How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? A Complete Homeowner’s Guide

Painting a room is one of the simplest and most satisfying home upgrades you can do. Whether you want to freshen up your bedroom, give your living room a new vibe, or finally cover those scuff marks, painting can transform a space for relatively little money compared to other renovations.

But here’s the question every homeowner asks: how much does it cost to paint a room?

The answer depends on a bunch of factors — the size of your room, the paint quality, whether you DIY or hire a pro, and even where you live. This guide breaks everything down so you’ll know what to expect, how to budget, and whether it’s worth grabbing a paint roller yourself or calling in a handyman.

For a spa-day update, follow this clean, simple room-painting step-by-step to reduce tape time and mess.

A beautifully painted room showcasing a modern color scheme

Why Painting a Room is Worth It

Before we crunch numbers, let’s talk value. Painting a room does more than change the color. It:

• Increases home value — fresh paint is one of the fastest ways to make a home more appealing.

• Improves mood and style — colors influence how you feel in a space.

• Protects walls — quality paint helps shield drywall and plaster from wear, moisture, and stains.

• Affordable upgrade — compared to remodeling, new floors, or furniture, paint is cheap but impactful.

For a new homeowner in their early 20s, painting is the perfect “first project” — it’s manageable, it teaches you about DIY, and it delivers instant results.

🖌️ How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? (The Big Picture)

On average, it costs between $200 and $800 to paint a single room in the U.S. This wide range depends on whether you paint it yourself or hire a professional.

• DIY cost to paint a room: $100–$300 (mostly paint, tools, and supplies).

• Professional painter cost: $350–$800 per room (labor + materials).

• Handyman cost to paint a room: $250–$600 (a middle option, usually cheaper than pros).

  
  

For small updates that matter, brush up on ceiling paint vs wall paint so steam rooms don’t peel.

🎯 Quick takeaway: If you’re a budget-conscious first-time homeowner, DIY will almost always be the cheapest. If you want fast and perfect results, a painter or handyman may be worth the extra cash.

📏 What Affects the Cost of Painting a Room?

Let’s break down the factors:

1. Room Size

• Small bedroom (10’x10’): $150–$400

• Medium living room (12’x15’): $300–$600

• Large master bedroom (14’x20’): $500–$800

Painters charge by square footage. The average is $1.50–$3.50 per square foot (including labor + paint).

2. Wall Condition

• Clean, smooth walls: quick and cheap.

• Damaged walls (holes, cracks, stains): adds $50–$200 for patching.

3. Type & Quality of Paint

• Budget paint: $20–$35 per gallon.

• Mid-range paint: $40–$65 per gallon.

• Premium paint: $70–$100+ per gallon.

One gallon usually covers 350–400 sq ft with one coat. Most rooms need 2–3 gallons.

4. Ceilings, Trim, and Doors

• Walls only = cheaper.

• Adding ceilings and trim = +30–40% cost.

5. DIY vs. Hiring Help

• DIY: you only pay for paint and tools.

• Handyman: more affordable than a pro, but quality depends on skill.

• Professional painter: fastest, cleanest, most expensive.

Ceiling streaks come from bad timing—check this schedule on how many coats of paint a ceiling needs for a clean look.

🎨 DIY Painting Costs (Detailed Breakdown)

Here’s what it costs to paint a room yourself:

• Paint (2–3 gallons): $60–$180

• Primer (1 gallon): $20–$40

• Painter’s tape: $5–$10

• Rollers, brushes, tray: $20–$40

• Drop cloths: $10–$20

• Misc. (sandpaper, spackle, putty knife): $10–$20

Total DIY cost: $100–$300 per room

💡 Pro Tip: Invest in good rollers and brushes — cheap ones shed bristles and leave streaks.

Understanding sheens matters, and this side-by-side of the difference between flat and matte paint guides better room choices.

👷 How Much Does a Handyman Charge to Paint a Room?

If you’re wondering how much does a handyman charge to paint a room, the answer is usually $250–$600 per room, depending on:

• Room size

• Wall prep required

• Whether they supply paint or you do

Handymen are often cheaper than licensed painting contractors. They’re a solid option if you just want a decent paint job without paying top dollar.

🏗️ How Much Should It Cost to Hire a Professional Painter?

If you hire a licensed painting company:

• Per room: $350–$800

• Per sq ft: $1.50–$3.50

• Hourly: $35–$70/hour

Professional painters include:

• Prep (taping, drop cloths, repairs)

• Paint + primer

• Cleanup

This is the most hassle-free option — you just pick colors and let them handle everything.

📊 Cost Comparison Table

Option	Average Cost	Pros	Cons
DIY	$100–$300	Cheapest, fun DIY, flexible	Time-consuming, messy, less pro finish
Handyman	$250–$600	Affordable, quicker	Quality varies, may lack insurance
Pro Painter	$350–$800	Fast, clean, professional	Most expensive

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Paint a Room Yourself

1. Prep the room — move furniture, lay drop cloths, tape edges.

2. Fix imperfections — patch holes, sand rough spots.

3. Prime (if needed) — especially if painting light over dark colors.

4. Cut in edges — use a brush around trim, windows, and corners.

5. Roll the walls — apply paint in “W” strokes for even coverage.

6. Apply a second coat — most colors need 2 coats.

7. Clean up — peel tape before paint fully dries; wash brushes.

This way, you can keep your DIY cost to the low end ($100–$200).

Three painters in protective gear transform a teal wall to white using rollers in a bright room, surrounded by a paint tray and bucket.

 Money-Saving Tips for Painting a Room

• Buy paint on sale weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday).

• Use painter’s tape sparingly — steady hands save tape.

• Try paint + primer in one to cut costs.

• Reuse rollers and trays (wash them after use).

• Compare quotes if hiring pros — prices vary a lot.

 Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

• Moving furniture: some pros charge extra.

• Wall repairs: $50–$200 depending on damage.

• Ceiling painting: +$100–$300 per room.

• Trim/doors: +$50–$150 each.

• Travel/Minimum charges: some painters charge $150–$250 just to show up.

🎯 Final Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?

• DIY: $100–$300

• Handyman: $250–$600

• Pro painter: $350–$800

If you’re young, budget-minded, and want to learn DIY, painting a room yourself is 100% doable and will save you hundreds. If you want it done fast with zero stress, a handyman or pro is worth the extra cost.

Conclusion

Painting a room is one of the best starter projects for new homeowners. It’s affordable, impactful, and something you can tackle in a single weekend.

So, how much does it cost to paint a room? The cost is flexible — you can keep it under $200 with DIY or pay $600+ for a perfect pro job. Either way, fresh paint is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home.

For quick wins on dated furniture, learn how to spray-paint a cabinet for pro-looking results with fewer drips.

A painter applying fresh paint to a wall