How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Australia? (2025)
Interior and exterior house painting costs, per-room pricing and how to find a reliable painter. Full price breakdown for Australian homeowners.
Average House Painting Costs in Australia
Professional house painters in Australia typically charge $25–$60 per square metre for interior work and $20–$50/m² for exterior. Alternatively, many painters quote by room or by the whole house. A full interior repaint of an average 4-bedroom home typically costs $8,000–$18,000.
| Job / Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $45 | $65 | $90 |
| Per m² (interior) | $25 | $38 | $60 |
| Per m² (exterior) | $20 | $32 | $50 |
| Bedroom repaint | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Lounge/living room | $600 | $1,000 | $1,800 |
| Full interior (4BR house) | $8,000 | $13,000 | $18,000 |
| Full exterior (4BR house) | $5,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 |
Interior vs Exterior Painting Costs
Interior and exterior painting are priced differently due to the different materials, preparation requirements and conditions involved. Exterior painting generally costs less per square metre but involves more prep work (pressure washing, scraping, filling) which adds to the total.
What Affects Painting Costs?
Several variables influence what you'll pay for a painting job.
- Surface area — larger homes cost more in absolute terms but often achieve a lower $/m² rate
- Surface condition — peeling paint, water damage and holes all require more prep time
- Paint quality — premium paints cost $60–$120/litre vs $15–$40 for standard grades
- Number of coats — two coats is standard; three may be needed for dark-to-light colour changes
- Access difficulty — two-storey homes require scaffolding or elevated work platforms
- Finish type — matt, satin, semi-gloss and gloss each have different application requirements
