House painting covers interior rooms, full exteriors, trim, doors and cabinets. A professional job includes preparation -- cleaning, sanding, filling and priming -- which is what makes paint last. Interior work is often priced by room or by square foot, while exterior work depends on the size of the home, its condition and the number of stories. This page explains typical costs and how to hire a painter who preps properly.
When do you need house painting?
- Interior walls are scuffed, stained or in an outdated color
- Exterior paint is peeling, cracking or fading
- You are preparing a home to sell or have just moved in
- A single room, kitchen cabinets or trim needs refreshing
- Moisture or mildew has damaged paint on the outside of the home
What does house painting cost in the US?
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior painting | Avg $3,177 (most $1,819-$4,551) | Average exterior paint job for a typical home |
| Interior painting | Avg $3,842 | Average interior paint job for a typical home |
| Los Angeles exterior | Avg $4,528 | Average exterior paint job in Los Angeles |
Typical US ranges based on published HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack cost guides, checked November 2026. Your quote will vary by city, home size and job scope -- always get 2-3 written quotes.
How to choose a house painting company
- Ask for a written quote that lists preparation, coats and paint brand
- Check reviews and ask to see recent local work in person if possible
- Confirm the painter is insured and will protect floors and furniture
- Ask which paint brand and finish will be used, and why
- Compare at least two quotes, and beware of one far below the rest
Red flags to watch for
- No preparation mentioned -- no washing, sanding or priming in the quote
- A price that does not name the paint brand or number of coats
- No insurance, or no protection offered for floors and furniture
- Pressure to pay most of the total before any work starts
House Painting in your city
- House Painting in New York
- House Painting in Los Angeles
- House Painting in Chicago
- House Painting in Houston
- House Painting in Phoenix
- House Painting in Dallas
- House Painting in San Antonio
- House Painting in San Diego
- House Painting in Austin
- House Painting in San Jose
Frequently asked questions about house painting
Exterior painting averages around $3,177, with most jobs between $1,819 and $4,551. Interior painting averages around $3,842. In Los Angeles, an average exterior job runs about $4,528. Home size and condition are the biggest price factors.
A good exterior paint job usually lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on the climate, the paint quality and how well the surface was prepared. Homes in harsh sun or heavy rain may need repainting sooner. Ask the painter what lifespan they expect for your home.
There is no fixed rule, but many homeowners do the exterior first if it is peeling or damaged, since that protects the home. If you are selling, start with the rooms buyers see first. Your painter can help you plan the order.
A professional painter should protect floors, furniture and fixtures with drop cloths and tape, and move lighter furniture as needed. Confirm this is included in the quote, and move valuables and fragile items yourself before they arrive.
Start with sample swatches on the wall and look at them in daylight and at night, because colors shift with light. For exteriors, check any homeowners association rules. A painter can suggest finishes, but the final color choice is yours.