House painting costs in Australia (2026)
Painting the outside of a single-storey house costs about $4,000 to $10,000. A double-storey house is about $7,500 to $18,000. The inside of a 3-bedroom house costs about $4,000 to $9,500. Below you see what painters charge and what changes the price.
Interior painting costs
Inside, painters often price per room. Walls only is cheaper than walls and ceilings. Damaged walls, peeling paint and old wallpaper add to the price.
| Interior job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Per m2 | $20 to $40 |
| One room | $300 to $950 |
| 3-bedroom house | $4,000 to $9,500 |
| Apartment or small home | $1,800 to $5,000 |
Removing wallpaper or peeling paint can add $400 to $1,200 per room.
Exterior painting costs
Outside, the height of the house matters most. A double-storey home may need scaffolding or a lift. Render and textured surfaces take more paint than smooth walls.
| Exterior job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Per m2 | $25 to $60 |
| Single-storey house | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Double-storey house | $7,500 to $18,000 |
Hourly and daily rates
Painters charge about $45 to $100 per hour, often around $60. Most prefer to give a fixed price for the whole job, so you know the total before they start.
Extra costs to ask about
Ask if your quote includes:
- Repairs to cracked render, rotten timber or damaged plaster.
- Scaffolding or a lift for a double-storey home.
- Removing old wallpaper or peeling paint.
- Paint brand, product and number of coats.
How to save on painting
- Get at least three written quotes and compare what each one includes.
- Ask for a price per room or per job.
- Move furniture and clear plants away from the walls yourself.
- Repaint before the old paint starts to peel: less preparation is cheaper.
Questions about house painting costs
How much does it cost to paint a house in Australia?
The outside of a single-storey house costs about $4,000 to $10,000. A double-storey house costs about $7,500 to $18,000. The inside of a 3-bedroom house costs about $4,000 to $9,500.
How much do painters charge per hour in Australia?
Most painters charge $45 to $100 per hour. A typical rate is about $60. Many painters prefer a fixed price per job.
How much does it cost to paint one room?
One room costs about $300 to $950. Walls only is cheaper than walls and ceiling. Bad walls or old wallpaper cost extra.
How much do painters charge per square metre?
Interior walls cost about $20 to $40 per m2. Exterior walls cost about $25 to $60 per m2. Textured surfaces cost more.
How much does roof painting or restoration cost?
A typical house roof costs about $4,500 to $11,000. Small roofs can start at $2,500. Large or damaged roofs can pass $15,000.
Average prices including GST, from several price guides. Checked in October 2026. Always ask for a quote for your own situation.
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