How much does a gallon of paint cost?
How much does a gallon of paint cost?
$20 – $80 average cost per gallon
Average cost of paint per gallon
A gallon of paint costs $20 to $80 on average, depending on the quality, brand, finish, and features. A 5-gallon bucket of paint costs $75 to $300 which is more cost-effective for larger painting projects. In contrast, purchasing smaller quantities of paint like quarts or sample containers is generally more expensive.
| Container size | Average price | Estimated coverage in square feet* |
|---|---|---|
| Sample (4 oz) | $4 – $15 | 10 – 20 |
| 1 pint | $15 – $30 | 50 – 100 |
| 1 Quart | $15 – $40 | 75 – 150 |
| 1 Gallon | $20 – $80 | 300 – 400 |
| 5 Gallons | $75 –$300 | 1,500 – 2,000 |
*For a single coat of paint
Interior paint cost per gallon
Interior house paint costs $20 to $60 per gallon. Unlike exterior painting, interior projects typically involve smaller areas, require less paint, and demand less intensive preparation work, making them generally more affordable.
Exterior paint cost per gallon
Exterior house paint, formulated with protective additives to withstand weather, mildew, and UV exposure, typically costs $30 to $80 per gallon. A home exterior requires around 5 to 25 gallons of paint, depending on the size, quality, and number of coats.
| House size (square feet) |
Gallons needed (2 coats) |
Estimated paint cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 4 – 6 | $120 – $480 |
| 1,200 | 5 – 8 | $150 – $640 |
| 1,500 | 6 – 10 | $180 – $800 |
| 1,800 | 8 – 12 | $240 – $960 |
| 2,400 | 10 – 16 | $300 – $1,300 |
| 3,000 | 12 – 20 | $360 – $1,600 |
| 3,500 | 16 – 24 | $480 – $1,920 |
| 4,000 | 18 – 28 | $540 – $2,240 |
*Paint price only; not including labor or other supplies.
Paint cost per gallon by type
Paint costs $20 to $80 per gallon, depending on the type. Latex paints for interior use cost $20 to $50 per gallon. Higher-quality paints, like those with built-in primers, cost $35 to $65 per gallon but can save time and money by using fewer coats. Specialized chalk paints can exceed $100 per gallon.
| Type | Average price per gallon | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic latex | $25 – $55 | Versatile, durable, interior & exterior use |
| Latex | $20 – $50 | Easy clean-up, smooth finish, interior use |
| Oil-based | $20 – $60 | Hard finish, trim & furniture |
| Paint with primer | $35 – $65 | Combines primer & paint. |
| Primer | $20 – $75 | Prepares uneven surfaces for paint |
| Lacquer | $40 – $90 | High-gloss finish, furniture & woodwork |
| Shellac | $40 – $80 | Protective finish for wood |
| Chalk | $15 – $25+ per quart* | Decorative finish suitable for chalk writing |
*Mostly available in quart-size cans, not gallons.
Paint cost per gallon by finish
The paint finish also impacts cost and performance. Flat finishes are cheapest at $15 to $50 per gallon but are less durable and harder to clean. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes cost $25 to $80 per gallon but offer superior durability and easy cleaning. Eggshell and satin provide a balance of cost and performance for most living spaces.
| Paint finish | Average price per gallon | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat (matte) | $15 – $50 | Ceilings, low-traffic areas, wall imperfections |
| Eggshell | $18 – $55 | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways |
| Satin | $20 – $65 | Family or kid's rooms, kitchens, bathrooms |
| Semi-gloss | $25 – $70 | Trim, doors, high-moisture areas |
| Gloss | $30 – $80 | Cabinets and trim in high-traffic areas |
Paint cost per gallon by brand
Paint costs vary by brand, with premium options generally offering better coverage and durability. Behr and Valspar tend to be more budget-friendly options, while Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams are considered premium brands with higher price points.
| Brand | Average price per gallon |
|---|---|
| Behr | $25 – $55 |
| Benjamin Moore | $35 – $80 |
| Glidden | $20 – $45 |
| Sherwin Williams | $35 – $75 |
| Valspar | $20 – $55 |
How much paint do I need?
How much paint you need and the coverage you'll get depends on several factors:
Number of coats: Two coats are typical for optimal color and durability.
Surface texture: Textured or porous surfaces need more paint.
Color change: Significant color changes or darker colors may require additional coats of paint.
Application method: Spray painting is faster but uses 2 to 3 times more paint than brushing or rolling. Brush painting is the most precise application and uses the least paint.
Paint quality: Higher-quality paints, like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams, provide better coverage with fewer coats.
Painting labor cost per square foot
Labor makes up a significant portion of any painting project, typically accounting for 70% to 80% of the total cost. Painter hourly rates average $25 to $75 per hour, with professional painters charging based on their expertise and efficiency, location, and project complexity.
Professional painters generally charge different rates based on the area being painted:
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of coverage area or $3 to $7 per square foot of floor space.
Exterior painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot of coverage area.
House painting FAQs
How often should you repaint your house?
You should repaint your house every 5 to 10 years, depending on the climate, the type of siding, and the quality of the previous paint job. In regions with mild weather and less sun exposure, exterior paint may last up to 20 years.
What is the difference between interior and exterior paint?
Interior and exterior paints differ in formulation. Exterior paint is designed to withstand weather, UV rays, and moisture with flexible resins. Interior paint focuses on durability against scuffs and stains, with low VOC levels for indoor air quality. Using the wrong type can lead to poor performance and potential health issues.
How long does it take to paint a house?
Painting a house typically takes several days to a week or more, depending on its size and the number of painters. Small homes might take 2 to 4 days, while larger ones require longer. Factors like prep work and the number of coats needed also influence the overall duration of the project.
What is the best color to paint a house?
The best paint color for your house depends on personal taste, architectural style, and regional trends. Neutral tones like gray and white are timeless, while bold colors can add a dramatic touch. Consult with a pro to find a hue that enhances your home's unique charm and boosts its curb appeal.
Getting estimates from painters
Whether you’re hiring an interior painter or exterior painter for your next paint project, follow these suggestions to help you find the best pro for the job:
Get quotes from several painters to compare prices and services.
Request detailed, itemized estimates that include labor costs, materials, and any additional fees.
Check if the contractor is licensed, insured, and has good reviews.
Ask if the contractor offers any warranties or satisfaction guarantees, which can be important for ensuring quality work.
Inquire about potential hidden fees, such as costs for surface repairs or extra materials, to avoid budget surprises.
Allow contractors to conduct a site inspection to ensure accurate measurements and identify any potential issues that may affect the estimate.
Questions to ask a painter
Ask your painter these important questions to determine if they are the right fit for your project:
How many years have you been in business?
Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
Are you licensed and insured?
What kind of prep work do you recommend for this job?
What type of paint do you use, and why?
How will you protect my property during the painting process?
Who will be on my crew?
Are the workers employees or subcontractors?
Will the estimator be personally involved in my job?
Do you have a written safety program or ongoing safety training?
What kind of training do your employees receive?
What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer for your work?
How long is your warranty, and what does it cover?
Do you provide a free estimate?
What does the estimate include (prep work, materials, etc.)?
How long will the project take?
What is your process for ensuring a smooth and even finish?
Do you offer any additional services, such as carpentry repairs or color consultations?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.