Thinking about refreshing your home with a new coat of paint? It's one of the best ways to boost its value and make it feel like new. But the big question is always: what's it going to cost? From Sydney to Hobart, prices can vary wildly. We've analysed data from over 80 industry sources to give you the ultimate guide to budgeting for your project in 2025.
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The Big Picture: Painting Costs for a 3-Bedroom House, City vs. City
The single biggest factor influencing your painting quote is your postcode. Due to differences in labour costs and demand, a painting project in a major capital city costs significantly more than in a smaller city. For a standard 3-bedroom house interior, Sydney homeowners can expect to pay the most, while prices in Hobart are considerably lower. The data reveals a staggering 233% cost differential between Sydney and Hobart for the same job.
Here's a look at the average cost range for a full interior repaint of a 3-bedroom house across Australia:
- Sydney: $6,000 - $10,000
- Melbourne: $4,500 - $8,000
- Brisbane: $4,500 - $7,500
- Perth: $4,000 - $7,000
- Adelaide: $3,500 - $6,500
- Hobart: $3,000 - $5,500
Chart: 3-Bedroom House Interior Painting Costs by Australian City
(Interactive chart would be embedded here showing the cost comparison data)
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If your walls have patches or prior cracking, choose "moderate prep" so the calculator includes an undercoat—that keeps the finish even and durable.
What a 3-Bedroom Interior Costs by City
Major city premiums are real. Sydney tends to command the highest rates due to higher labour costs, overheads and demand. Regional areas are typically lower—up to ~50% less in smaller towns.
- Sydney: $6,000–$10,000
- Melbourne: $4,500–$8,000
- Brisbane/Perth/Adelaide: often $4,000–$7,000 (scope-dependent)
- Hobart/Smaller cities: $3,000–$5,500
Save-smart idea: If your timeline is flexible, ask for winter availability—many painters offer off-peak discounts when exterior work slows down.
Where Your Money Goes: Deconstructing a Painter's Quote
Ever wondered what you're actually paying for in a professional quote? It's much more than just a few tins of paint and a brush. The cost reflects a painter's skill, quality materials, and the all-important prep work that ensures a beautiful, lasting finish.
For a typical interior project, labour is the dominant expense, making up 60% of the total cost. Materials account for about 25%, and preparation work adds another 10%.
Cost Allocation
This is the biggest portion, covering the painter's time, skill, and expertise.
This includes high-quality paints, primers, tapes, and brushes needed for a professional job.
The secret to a perfect finish! This is the critical work of cleaning, sanding, filling cracks, and patching holes before any paint is applied.
This covers equipment hire (like scaffolding for exteriors), business overheads, and a small profit margin.
Because labour dominates, complexity and prep are the biggest swing factors between two quotes on the same house.
Chart: House Painting Cost Breakdown - Where Your Money Goes
(Interactive pie chart would be embedded here showing the 60% labour, 25% materials, 10% prep, 5% other breakdown)
Interior vs. Exterior Painting: A Head-to-Head Cost Comparison
Painting the outside of your home is generally more expensive per square metre than painting the inside. This is due to several factors: exterior paints are more expensive formulations designed to withstand harsh weather, the preparation work is often more intensive, and there are additional costs for safety equipment like scaffolding.
Typically, you can expect interior painting to cost between $15-$45 per square metre, while exterior painting ranges from $20-$60 per square metre. As with overall costs, these per-metre rates are significantly higher in major cities.
| Scope | Typical cost (AU) | Why it varies |
|---|---|---|
|
Interior
|
$15–$45/m² | Access is easier; climate exposure is minimal |
|
Exterior
|
$20–$60/m² | Weather-resistant systems, more prep, height/access, safety gear |
Interior
Access is easier; climate exposure is minimal
Exterior
Weather-resistant systems, more prep, height/access, safety gear
Exterior prices climb with height, scaffolding, weatherboard vs brick, and coastal exposure (salt + UV).
Chart: Interior vs Exterior Painting Costs Per Square Meter by Location Type
(Interactive chart would be embedded here showing cost comparisons across major cities, mid-size cities, regional centers, and small towns)
Coating Systems: Cost Now vs Durability Later
Rule of thumb: more coats cost more now but last longer—and look better.
| System | Upfront cost vs single coat | Typical durability |
|---|---|---|
| Single coat | 1.0× | ~2–3 years (touch-ups sooner) |
| Two coats | ~1.4× | ~5–7 years |
| Undercoat + two finishing coats | ~1.7× | ~8–12 years |
Value tip: If you're patching or changing colour, undercoat + two is often the best lifetime value. It hides repairs, improves adhesion, and extends the repaint cycle.
