How much does Painting cost in Australia?

Painting in Australia typically costs $400–$900 for basic work up to $6,000–$15,000 for major projects. The average rate is $38/m² per m². Prices vary by city, job complexity, and materials used.

What is the average painting hourly rate in Australia?

The average painting rate in Australia is $38/m² per m². Sydney and Canberra tend to be at the higher end, while Adelaide and Brisbane are typically lower.

What factors affect painting costs?

The main factors affecting painting costs are: surface preparation, number of coats, paint quality, and the location of the job. Peeling paint, cracks, and holes require significant prep time. Poor prep is the #1 cause of paint failure.

Is painting more expensive in Sydney than other cities?

Yes, Sydney typically has the highest painting rates in Australia. Sydney rates are generally 10–20% higher than the national average. Darwin and Canberra also tend to be above average, while Adelaide and Brisbane are usually the most affordable capital cities.

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2025 Price Guide — Australia

How Much Does Painting Cost?

Q: What should I watch out for when getting painting quotes?

Watch out for these red flags: Quote doesn't specify number of coats; No mention of surface preparation in the quote; Significantly cheaper than all other quotes. Always get at least 3 quotes and ensure the tradie is licensed and insured before work begins.

Q: Does painting cost include labour and materials?

Painting costs are typically split 70% labour, 20% materials, and 10% overhead. Painters charge $22–$65/m² for walls and ceilings. Exterior painting is typically more expensive due to preparation requirements and weather dependency. Always confirm whether your quote includes materials or is labour-only.

Complete breakdown of painting costs in Australia — labour vs materials, job size tiers, what drives prices up or down, and city-by-city comparison.

Average Cost

$38/m²

per m²

Where Does Your Money Go?

Labour70%

Painters charge $22–$65/m² for walls and ceilings. Exterior painting is typically more expensive due to preparation requirements and weather dependency.

Materials20%

Premium paints (Dulux, Taubmans) cost $60–$120/10L. Budget paints cost $30–$60/10L. Premium paints cover better and last longer — usually worth the investment.

Overhead10%

Includes drop sheets, masking tape, brushes, rollers, and scaffolding for high areas. Lead paint testing may be required for pre-1970 homes.