How Much Does Interior Painting Cost in Chicago?

5 min readFebruary 19, 2026

Quick Answer: Interior painting in the Chicago area typically costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, or $1,800 to $6,500 per room depending on size, ceiling height, prep work needed, and paint quality. Whole-home interior painting for a standard 2,000-square-foot home generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 when hiring professional painters.

What Drives Interior Painting Costs in Chicago?

Interior painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home, but pricing varies significantly based on several factors unique to the Chicago area. Understanding these variables helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Key Factors That Affect Price

Room size and ceiling height: Standard 8-foot ceilings cost less than the 9- and 10-foot ceilings common in Chicago's older homes. Larger rooms require more paint and more labor hours.
Surface condition and prep work: Walls with cracks, peeling paint, water damage, or outdated wallpaper require additional preparation. In older Chicago homes built before 1978, lead paint testing and abatement may be necessary.
Paint quality: Premium paints from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams cost more upfront but provide better coverage, durability, and color retention. A single gallon of premium paint covers approximately 350-400 square feet.
Number of colors: Using multiple colors, accent walls, or specialty finishes increases labor time and material costs.
Trim and detail work: Crown molding, wainscoting, built-in shelving, and window casings add complexity and time to any painting project.

Average Costs by Project Type

Here are typical price ranges for interior painting projects in the Chicago area:

Single room (12x12): $800 - $2,500 including walls, ceiling, and trim
Kitchen or bathroom: $1,200 - $3,500 due to additional prep and moisture-resistant paint
Whole home (2,000 sq ft): $5,000 - $15,000 depending on scope
Cabinet painting: $3,000 - $7,000 for a full kitchen

How to Get the Best Value

Request detailed written estimates from at least three contractors. A thorough estimate should break down labor, materials, prep work, and the number of coats included. Be cautious of bids that seem unusually low — they often indicate shortcuts in prep work or the use of inferior materials.

At R-Deco Painting and Home Improvements, we provide transparent, itemized estimates and use premium paints on every project. With over 30 years of experience serving the Jefferson Park area of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, we understand the unique needs of homes in this area.

When to Invest More

Spending more on high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and family rooms pays off in longevity. A quality interior paint job by professionals should last 7-10 years, making the per-year cost surprisingly affordable when compared to frequent DIY touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coats of paint do interior walls need?

Most interior walls need two coats of paint for even, lasting coverage. If you are making a dramatic color change — such as painting over a dark color with a light one — a coat of primer plus two finish coats is recommended. High-quality paints with built-in primer can sometimes achieve full coverage in two coats even with significant color changes, but your painter should assess the specific situation before committing to a coat count.

Is it cheaper to paint a house yourself or hire a professional?

DIY painting costs roughly 50-70% less in direct expenses, but professional painters deliver faster, more consistent results with proper surface preparation. Professionals also carry insurance, handle lead paint safely in older homes, and guarantee their work. When you factor in the value of your time, the cost of purchasing equipment, and the risk of mistakes that require costly correction, professional painting often provides better overall value — especially for larger projects.

How long does interior paint take to dry and cure?

Latex interior paint is typically dry to the touch within 1-2 hours and ready for a second coat in 4 hours. However, full curing takes 2-4 weeks. During the curing period, avoid washing walls, hanging items, or placing furniture directly against freshly painted surfaces. Oil-based paints take 6-8 hours to dry to the touch and up to 24 hours between coats. Humidity levels, which can be high in the Chicago area especially in summer, slow drying times.

Need Professional Help?

Our team is ready to answer your questions and help with your next project.

Call (773) 842-0975

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