I’m Mike, owner of Royal Home Painters. As the person who creates the estimates for our clients, I know the first question on every homeowner’s mind is, “So, how much does interior painting cost in Toronto?”
To give you the most accurate, data-driven answer possible, I’ve created this 2026 pricing guide. It’s based on thousands of actual projects we’ve completed across Toronto and the GTA. My goal is to be completely transparent and help you calculate your budget without any guesswork.
Let’s get straight to the numbers.
Quick Snapshot: Interior Painting Cost in Toronto in 2026
This table gives you the most searched-for data right away, optimized for clarity. These numbers are based on the home’s floor area.
| Project Type | Price Range (per sq. ft. of Floor) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Wall Repaint | $1.80 – $2.50 | Walls only, same or similar colour, minor prep. |
| Walls/Trim/Doors | $3.50 – $4.50 | Includes walls, baseboards, door/window frames, and doors. |
| Full Rooms | $5.00 – $6.50 | Walls, trims, doors, plus ceilings and detailed crown moulding. |
| Luxury / High-Detail | $5.00 – $6.50 | High-end projects, with lots of detailed work, and different colours |
| Brand New Custom Home | $7.00 – $11.00 | Full prime, sand, and 3+ coats on raw, porous drywall. |
| MDF Wall Panelling (Spray) | $15.00 – $20.00 | Specialized spray application for a flawless, factory-like finish. |
These figures show how the scope of work directly impacts the price. A simple repaint is one thing; tackling raw drywall or specialty finishes requires significantly more labour, skill, and material.
This table shows exactly what you’re paying for. A new build requires meticulous preparation to achieve the flawless finish homeowners expect.
Detailed Painting Cost Per Square Foot (The Calculator)
One of the first things I clarify with homeowners is the difference between “Floor Area” and “Wall Surface Area.” It’s a crucial distinction. When a professional painter gives you a price per square foot, we are almost always referring to the floor square footage of your home, not the surface areas that need to be painted.
Understanding this is the key to creating an accurate budget. Once you know the scope you need, you can use the detailed breakdowns below to see how different projects affect the price.
Cost by Project Scope
This table breaks down costs by scope of work, using floor area as a general guide. A simple “Refresh” in a Richmond Hill condo is worlds away from a “New Build” in King City.
| Painting Areas | Average Cost per Square Foot (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Interior Walls Only | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| Walls, Ceilings, and Trim | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| Ceilings Only | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Trim and Doors Only | $2.00 – $4.00 per linear foot |
| Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing | Varies (Quote-based) – Read Here |
| Exterior Painting (Siding) | $2.00 – $4.50 |
Please note: These are general estimates to help with planning. Your final cost will depend on many factors, which we’ll cover next.
Check this page for a detailed interior painting cost estimation from Royal Home Painters.
Interior Painting Price Per Room (The “Menu”)
If thinking in square feet feels abstract, this section is for you. Think of it as an à la carte pricing menu for painting the interior of your home. You can see the cost for each space, helping you budget one room at a time.
I want to explain why these prices are and what they are. A tiny powder room can be surprisingly pricey because it’s all tedious “cutting-in” around fixtures in a small space. Similarly, a two-storey staircase in an Etobicoke home requires scaffolding for safety and a perfect finish, which adds to the labour cost.
Room-by-Room Pricing Guide
This guide shows average prices for professional painting in Toronto and the GTA, covering walls, trim, and ceilings for a complete refresh.
| Room Type | Average Price Range | Key Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Room | $350 – $550 | Note: Tight spaces demand more detailed, time-consuming cutting-in. |
| Standard Bedroom (10×12) | $550 – $900 | A standard package including walls, ceiling, and trim. |
| Master Bedroom (w/ Walk-in) | $800 – $1,200 | More wall surface area and the extra closet space increase the scope. |
| Living/Dining Room | $800 – $1,500 | Open-concept layouts often have much more wall area to cover. |
| Kitchen (Walls Only) | $600 – $1,000 | Note: This does not include cabinets. Meticulous work is needed around cabinetry. |
| Staircase & Hallway | $1,000 – $2,000 | Note: High ceilings often require scaffolding, which increases labour time and cost. |
It’s important to note that the kitchen price is for walls only. Transforming your cabinetry is a specialized service. You can learn more in our guide on the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets.
Estimated Interior Painting Cost Per Room Size (Toronto)
Here’s a handy table with average costs for different rooms in the Toronto area. Think of this as a great starting point for your budget planning.
| Room Type | Average Size (sq ft) | Estimated Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 12′ x 12′ (144 sq ft) | $450 – $700 |
| Living Room | 15′ x 20′ (300 sq ft) | $600 – $1,000 |
| Kitchen (Walls Only) | 10′ x 15′ (150 sq ft) | $500 – $850 |
| Bathroom | 8′ x 5′ (40 sq ft) | $300 – $550 |
| Hallway | Standard Length | $400 – $650 |
Keep in mind, these numbers are a solid baseline for our region. Labour rates and material costs can vary depending on where you live and whats the condition of the area.
Total Home Project Costs (By House Type)
Let’s zoom out and look at the big picture. Here we break down total project costs for typical homes across Toronto and the GTA.
Whether you’re in a 600 sq. ft. condo in North York, a 1,500 sq. ft. townhouse in Markham, or a 3,500 sq. ft. detached home in Richmond Hill, these numbers provide a realistic budget range for a “Standard” repaint (walls, trim, and doors).
