Planning to repaint your 1,500 sq ft home and need a real number? In this 2026 guide, we break down every cost — interior vs. exterior, labor vs. materials, DIY vs. professional — so you can budget confidently. For an instant, ZIP-code-accurate quote, try the free Middler Paint Estimator.
| Quick Answer: Painting a 1,500 sq ft house costs $1,500 – $10,000 in 2026, depending on scope and quality. |
| Interior only: $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Exterior only: $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Interior + Exterior: $4,500 – $10,000+ |
| DIY (materials only): $300 – $900 |
Average Cost to Paint a 1,500 Sq Ft House in 2026
Here is what homeowners across the US are paying this year:
| Scope | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Only | $1,500 | $2,800 | $4,500 |
| Exterior Only | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Interior + Exterior | $4,500 | $6,500 | $10,000+ |
| DIY Materials Only | $300 | $600 | $900 |
Costs vary significantly by city and contractor. Use our Painting Cost Calculator for a location-specific estimate.
Interior Painting Costs
A full interior paint job on a 1,500 sq ft home costs $1,500 – $4,500 professionally. Key cost drivers: number of rooms, ceiling height, and prep work such as patching, masking, and wallpaper removal.
| Room | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $350 – $700 |
| Living Room | $600 – $1,200 |
| Kitchen | $300 – $800 |
| Bathroom (small) | $150 – $400 |
| Hallway / Staircase | $200 – $600 |
| Trim & Doors (total) | $300 – $900 |
Get a room-by-room quote with the Interior Painting Cost Calculator.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting runs $2,000 – $6,000 for a 1,500 sq ft home. It costs more than interior work because of pressure washing, scraping, caulking, and scaffolding. Two-story homes add 25 – 40% to the total.
| Surface | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Siding (vinyl/wood) | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Trim & Fascia | $300 – $800 |
| Front Door | $100 – $300 |
| Garage Door | $200 – $500 |
| Deck / Porch | $400 – $1,200 |
Calculate your exterior cost with the Exterior Painting Cost Calculator.
Key Factors That Affect the Price
- Location — Labor rates in high cost-of-living states (CA, NY) can be 2 – 3x higher than rural markets.
- Number of stories — Each additional story adds 25 – 40% due to scaffolding and safety requirements.
- Paint condition — Heavy peeling or mildew adds $500 – $1,500 in prep costs.
- Color change — Switching from dark to light often requires an extra coat, raising labor costs.
- Surface material — Stucco and brick need specialty paint and absorb more, raising material costs.
- Season — Booking in fall or winter typically saves 10 – 20%. Contractors have more availability and are more negotiable.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (1,500 sq ft) | $300 – $900 | $1,500 – $8,500 |
| Time Required | 3 – 10 days | 2 – 5 days |
| Quality of Finish | Good (with practice) | Excellent |
| Prep & Cleanup | You handle it | Included |
| Warranty | None | Often 1 – 2 years |
DIY works well for a single room. For full-house or exterior painting, a professional delivers better results faster — especially on multi-story homes where working at height is a real safety concern.
5 Tips to Save Money on Painting
- Book in the off-season (October – February) for 10 – 20% discounts.
- Do your own prep — move furniture, patch holes, and tape edges before the painter arrives to cut billable hours.
- Get at least 3 quotes. Prices between contractors for the same job can vary by 30 – 50%.
- Stay close to your existing color to avoid a costly third coat.
- Ask about a warranty. A slightly higher quote with a 2-year touch-up warranty beats cheap work that fails in 18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons of paint do I need for a 1,500 sq ft house?
Expect 10 – 14 gallons for a full interior (two coats across all rooms) and 8 – 12 gallons for the exterior. Surface texture and number of coats will adjust that number.
Does painting a house increase its value?
Yes. A professionally painted exterior can return 50 – 150% ROI at resale. Neutral interior colors help homes sell faster too. It is one of the highest-impact improvements per dollar spent.
How often should you repaint a house?
Exteriors typically need repainting every 5 – 10 years. Interior walls in low-traffic areas last 7 – 15 years; kitchens and hallways need refreshing every 3 – 5 years.
What is the best paint brand for a 1,500 sq ft house?
Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Regal Select, and Behr Premium Plus are top-rated choices. They offer the best balance of coverage, durability, and value for most homeowners.
Final Thoughts
Painting a 1,500 sq ft house in 2026 costs $3,000 – $6,000 for a professional single-scope job, with full interior and exterior projects reaching $10,000+. Know your square footage, get multiple quotes, and do not skip the prep work — that is where most paint jobs succeed or fail.
Ready to get your real number? Use the free Middler Paint Estimator — ZIP-code accurate, instant, and no sign-up needed. Or explore the full house painting cost guide and painting blog for more tips.