How Much Does Interior Paint Cost?
Interior paint averages about $38 per gallon in 2026 for mid-grade latex — premium paints run $50–$80. A gallon covers roughly 350–400 square feet. The calculator below estimates gallons and cost for any room.
Average prices by region
National-average material prices adjusted by region. Updated 2026-06-20. Estimates only — not quotes.
| Material | National | Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior paint / gal | $38.00 | $43.70 | $34.96 | $36.86 | $42.56 |
What affects the price
- Paint quality — budget paints cover less and may require 2–3 coats; premium cover in 1–2 coats.
- Number of coats — new drywall and color changes typically need 2 coats.
- Ceiling and trim paint are priced separately and add to the total.
- Primer, brushes, rollers, tape, and drop cloths add $50–$100 in supplies per project.
Estimate your project
Enter your dimensions to get a quantity and cost estimate. For the full tool, open the Paint Calculator .
Project inputs
How this is calculated
- Wall area = 2 × (12 ft + 12 ft) × 8 ft = 384 ft²
- Paintable area = 384 ft² − doors/windows = 333 ft²
- Gallons = ceil((333 ft² × 2) ÷ 350 ft²/gal) = 2
Assumes 2 coat(s) at 350 ft²/gal. Buy a little extra for touch-ups.
Subtracts ~21 ft² per door and ~15 ft² per window.
The math
National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.
How we estimate these prices
National-average prices for mid-grade interior latex paint from home-center listings, adjusted by region. Excludes primer, supplies, and labor. Verify locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a room? ⌄
Paint alone for a typical 12×12 room (about 400 sq ft of wall area) costs $30–$60 — roughly 1–2 gallons. With supplies (primer, roller, tape) add $50–$100. Professional labor adds another $300–$700 for the same room.
How many gallons of paint do I need for a room? ⌄
Measure total wall area (perimeter × height, minus doors and windows), divide by 350 for one coat, and multiply by the number of coats. Our paint calculator handles this automatically.
Is expensive paint worth it? ⌄
Mid-grade ($30–$50/gal) covers well in 2 coats. Premium paint ($60–$80/gal) often covers in 1–2 coats with better durability. For high-traffic rooms, the per-coat savings can offset the higher upfront price.
Does paint coverage include primer? ⌄
No. Primer is a separate product. New drywall and dramatic color changes need a primer coat first. Budget an extra gallon of primer ($20–$30) per room for best results.