House painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home's appearance and protect surfaces from weather damage. Interior painting costs $20-$45 per square metre, while exterior painting costs $30-$60 per square metre, including preparation, primer, and two coats of quality paint.
A typical 3-bedroom house costs $4,000-$8,000 for interior painting and $5,000-$15,000 for exterior painting. The total cost depends on the house size, number of storeys, surface condition, and paint quality.
This guide covers all painting costs so you can budget accurately and understand what's included in a professional painting quote.
Painting Cost Breakdown — 2026 Pricing
| Item | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Walls & Ceilings | $20 | $45 | /m² |
| Exterior Walls | $30 | $60 | /m² |
| Interior — Per Room (avg) | $300 | $800 | /room |
| Whole House Interior (3-bed) | $4,000 | $8,000 | total |
| Whole House Exterior (single) | $5,000 | $10,000 | total |
| Whole House Exterior (double) | $8,000 | $15,000 | total |
| Doors | $80 | $150 | /each |
| Window Frames | $60 | $120 | /each |
| Feature Wall / Accent | $200 | $500 | /wall |
| Deck / Fence Staining | $15 | $35 | /m² |
| Scaffolding (if needed) | $1,500 | $4,000 | total |
What Affects the Cost?
Surface Condition
Well-maintained surfaces need less preparation. Peeling paint, cracks, or water damage require extensive prep work that can add 30-50% to the cost.
House Size & Height
Larger houses cost more but have a lower per-m² rate. Two-storey homes require scaffolding ($1,500-$4,000) and take longer.
Paint Quality
Budget paint ($30-$50/4L) needs repainting every 3-5 years. Premium paint ($60-$100/4L) lasts 7-10 years. The labour cost is the same regardless of paint quality.
Number of Colours
Each additional colour adds cutting-in time and cost. A single colour throughout is cheapest. Feature walls and trim in different colours add 10-20%.
Interior vs Exterior
Exterior painting costs 30-50% more due to weather preparation, scaffolding, and more durable paint requirements.
Cost by City — 2026
| City | Price Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $25 – $55/m² | Highest labour costs |
| Melbourne | $22 – $50/m² | Competitive market |
| Brisbane | $20 – $45/m² | Standard pricing |
| Perth | $22 – $48/m² | Growing demand |
| Adelaide | $18 – $42/m² | Most affordable |
| Gold Coast | $20 – $45/m² | Seasonal variation |
Expert Tips
Good preparation is 80% of a quality paint job — don't skip it
Use premium paint for exterior surfaces — it lasts twice as long
Get quotes that specify the number of coats, paint brand, and preparation included
Paint in mild weather (15-25°C) for best results — avoid extreme heat or cold
Ask about warranty — reputable painters offer 2-5 year workmanship guarantees
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house interior?
Painting a 3-bedroom house interior costs $4,000-$8,000 including walls, ceilings, doors, and trim. This includes preparation, primer, and two coats of quality paint.
How much does exterior house painting cost?
Exterior house painting costs $30-$60/m². A single-storey home costs $5,000-$10,000 and a double-storey home costs $8,000-$15,000 including scaffolding, preparation, and two coats.
How long does house painting take?
Interior painting of a 3-bedroom house takes 3-5 days. Exterior painting takes 5-10 days depending on size, weather, and preparation required. Allow extra time for older homes needing extensive prep.
How often should you repaint your house?
Interior walls should be repainted every 5-7 years. Exterior surfaces need repainting every 7-10 years depending on climate, paint quality, and sun exposure. North-facing walls may need more frequent attention.
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