Interior House Painting Cost Calculator (Per Sq Ft)

Professional Painting companies in New York, NJ, CT, OH, and other states charge about $2-$7 per square feet for their services. National guides show:

Walls-only (light prep): approximately $2–$3/sq ft (some cite $1–$3). Source: HomeGuide.
Full interior (walls + ceilings + trim): ~$4.70/sq ft. Source: Home Advisor.
Premium/complex work (tall ceilings, heavy prep, fine finishes): ~$6–$8+/sq ft.

Important Note:

For reference, multiple sources put a 2,000 sq ft full interior around $4,000–$12,000 depending on scope and region—and homeowner reports often land $10k–$15k when ceilings, trim, and heavier prep are included.

Use The Calculator Below For An Instant BallPark.

For your convenience, we created a cost calculator for you to give you a ballpark figure on how much it will cost to paint the interior of your home.

Enter your home's finished interior square footage and choose your scope (Walls‑only, Full interior, or Premium). The calculator uses baseline national rates—$2.50, $4.70, and $7.00 per sq ft, respectively—then adjusts for ceiling height, prep level, number of colors, and location (NYC—especially Manhattan—often runs higher). You'll see a range of results, from low to high, based on your painting requirements. High-end results usually land in the mid‑to‑high ranges in costs because of thorough prep, ceilings + trim coverage, and premium paint systems. For a firm, binding flat-rate quote, send a few photos or book a quick walkthrough, and we'll lock in a number in writing.

Why Painting The Interior OF YOUr home mAY COST MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED.

Square‑foot pricing is only a starting point. The final number depends on what gets painted (walls vs. ceilings + trim), how much prep is needed, access (ceilings, stairwells), and local logistics. Here’s what typically moves a quote up or down.

Walls‑Only vs. Full Interior.

Walls‑only is the least expensive. Adding ceilings, trim/doors, and closets increases surface area and adds to labor and materials costs dramatically, which pushes the job into the middle or upper range.

Trim, Doors & Closets.

Painting baseboards, casings, crown, doors, and closet exterior and interiors is a premium service and adds passes, masking, and dry time. Many lower quotes will exclude this service or provide it poorly.

Building Rules & Paperwork (NYC Reality).

NYC Co‑ops/condos often require COIs, elevator pads, quiet hours, and reservations. These logistics don't change the square footage—but they do affect how efficiently the crew can work.

Add‑Ons & Specialties.

Wallpaper removal/installation, cabinet painting, popcorn/acoustic ceiling removal, feature walls, and built-ins—these are separate scopes that can significantly impact the total.

Prep Level & Surface Condition.

Light patching is quick; hairline cracks, stains, uneven plaster, or skim-coat areas require more time. Prep is the biggest quality lever—more time here = a smoother, longer‑lasting finish.

Number of Colors & Finishes.

Each additional wall color means extra cut lines, masking, and cleanup. Mixing sheens (e.g., matte walls, satin trim) improves durability but adds an extra step.

Location & Scheduling.

High‑cost markets (Manhattan, parts of Brooklyn) typically price near the upper half of national ranges due to labor, parking, and access. After‑hours or rush timelines can also add cost.

Ceiling Height, Stairwells & Access.

10–12′ ceilings, tall walls, and stairwells require ladders/planks and more setup. Even though your floor sq ft doesn't change, the paintable surface does, which adds labor.

Occupied vs. Vacant.

In lived‑in homes, we move/cover furniture, protect floors, and do daily tidy‑ups so you can function. That care adds time compared with a space and may even need a mover provided by MY NYC Painters.

Paint & Primer Systems.

Premium primers and topcoats (low-odor, scuff-resistant, enamel for trim) cost more upfront but deliver richer color, better washability, and longer wear—what most people expect from a "wow" result.

Ready for Your Precise Interior Painting Estimate?

My NYC Painters is headquartered in Manhattan, NY, and serves the NYC metro—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island—plus nearby New Jersey and Connecticut. We focus on reliable customer service and high‑end results at a fair, transparent price.

If you already have a quote, send us the details—we’ll convert your calculator range into a firm written price for your home.

What to include for a fast estimate (1–2 minutes):

Interior square footage and a quick room list (note ceilings/trim/closets).
Photos of any repair areas (cracks, stains, uneven walls).
Ceiling height & access (standard ≤9′, 10–12′, 12′+/stairwells).
Number of colors and any finish preferences (e.g., matte walls, satin trim).
Occupied or vacant, and any building requirements (COI, elevator pads, access windows).
Timing (target start date) and neighborhood/address.

Next step: We’ll review and email back a clear, all-inclusive price—no mid-job add-ons.