If you’re thinking about painting your home, one of the first questions that comes up is, “How much is this going to cost me?” Fair question — and the truth is, it depends on several factors. But don’t worry, we’re going to break it down in plain English, using real-world insight from here in the Austin, TX area.
Whether you’re painting the inside, outside, or both, this guide will help you understand what affects the cost — and what you can expect.
Interior House Painting Costs
Interior painting costs in Austin can vary widely depending on your home’s size, how many rooms you’re painting, and the level of detail involved. For most homes, painting the interior could cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several thousand more depending on what’s involved.
Factors That Affect Interior Pricing
- Number of rooms and square footage: Larger homes or full interior projects will naturally cost more than painting a few rooms.
- Wall prep: Holes, dings, water damage, or old textured walls may need patching or sanding first.
- Trim, doors, and ceilings: These add complexity and cost to a standard wall-only job.
- Occupied vs. empty: It’s quicker (and sometimes cheaper) to paint an empty home without having to move furniture.
- Color choices: Dark-to-light transitions or bold color changes often require extra coats.
Cost by Room (General Ranges)
Here’s a rough guide to help you think about per-room costs:
- Bedrooms and home offices: Typically on the lower end
- Living rooms and kitchens: Mid-range, especially if ceilings or cabinets are included
- Bathrooms and hallways: Smaller, but detail work (like cutting in tight spaces) can add time
If you’re doing multiple rooms or a whole-house interior, you may get better value per square foot. Your painter should give you a custom quote that reflects the full scope.
Exterior House Painting Costs
Exterior painting in Austin tends to cost a bit more than interior work due to the prep involved and the materials needed to handle Texas weather. Pricing usually starts in the low thousands and increases based on factors like home size, surface condition, and complexity.
What Affects Exterior Pricing?
- Type of siding: Brick, stucco, wood, and fiber cement all require different paints and prep methods.
- Prep work: Power washing, scraping old paint, sanding, and caulking are time-consuming but essential.
- Number of stories: Multi-level homes require ladders, scaffolding, and more labor.
- Color selection: Like interiors, bold color shifts may require extra coats.
- Paint quality: Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant paint can increase the price up front but will extend the life of your paint job significantly.
Austin-Specific Insight
With our intense sun, humidity, and the occasional storm, you want exterior paint that stands up to the elements. That means weatherproof primers, UV-resistant top coats, and sealants — which add cost, but also peace of mind.
How Often Should You Repaint?
Wondering how often you’ll need to repaint? It depends on traffic, wear, and environmental exposure.
- Interior walls: Every 5–7 years on average, though high-traffic areas like hallways or kid rooms may need attention sooner.
- Exterior paint: Every 7–10 years, depending on sun exposure, moisture, and the quality of previous work.
- Trim and baseboards: These take more abuse and may need touchups or repainting sooner than walls.
Fresh paint isn’t just about looks — it protects your surfaces and helps maintain home value.
Other Factors That Influence Cost
Here are a few things that can affect the final number on your estimate:
- Repairs: If your painter discovers wood rot, damaged drywall, or mold, it needs to be fixed before painting can begin.
- Lead paint testing: Older homes may require lead-safe procedures.
- Color consultations or custom finishes: Extra services like this may be priced separately.
- Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach areas (like vaulted ceilings or steep rooflines) can increase labor time.
A reputable painter will walk through all this with you before starting — and explain any potential add-ons upfront.
Hiring a Pro
Yes, you can paint your house yourself — but it’s not always the money-saver people expect.
Pros of hiring a professional:
- You’ll save time and hassle
- The results will last longer with proper prep and materials
- It’s usually faster and less disruptive
- You’re protected — reputable painters are licensed and insured
But for whole-home jobs or anything involving high walls or exterior work, going with a pro is usually the smarter choice — especially when weather and long-term durability are factors.
What Makes VS Pro Painting Different?
At VS Pro Painting, we don’t just slap on paint and call it a day. We focus on craftsmanship, communication, and making your space feel fresh and cared for.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Clear, upfront estimates with no surprise fees
- Prep work that’s done right, not rushed
- Respect for your home — we clean up, protect your belongings, and communicate every step
- Top-tier products that stand up to Austin’s climate
- A crew that shows up on time, ready to work
We’re local, experienced, and proud to serve homeowners throughout Austin and the surrounding communities, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, and beyond.
So, What Should You Budget?
Instead of locking yourself into a number, it’s better to think in terms of ranges. Every home is different.
- Interior painting: From a few thousand dollars for a partial job to several thousand for a full-house interior
- Exterior painting: Starting in the low thousands, with price increasing based on size, prep, and materials
- Add-ons like trim, ceilings, or custom finishes will increase the overall investment
The most accurate way to know? Get a quote based on your actual home and your goals.
Ready to Paint?
If you’re in the Austin area and thinking about updating your home with a fresh coat of paint, we’re ready when you are.
Whether it’s a modern color update inside, a bold curb appeal boost outside, or both, VS Pro Painting delivers high-quality work, fair pricing, and a smooth experience from start to finish.
Contact us today for a free estimate and see what a difference a professional paint job can make.
Candelario Valenzuela is the founder and owner of VS Pro Painting, a professional painting company dedicated to delivering high-quality residential and commercial painting services. With many year of experience in the industry, Candelario is passionate about transforming spaces for the better.
