Question 1

How much does it cost to paint a room?

Accepted Answer

National baseline, before Portland adjustments: A 12×12 bedroom’s walls (about 330 sq ft) run roughly $600–$1,000 with mid-grade paint; add the ceiling and baseboards and it’s closer to $800–$1,550. Two painting companies’ published prices for a 10×12 room’s walls are $400 (Indianapolis area) and $550–$650 (Cleveland).

Question 2

How much paint do I need?

Accepted Answer

A gallon covers about 350–400 sq ft per coat (Sherwin-Williams). For two coats on 330 sq ft of wall, buy 2 gallons. Primer covers less, about 200–300 sq ft per gallon.

Question 3

Does painting the ceiling cost extra?

Accepted Answer

National baseline, before Portland adjustments: Yes. Published painter prices work out to about $0.70–$2.40 per sq ft of ceiling, with small rooms costing more per foot, and more again for tall rooms.

Question 4

Do painters move furniture?

Accepted Answer

National baseline, before Portland adjustments: Most push light furniture to the middle of the room and cover it at no charge. One Chicago painter says heavy or fragile pieces can add $75–$150 per room.

Question 5

Is there a minimum charge for small painting jobs?

Accepted Answer

National baseline, before Portland adjustments: Some painters have one. A Cleveland company’s published interior minimum is $750, paint included, so one small wall can cost as much as a room. Ask before you book.

Component	Category	Price Range	Unit
Painting labor (prep and two coats)	labor	$1.88 – $3.13	sq ft
Paint (two coats, mid-grade)	material	$0.32 – $0.53	sq ft

How Much Does Interior Painting Cost in Portland, Oregon?

$2.19 – $3.65

Cost Breakdown in Portland

Cost Factors in Portland, Oregon

What Affects Pricing

Local Price Adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Get Free Estimates in Portland

More Cost Intelligence for Portland

Other trades in Portland