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10 October 2025
Cost to Paint Interior of House
Painting the interior of your home can completely transform its look and feel, making rooms brighter, fresher, and more modern. But one of the first questions homeowners ask is: How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house?
The cost to paint inside a house (also known as the cost to paint rooms or interior spaces) depends on several factors such as the size of the property, number of rooms, ceiling height, wall condition, and whether trims, doors, and ceilings are included. Below, we’ll break down the major elements that affect the cost and provide an average price guide.
Average Cost to Paint the Interior of a House in Australia
- Small home/unit (2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom): $2,500 - $4,000
- Medium home (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms): $4,500 - $7,500
- Large home (4-5 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms): $7,500 - $12,000+
These prices are based on standard preparation and two coats of quality interior paint on walls, ceilings, and trims.
Key Factors That Affect Interior Painting Costs
Size of the House
Number of Rooms
Ceiling Height
Surface Preparation
Type of Paint
Extras - Doors, Trims & Skirting
Labour Costs
Cost to Paint Interior by Room
| Room/Area | Average Cost (AUD) | Notes |
| Bedroom | $500 - $900 | Includes walls, trims, and ceiling |
| Living Room | $800 - $1,500 | Larger spaces, often feature walls |
| Kitchen | $600 - $1,200 | Usually requires washable paint |
| Bathroom | $400 - $800 | Moisture-resistant paint required |
| Hallways | $500 - $1,000 | High-traffic, needs durable paint |
Ways to Save on Interior Painting Costs
- Paint multiple rooms at once : lowers cost per room.
- Do preparation yourself : patching, sanding, and cleaning can reduce labour costs.
- Choose durable paint : long-lasting products save money over time.
- Get multiple quotes : compare painters to find the best value.
DIY vs Hiring Professionals
- DIY painting might save money upfront ($300 - $700 for paint and supplies per room).
- Professional painters deliver high-quality finishes, faster completion, and warranties. For most homeowners, hiring professionals is worth the investment.
Case study for estimating cost to paint house interior
Case Study 1- A 2-Bed Unit Refresh (Parramatta, NSW)
Scope: Walls, ceilings, doors & trims (light prep)
Home size: ~85 m², standard 2.4 m ceilings
Paint: Washable low-sheen for walls; flat for ceilings; water-based enamel for trims
Outcome: 3.5 days, $3,650 incl. materials
Notes: Doing all rooms at once reduced per-room cost ~12%. Minor cracking spot-filled; no mould treatment required.
Case Study 2 - A Family Home Repaint (Penrith, NSW)
Scope: 3 beds + living/dining + hall; walls & ceilings; trims only in living/hall (moderate prep)
Home size: ~160 m², 2.7 m ceilings
Paint: Premium low-VOC, mould-resistant bathrooms
Outcome: 6 days, $6,980
Notes: Extra height and prep lifted labour by ~15%. Premium products add ~10% but improved washability and longevity.
Case Study 3- A Prestige Apartment (Sydney CBD)
Scope: Full interior incl. feature wall, all doors/trims; heavy prep in kitchen/bath (grease & moisture)
Home size: ~120 m², 2.7 m ceilings
Paint: Low-VOC across entire apartment; semi-gloss enamel on trims
Outcome: 5.5 days, $8,450
Notes: Access & protection for high-value finishes added set-up time. Low-VOC spec added ~15% but ensured fast re-occupation.
Hidden costs to paint interior of house
Even with a solid quote, a few unexpected costs to paint interior of house can creep in. Here are the common ones to watch, with typical Australia-metro ranges to help you budget. These are indicative only and assume standard homes.
| Hidden cost | What it is | Typical extra (AUD) |
| Repairs beyond “light prep” | Plaster cracks, holes, bubbling or flaking that need patching, sanding and priming | $150-$600 per room |
| Stain blocking / primers | Nicotine, water stains, tannin bleed, smoke odour need specialty primers | $80-$250 per room |
| Mould treatment | Treat, neutralise and seal before painting in bathrooms or damp rooms | $120-$400 per room |
| Colour change requiring extra coats | Dark-to-light, bright colours or stark sheen changes can need a third coat | $3-$6 per m² |
| Ceiling height or access | 2.7 m+ ceilings, stair voids or raked ceilings may need platform or tower | $150-$400 per day for access gear |
| Doors, frames and skirting not in scope | Many “wall-only” quotes exclude trims and doors | Doors $70-$120 each; trims $60-$120 per room |
| Hardware, fittings and window coverings | Removing and refitting handles, plates, blinds, curtain rods | $15-$60 per room or itemised |
| Protection and masking upgrades | Extra floor protection over timber, stone or new carpets | $2-$4 per m² |
| Kitchen degreasing / wet-area sealing | Extra cleaning to ensure adhesion on greasy or humid surfaces | $60-$180 per room |
| Lead paint testing or containment | Older homes may need test and safe work controls | Test $120-$250; containment varies by area |
| After-hours or fast-track | Nights, weekends, staged access, or compressed timelines | +10%-20% to labour |
| Parking, tolls and building/strata fees | CBD parking, loading dock bookings, lift pads, inductions | $30-$150 per day |
| Waste and leftover paint disposal | Responsible disposal of solvents or large volumes | $30-$90 total |
How to avoid surprise costs
- Lock the scope: list rooms, ceilings, number of doors, trims and any feature walls.
