How much does it cost to paint a house?

Cost to paint a house: what to expect

This guide breaks down all aspects of house painting costs across Canada, covering interior and exterior projects, popular paint types, labour rates, and key factors like home size and location.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Average cost to paint a house
2. Hourly cost to hire a house painter
3. Cost to paint interior of house
4. Cost to paint exterior of house
5. Different house paint options and prices
6. Find painters near you on HomeStars
7. FAQ: Common questions about house painting costs

Average cost to paint a house

Painting your house can really make it feel like a home, whether that’s refreshing the interior or outer walls.

House painting costs can vary quite a bit depending on the project scope, time of year, and painter you hire.

On average, painters charge between $3,000 - $7,000 for a standard 1,500–2,000 sq ft home.

Many companies also include a minimum project fee of around $1,000 - $2,000 to cover the initial site assessment, prep work, and materials before full painting begins.

Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, or anywhere across Canada, finding a verified painter makes all the difference for your project. Just post your job on HomeStars today, and painters near you will be ready to help.

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Hourly cost to hire a house painter

Hiring a house painter is a good way to refresh your space. Labour makes up 60-70% of the costs of painting a house, with painters charging $40 - $80 per hour for prep, painting, and cleanup.

Price by project size:

• Small jobs (single room): 8 - 16 hours, $320–$1,280 in labour
• Full interior (1,500–2,000 sq ft): 40 - 80 hours, $2,000 - $5,000.
• Exterior repaint: 50–100 hours, $3,000 - $6,000 due to extra challenges.

It’s important to note that the cost of painting services can vary widely by location. Depending on where you live in Canada, you can check our local guides like Toronto painting costs or Vancouver painting costs.

To get the best rate for your painting project, it’s a good idea to get 3 - 5 quotes from local pros on HomeStars. Then, you can compare each quote, check customer reviews and select the right pro for you.

Cost to paint interior of house

Painting your walls can improve every living space with fresh colours and finishes, while also protecting your walls from wear and tear.

Costs for painting depend on room size, ceiling height, wall condition, paint quality, and prep work, but here are some practical examples to give you clearer expectations.

Typical cost breakdown:

• Basic painting (minimal prep): £400 - £800 for a 12x12ft room.
• Full painting prep (filling, sanding): £4 - £7 per m² plus £50 - £150 materials.
• Luxury finish (premium paint, specialist effects): £6 - £10 per m² or £1,200 - £2,000+ for the same room.

Cost to paint exterior of house

Give your home's exterior a fresh look that boosts curb appeal and protects your walls from Canada's tough weather, UV rays, and moisture.

Costs depend on the size and number of storeys in your home, the type of surface being painted, any prep work like power washing or scraping.

The average costs of painting your exterior:

Size of job	Cost Range
Single-storey home	$3,000 - $6,000
Two-storey home	$5,000 - $10,000
Large home	$8,000 - $15,000

HomeStars-Tip: Talk to a few different 24/7 licensed painters and compare their prices to know you’re getting the right value for your job. Just post your job on HomeStars today, and verified painters near you can provide their advice and quotes.

Different house paint options and prices

Finding the right paint style is all about matching your home’s needs with your personal taste.

House painting options vary from budget-friendly basics to premium formulas, each offering different levels of durability, finish, and eco-friendliness.

Here's a breakdown of common types and their average prices per gallon in Canada.

Popular paint options and costs:

Matte/flat: Ideal for low-traffic interiors like bedrooms, it hides imperfections well but isn't scrub-resistant. Homeowners typically pay $30 - $50 per gallon for mid-range brands.

Semi-gloss: Great for kitchens, bathrooms, or trim due to moisture resistance and shine. Prices range from $45 - $70 per gallon, with top picks like Benjamin Moore offering mildew resistance.

Exterior acrylic: Built for Canada's weather, it withstands rain, snow, and fading. Costs average $50 - $80 per gallon, higher for self-priming formulas that save time and labour.

Find painters near to on HomeStars

Give your home a fresh coat by hiring a painter near you. From interior refreshes to full exterior jobs, local pros handle walls, trim, and surfaces with skill. It only takes a few minutes to post your job today, and painters near you will get back in touch. It’s the easy way to find a pro and compare their quotes.

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FAQ: Common questions about house painting costs

How can I estimate the cost of my painting project?

The best way to estimate costs is to detail your project, such as room sizes, interior vs. exterior, surface prep needs, or paint types, and get 3 - 5 quotes from local painters. This reveals average pricing for your area, factoring in labour, materials, and specifics like high ceilings or trim work.

Are exterior painting jobs more expensive in summer?

Yes. Exterior painting in peak summer months or before harsh winters often costs 20 - 40% more due to high demand, weather windows, and urgent scheduling. Off-season work (spring/fall) can save money while still ensuring quality application.

Is it cheaper to hire an independent painter or a company?

Independents often charge lower rates, around $40 - $60/hour, versus firms at $60 - $80/hour. Companies, however, provide perks like insured teams, warranties, detailed contracts, and faster multi-room completion.

What steps can I take to reduce painting costs?

Lower expenses by prepping surfaces yourself (e.g., moving furniture, basic cleaning), choosing mid-range paints, bundling rooms to cut travel fees, or scheduling off-peak. Always secure written quotes upfront to avoid surprises and negotiate multi-project discounts.

Do painters usually provide the paint, or should I buy it myself?

Most pros include paint, primer, drop cloths, and brushes in their quote for best results. You can supply paint for a small 5 - 10% discount, but check if it works for them first to avoid problems.