Average Apartment Painting Costs
Get insights on 2024 apartment painting costs, including price factors and regional cost differences.
I compared the average costs of painting an apartment across the U.S. and summarized the results.
Average apartment painting costs range between $3 and $6 per square foot or $20 to $70 per hour, depending on the job type, coverage area, location, and painter’s expertise.
Let’s explore average cost ranges and the factors impacting painting costs.
Average Costs to Paint an Apartment in the United States
On average, painting an apartment costs $2,700 to $6,300, as of November 2024.
(Roughly the same as 900 premium lattes! But with longer-lasting results.)
Materials and supplies often comprise 15% of overall costs, whereas labor accounts for 85% of total painting costs.
- It costs $4,500 on average to paint a standard 900-square-foot apartment, including the ceiling and trim.
- A simple makeover that involves painting only the walls may cost anywhere from $800 to $2,400.
Professional painters estimate the cost based on the walls’ paintable square footage. They charge per square foot, hourly, or a flat rate, depending on the job’s complexity and scope.
In areas with higher living costs, hourly rates go up to $150 for specialized decorative elements. Yes, that Venetian plaster finish costs more than your weekly grocery budget.
Check out this apartment painting price list:
| Apartment Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost Range |
| 500 sq. ft. | $800 to $2,000 |
| 750 sq. ft. | $1,000 to $2,600 |
| 900 sq. ft. | $1,300 to $5,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,600 to $5,500 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $2,300 to $8,000 |
Pro Tip: Whether you’re starting a painting business or going the DIY route, accurately measure the apartment’s interior to determine the right budget for your home improvement project. Multiply each room’s width by its length to calculate its square footage.
Key Factors Impacting Interior Painting Costs
Painting quotes vary significantly depending on where you are.
It’s like real estate: location, location, location… but with more drop cloths.
For example, it costs $5.71 to $10.62 per square foot to paint apartments in New York, where labor rates are higher and high-rise buildings are more complex, according to Nick Chatzigeorgakis, CEO of painting contractor business Intrabuild.
In comparison, renters and apartment owners in San Francisco, California pay between $2.75 and $4.89 per square foot for professional painting services.
Here are additional factors affecting the overall costs of painting an apartment:
- Size, room type, and layout: Bigger apartments with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms require more materials and labor hours, driving the cost upward.
- Surface area type and preparation: Trims and ceilings require more meticulous work. Walls needing repairs and priming increase the total painting cost.
- Materials: Medium-quality paint costs around $30 per gallon. Premium paint costs more but lasts longer and holds up well to dents. Glossy finishes are also more expensive than matte finishes.
- Coat number: Each extra coat increases the overall painting cost. Professional painters often apply two coats when covering a dark shade with a lighter color.
- Wall texture: Popcorn walls, swirled patterns, and textured accent walls require more paint than single-color and flat walls.
Professional painters consider the above factors to estimate apartment painting costs accurately.
I recommend comparing local contractor rates to know the general painting costs in your area, whether you’re a renter, landlord, or a professional who wants to grow your painting business.