- Confirm coats: specify two coats to full coverage and when a third coat rate applies.
- Prep clarity: define what counts as light prep vs repair work, with an hourly or per-patch rate.
- Name the products: brand, line and sheen for walls, ceilings and trims, plus primer type if needed.
- Ceiling height & access: note any areas over 2.4 m, stair voids, or tight access.
- Moisture and mould: call out bathrooms and any prior leaks for mould treatment or stain block.
- Fittings and furniture: who moves furniture, removes blinds, plates and door hardware, and who reinstalls.
- Site logistics: parking, lift bookings, strata rules, working hours, and clean-up responsibilities.
- Variations: agree on a written rate card for extras before work starts.
- Touch-ups: include a post-completion touch-up window and warranty terms.
Interior Painting Cost Tiers: Basic, Standard, Premium
Choose a tier that fits your home, finish expectations, and budget. Prices are indicative for Australia and help
| Tier | Basic | Standard | Premium |
| Best for | Tenanted refresh, sale tidy-up, tight budgets | Most family homes. Good durability and coverage | High-finish interiors, feature details, faster re-occupation |
| What’s included | Walls and ceilings. Light masking. One colour for walls. Trims optional. | Walls, ceilings, and trims. Two coats to full coverage. Up to two wall colours. | Full interior. Feature walls. Detail work on doors and trims. Dust control and extra protection. |
| Paint & finish | Trade-grade interior wall paint. Flat ceiling paint. | Quality low-sheen washable walls. Flat ceilings. Water-based enamel on trims. | Premium low-VOC systems. Advanced washability and stain resistance. |
| Prep level | Light prep. Spot patching. Light sand. | Moderate prep. Patching, sanding, gap fill. | Heavy prep as needed. Stain block. Mould treatment. Fine sanding. |
| Indicative pricing* | Walls: $18–$22 per m². Ceilings: $8–$10 per m². Doors: $70–$90 each. Trims: $50–$70 per room. | Walls: $22–$30 per m². Ceilings: $10–$12 per m². Doors: $80–$110 each. Trims: $60–$100 per room. | Walls: $30–$45 per m². Ceilings: $12–$15 per m². Doors: $100–$130 each. Trims: $80–$150 per room. |
What you get at each tier
Basic
- Two coats on walls in a single neutral colour.
- Ceilings standard flat white.
- Light patching only.
- Suitable for quick turnarounds.
Standard
- Two coats on walls with consistent coverage.
- Ceilings included. Trims in water-based enamel.
- Moderate patching, sanding, and gap filling.
- Most popular balance of cost and durability.
Premium
- Premium low-VOC systems for minimal odour.
- Feature walls and detail work on doors and frames.
- Advanced prep like stain blocking and mould treatment.
- Best for showpiece areas and long life between repaints.
Conclusion
The cost to paint the interior of a house in Australia ranges from $2,500 for smaller homes to $12,000+ for large properties. Your final price depends on the size of the house, preparation needed, type of paint, and whether you include ceilings, trims, and doors.
If you want a professional finish with long-lasting results, hiring experienced interior painters is the best choice. A fresh coat of paint can completely revitalise your home and increase its value.
Interior Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to paint interior of house in minutes. Adjust size, ceiling height, prep level, paint quality, doors & trims. Results are indicative and include labour + typical materials.
Project Details
Pricing engine (editable assumptions): Walls $22/m² Ceilings $10/m² Door $80 ea Trims $60/room Feature wall +$120 ea
Estimate
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total | $0 |
Assumes two coats, standard masking & site protection. GST, unusual substrate issues, or extensive repairs may vary pricing.
How it works
We approximate wall area ≈ floor area × 3.5 (typical detached/unit ratio) then apply your selections for ceilings, trims, doors, prep, quality and complexity. Multipliers adjust labour & material allowances to reflect real-world conditions.
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