.
Use the free paint calculator on DIYMeter to do this instantly for any room.
What affects the price?
Paint quality
Paint ranges from about $20 to $70 per gallon for most brands, with designer lines over $100. Better paint usually covers in fewer coats, which can offset the price.
Finish
Flat and matte hide flaws and suit ceilings and bedrooms. Eggshell and satin are easier to clean for living areas. Semi-gloss suits bathrooms, kitchens and trim.
Color change
Going from dark to light, or covering bright colors, often needs primer and an extra coat.
Prep work
Repairing cracks, filling nail holes, removing wallpaper or treating stains adds time and cost. Wallpaper removal alone can add hundreds of dollars.
Ceiling height and access
Vaulted ceilings, stairwells and rooms needing ladders or scaffolding cost more.
Location
Labor rates are higher in large metro areas. Painters typically charge $20–$50 per hour.
DIY vs hiring a pro
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (12 × 12 room) | $125 – $225 | $290 – $870+ |
| Time | 1–2 days | Often 1 day |
| Finish quality | Depends on skill | Clean lines, consistent coverage |
| Best for | Simple rooms, standard ceilings | High ceilings, dark-to-light changes, tight schedules |
Money-saving tips
- Do the prep yourself (moving furniture, patching, taping) and ask the painter for a reduced quote.
- Paint several rooms at once; many painters discount larger jobs.
- Choose paint-and-primer products when covering similar colors.
- Buy paint in 5-gallon buckets for large projects; it is often cheaper per gallon.
- Get at least three written quotes and confirm what is included (ceilings, trim, number of coats).
Step-by-step: painting a room yourself
- Clear and protect. Move furniture to the center, cover it, and lay drop cloths along the walls.
- Clean and repair. Wipe walls with a damp sponge, fill nail holes with spackle, and lightly sand once dry.
- Tape. Apply painter’s tape along trim, ceilings and outlets. Remove outlet and switch covers.
- Prime if needed. Use primer over patches, stains, bare drywall or big color changes.
- Cut in. Use an angled brush to paint a 2–3 inch band along corners, ceiling lines and trim.
- Roll. Work in 3 × 3 ft sections in a “W” pattern, keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- Second coat. Wait for the time on the can (often 2–4 hours), then repeat.
- Finish. Pull tape while the last coat is slightly wet for crisp lines, then replace covers.
Hidden costs to plan for
- Moving heavy furniture, which some painters charge extra for.
- Drywall repair for cracks or water damage.
- Lead-safe practices in homes built before 1978, which require certified contractors for disturbing old paint.
- Painting doors and window frames, often priced per item ($50–$150 each).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to paint a room?
A pro can usually paint a standard bedroom in 4–8 hours. DIYers should plan a full day, plus drying time between coats.
Do I need two coats of paint?
Usually yes, for even color and durability, especially when changing colors.
Is it cheaper to paint walls and ceiling the same color?
It can save time on cutting in, but ceilings normally use flat ceiling paint, so you will still buy separate products.
Bottom line
Expect around $1,100 for a pro on an average room, or about $125–$225 to do a 12 × 12 room yourself. Measure first, calculate your gallons, and compare quotes so you know a fair price before you start.
Prices are US national estimates for 2026 and vary by location and project.
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