Paint Quality: The Long-Term Value
Not all paint is created equal. Premiums often deliver:
- Better coverage (fewer litres, fewer passes)
- Stronger stain/scuff resistance (great for families and rentals)
- Longer durability (stretch the years between repaints)
Typical Retail Guidance:
- Budget: ~$25/L, ~8 m²/L coverage, ~3-year durability
- Premium: ~$70/L, ~12 m²/L coverage, ~10-year durability
If you're staying put or renting out, premium paints can win on total cost of ownership.
Unlocking Value: How Paint Choice Affects Your Budget & Results
Not all paints are created equal. The choices you make about the quality of paint and the number of coats will have a significant impact on both the upfront cost and the long-term durability of your paint job.
One Coat vs. Two Coats: A Worthwhile Investment
While applying just one coat of paint is cheaper, the industry standard is a two-coat system for a reason. Our analysis shows that while a standard two-coat system costs about 40% more than a single coat, it delivers 140% longer durability. This means you'll wait much longer before needing to repaint, saving you significant money over time. For new or problem surfaces, a system with an undercoat plus two top coats, though 70% more expensive initially, can last 8-12 years.
Chart: One Coat vs Two Coats: Cost vs Durability Analysis
(Interactive chart would be embedded here showing cost multipliers vs durability years for different coating systems)
A Guide to Paint Quality
The price per litre of paint varies dramatically, but so does the performance. Premium paints offer better long-term value because they cover more area and last much longer. A premium paint at around $70/litre can last up to 10 years, whereas a budget paint at $25/litre may only last 3 years, requiring more frequent repainting.
Chart: Paint Quality Guide: Cost vs Value Analysis
(Interactive chart would be embedded here showing cost per litre, coverage, durability, and value ratios across quality tiers)
The DIY Dilemma: Should You Hire a Pro or Do It Yourself?
Tackling a painting project yourself can seem like a great way to save money. While the upfront material costs are much lower, it's important to weigh this against the time commitment and the final quality of the finish.
For a whole-house interior project, hiring a professional can cost 222% more than doing it yourself. A DIY job might cost between $1,500 and $3,000 in materials. However, what a professional saves you is time—a lot of it. A professional crew can complete a whole-house interior in just 3-5 days, whereas the same project could take a DIYer 2-4 weeks to finish.
| Project | DIY cost (approx) | Time (DIY) | Pro cost (approx) | Time (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single room (walls) | $150–$350 | 1–2 days | $300–$800 | Half–1 day |
| Whole 3-bed interior | $1,500–$3,000 | 2–4 weeks | $4,500–$10,000 | 3–5 days |
| Single-storey exterior | $1,200–$2,500 | 2–3 weeks | $3,500–$8,500 | 4–7 days |
Why pros cost more: speed, surface prep, perfect edges, warranty, and safer access on heights.
Why DIY still suits some: small rooms, minimal prep, you enjoy the work, time is flexible.
Think a pro is the right choice for you? Get up to 3 free quotes from local painters.
Chart: DIY vs Professional Painting: Cost & Time Comparison
(Interactive chart would be embedded here showing cost and time comparisons across different project types)
Prep & Surface Condition: The Quiet Cost Driver
Surface condition can swing quotes by +5% to +60%:
- Light clean & de-gloss: +5%
- Filling hairline cracks, light sanding: +10–15%
- Stain blocking (smoke/water), patching holes: +20–35%
- Extensive repairs, flaking removal, re-sheeting sections: +35–60%
What You Can Do to Save:
Fix leaks, let damp areas fully dry, remove loose flakes, and note any stain sources (e.g., old water ingress). Better prep = a better finish, at a lower rework risk.
Season & Availability: When to Book
- Summer: +~15% premium (perfect painting weather, high demand)
- Autumn: mild, generally steady pricing
- Winter: –~10% (exterior windows narrow; interior discounts common)
- Spring: mild temps, steady pricing
Best outcome: If you can be flexible, offer a 2–3 week window so pros can slot you between exterior projects—often triggers better rates.
Labour Rates & Experience Bands
- Apprentice/Junior: $25–$40/hr
- Experienced painter: $45–$65/hr
- Master painter/foreman: $70–$100/hr
- Contractor charge-out: $80–$120/hr (covers overheads, warranty, insurance)
Paying for experience can lower your lifetime cost: better prep choices, smoother finishes, fewer callbacks.
Metro vs Regional Pricing Patterns
| Location type | Typical interior range (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Major cities (e.g., Sydney) | $50–$70/m² |
| Regional centres | $25–$45/m² |
| Small towns | $20–$35/m² |
This reflects differences in labour, overheads, and demand.
Hidden Factors: 4 Things That Can Influence Your Final Quote
Beyond the size of your home and the paint you choose, several other factors can shift your quote up or down. Here's what to keep in mind.
