Summary
- Interior painting costs about $30–75/m² (US) or £12–30/m² (UK) including labour.
- A standard bedroom lands at $350–800 or £220–500 for walls only.
- Preparation, access and number of coats drive the price more than paint choice.
- Day rates run $300–550 (US) and £180–320 (UK) per painter.
- Compare three quotes against one written scope, not on headline price.
Quick answer
Professional interior painting costs roughly $3–7 per square foot (about $30–75 per m²) in the US and £12–30 per m² in the UK, including labour and standard paint. A typical bedroom lands at $400–900 or £250–600. Exterior painting is priced higher because of access, preparation and weather windows.
Interior painting: typical 2026 prices
| Job | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom, walls only | $350–800 | £220–500 |
| Bedroom, walls + ceiling + woodwork | $600–1,200 | £400–800 |
| Living room (large) | $900–1,800 | £550–1,100 |
| Hallway and stairs | $700–1,600 | £450–1,000 |
| Whole 3-bed home | $4,000–9,000 | £2,500–6,000 |
Exterior painting: typical 2026 prices
| Job | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Timber cladding, small house | $4,000–8,000 | £2,500–5,000 |
| Render or masonry, average house | $6,000–13,000 | £3,500–8,000 |
| Windows and doors only | $1,200–3,000 | £700–1,800 |
| Fence or garden shed | $400–1,200 | £250–800 |
What drives the price
How painters quote
Ask which format the quote uses, and whether paint, masking, filling and making good are included or extra.
What a good quote includes
How to cut the cost without cutting quality
Summary
Budget $30–75/m² or £12–30/m² for interior painting and considerably more for exterior work, where preparation and access dominate the price. Compare quotes on the same written scope — the cheapest number usually means the least preparation.