How much does it cost to paint a house in Australia?

What’s The Damage gives low / typical / high prices (updated October 2026):

• Single room, walls and ceiling: $300 / $650 / $1,000
• Whole interior, 2-bedroom unit: $2,500 / $4,200 / $6,500
• Whole interior, 3-bedroom house: $4,000 / $6,500 / $9,500
• Whole interior, 4-bedroom house: $4,500 / $8,000 / $12,000
• Exterior, single storey: $4,000 / $6,500 / $10,000
• Exterior, two storey: $7,500 / $13,000 / $18,000
• Painter’s hourly rate: $40 / $60 / $100

These are published estimates, not quotes.

1. Area. More walls, higher ceilings and two storeys mean more paint and more hours.
2. Preparation. Peeling paint, cracks, sanding and patching take time, and decide how long the finish lasts. A cheap quote with little prep can cost more later.
3. Access. Two-storey exteriors often need scaffolding; stairwells and high voids inside do too.
4. Surface and detail. Weatherboards, verandas, decorative timber, doors, skirting and window frames take longer than flat walls.
5. Paint and colours. Premium paint costs more; a big colour change can need an extra coat.
6. Empty or furnished. Moving and covering furniture adds time. An empty home is the easiest job.

The NSW Government says a contractor licence is needed for building or trade work, including painting, valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials (including GST). Since 2015, stand-alone contracts for internal paintwork no longer need a licence, unless the painting is part of other home building work. Other states have their own rules, so check before you sign — see our guide to checking a tradie’s licence.

• Get two or three written quotes for the same scope: same rooms or walls, ceilings or not, doors and trims or not, number of coats.
• Ask each painter to name the paint brand and range, and how many coats.
• Ask what preparation is included, and for exteriors whether scaffolding is included.
• Ask who moves furniture and covers floors, and how long the job will take.