Surface Condition:
This is a big one. If your walls are in great shape, preparation might only add 5% to the base cost. However, for surfaces in poor condition that require extensive prep like stripping old paint and significant repairs, costs can increase by 35-60%.
Time of Year:
The seasons impact painting prices, especially for exterior work. Summer is peak season and can command a 15% price premium due to high demand and ideal weather. If you're flexible, booking an interior job in winter can often secure you a 10% discount.
Painter's Experience:
The skill level of your painter affects the hourly rate. An apprentice might charge $25-$40 per hour for basic jobs, while an experienced painter will be in the $45-$65 per hour range. For high-end or complex projects, a master painter can command $70-$100 per hour.
Accessibility & Complexity:
A simple, single-story home with standard height ceilings is the baseline. Costs will increase for features that require more time and equipment, such as:
- High or vaulted ceilings
- Intricate trim, cornices, or architectural details
- Multi-story exteriors requiring extensive scaffolding
- Difficult-to-access areas
How to Compare Quotes (Apples-to-Apples)
Use this checklist to turn messy quotes into clean comparisons:
- Prep scope listed (repairs, sanding, stain blocking)
- Coating system (undercoat? number of finish coats?)
- Paint brand & product line (e.g., low-VOC washable interior)
- Inclusions: ceilings, trims, doors, wet areas, feature walls
- Exclusions: patching beyond X holes, water-damage remediation, scaffolding
- Access plan: ladders vs scaffold vs boom; who supplies, who pays
- Protection & cleanup: masking, floor protection, end-of-job tidy
- Timeline & crew size
- Warranty (paint and workmanship)
- Licence/insurance (ask for proof)
Pro tip: If two quotes differ by >20% on the same scope, look at prep and coats first—those are the usual culprits.
Central Coast Spotlight (Local Nuances)
Coastal homes see more UV and salt, so exteriors benefit from premium, UV-resistant systems and vigilant prep. Winter can be an opportunity for interior discounts. For exterior work, plan around dry day windows and consider scaffold for multi-storey weatherboards.
Popular suburbs we cover: Gosford, Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Woy Woy, The Entrance, Umina.
Browse local pros: /nsw/central-coast/painters
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 3-bedroom house in Australia?
Most 3-bedroom interiors fall between $3,000–$10,000 depending on city, prep and the coating system. Sydney trends highest; smaller cities trend lower.
What's a fair price per square metre?
As a guide: $15–$45/m² for interior, $20–$60/m² for exterior. The upper end typically involves heavier prep, premium paint, or tricky access.
How many coats do I really need?
For repaints, two coats are the norm. If you've patched, are covering dark colours, or want maximum longevity, specify undercoat + two finishing coats.
When is the cheapest time to book?
Winter is often cheapest for interiors (–~10% vs peak). If you can be flexible on dates, you can sometimes pick up sharper rates year-round.
Do painters charge by the hour or by the job?
Both exist. Fixed-price quotes are more common for defined scopes; hourly is common for repair-heavy or exploratory prep.
Why do quotes vary so much?
Usually prep and coating system. One quote might include stain blocking and an undercoat; the other might not. Ask for a line-item breakdown.
How long does it take to paint a 3-bedroom house?
A professional crew can typically complete the interior of a 3-bedroom house in 3-5 days. An exterior project on a single-story house takes around 5-10 days, depending on the weather.
Is it cheaper to spray or roll paint a house?
For large, empty spaces like a new build, spraying can be faster and therefore cheaper in labour. However, for a standard repaint in a furnished home, rolling is often more cost-effective as it requires less masking and prep time.
How often should you paint your house exterior in Australia?
Depending on the quality of the paint job and local climate conditions, a well-painted exterior should last between 8 and 12 years.
Does the type of paint finish (e.g., matte, gloss) affect the cost?
Yes, slightly. Gloss and semi-gloss paints are often more expensive per litre than their matte or low-sheen counterparts. They also require more surface preparation to look good, which can increase labour costs.
Methodology & Data Notes
This guide reflects 2024–2025 pricing observed across Australian cities and regions and synthesised by SureQuote from industry sources, pro interviews and marketplace data. Ranges include adjustments for inflation, seasonality, paint quality and prep complexity.
Data Pack Available:
- painting_costs_by_city.csv
- interior_vs_exterior_comparison.csv
- coating_systems_comparison.csv
- diy_vs_professional_costs.csv
- preparation_cost_impact.csv
- seasonal_pricing_variations.csv
- labour_rates_by_experience.csv
(Ask us and we'll share the CSV bundle.)
Ready to Get a Clear Price for Your Project?
Budgeting for a house painting project is now clearer than ever. You know that location matters, that two coats are better than one, and that a professional painter's fee covers much more than just the paint. The next step is to get real, tailored quotes for your home.
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