Whole Home Painting Estimates
This table is based on hundreds of homes we’ve painted. It’s your planning tool for a complete interior refresh. For condo owners, our guide to apartment painting services offers more specific details.
Table of the Cost of Painting the Interior of the House, Excluding Ceiling
| Home Type | Typical Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Condo | 600 sq. ft. | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 2-Bedroom Condo | 900 sq. ft. | $1,800 – $4,000 |
| Townhouse | 1,500 sq. ft. | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Semi-Detached Home | 1,800 sq. ft. | $3,800 – $8,500 |
| Detached Home | 2,500 sq. ft. | $4,500 – $12,000 |
| Large Estate Home | 3,500+ sq. ft. | $7,000 – $TBD |
In a market where the average home price is over $1.1 million, a professional paint job is one of the smartest investments for increasing its value and appeal.
Below are some example calculations to help you budget for painting different types of homes in the GTA.
| Home Type & Size | Scope of Work | Estimated Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 800 sq. ft. Condo | Walls Only | $1,600 – $2,000 |
| Walls, Ceilings & Trim | $2,500 – $4,500 | |
| 1,500 sq. ft. Townhouse | Walls Only | $2,700 – $4,500 |
| Walls, Ceilings & Trim | $5,500 – $6,800 | |
| 2,500 sq. ft. Detached | Walls Only | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| Walls, Ceilings & Trim | $8,500 – $12,000 |
As you can see, what you choose to paint makes a big difference. Including ceilings, trim, and doors will increase the budget, but it also gives your home that complete, professionally finished look.
The “Hidden Factors” That Change the Price
The pricing tables give you a solid starting point, but every project is unique. As an estimator, I look for specific factors that can adjust the final cost. Understanding these helps you see why a detailed on-site quote is so important.
- Furnished vs. Empty: This is a major factor. Carefully moving furniture and protecting everything with plastic takes significant time. Empty homes are typically 10-15% cheaper to paint.
- Ceiling Height: Standard 8-foot ceilings are straightforward. But 18-foot ceilings in a Vaughan living room require full scaffolding for safety and a perfect finish. This can add 20% or more to the cost for that specific area.
- Drastic Colour Changes: Going from black to white isn’t a simple repaint. It requires a high-quality primer and often 3-4 coats of paint, rather than the standard 2. This extra labour and material can increase the cost by up to 30%.
- Downtown vs. Suburbs: Logistics matter. A downtown Toronto condo often means booking service elevators and paying for expensive daily parking permits. In suburbs like Markham or Richmond Hill, simpler logistics keep project management costs down.
Pro Tip From Royal Home Painters Owner:
Be Smart About Timing and Colours
A little flexibility can save you a lot. Just like other trades, we have busy and slow seasons.
- Schedule During the Off-Season: Spring and summer are super busy. If you can wait, book your project for late fall or winter. We often have more availability and may offer better pricing.
- Stick to a Simple Palette: I know, tons of colours are fun! But every new colour adds complexity. It means more paint, more cleanup, and more time. Sticking to one or two colours streamlines the whole job.
People think cheap paint saves money. It’s actually the opposite. High-quality paint covers better (fewer coats!) and lasts way longer. It saves you from costly touch-ups later.
People Also Ask
Here are the direct answers to the most common questions I get from homeowners across the GTA.
How much to paint a 1000 sq ft condo in Toronto?
For a standard 1,000 sq. ft. condo in Toronto, the cost is typically between $2,000 and $4,500. An empty unit will be on the lower end, while a fully furnished condo costs more due to the extra labour required to move and protect furniture.
Cost to paint the interior of a 1200 sq ft bungalow?
The average cost to paint the interior of a 1,500 sq. ft. bungalow (usually an older house with 3 Bedrooms and 1 bathroom) is between $3,000 and $6,500. This covers a “Standard” project: walls, baseboards, doors, and door frames with normal prep work.
Cost to paint a 2000 sq ft house?
For a 2,000 sq. ft. detached home, common in areas like Vaughan or Markham, the interior painting cost generally falls between $4,500 and $9,500. The price reflects a larger surface area and can increase with features such as high ceilings or extensive drywall repairs.
Labour vs. Materials Cost?
When you break down a professional painting quote, follow the 80/20 Rule. Roughly 80% of the total cost is for labour—the meticulous prep work (sanding, filling, caulking), expert application, and cleanup that ensures a lasting finish. The other 20% covers high-quality paints like Benjamin Moore and all other materials. You are investing in skill and preparation, not just a can of paint.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a House Interior?
This really depends on your home’s size and the prep work involved. There’s no single answer, but I can give you some solid estimates.
- One Room: A pro can usually do a standard room in 1-2 days.
- Whole House (2,000 sq ft): A full crew could take anywhere from 3-7 days.
- This includes everything: Moving furniture, all the prep, priming, two perfect coats, and a full cleanup.
Adding ceilings, trim, and doors will add more time. The best way to know for sure? Let us pop by for a look. A free consultation will give you a much more accurate timeline for your space.
Is It Cheaper to Buy My Own Paint?
It seems like an easy way to save money, right? But honestly, it rarely is.
Here’s the inside scoop. As pros, we get significant contractor discounts on top-quality paints. These are prices you can’t get at the store. Plus, we know precisely which paint and finish will work best for each room—from a steamy bathroom to a high-traffic hallway. When you factor in our expertise and trade pricing, letting us supply the paint is almost always the smarter, cheaper choice.
Does the Paint Finish Affect the Overall Cost?
Yes, it sure does! It’s a detail people often miss. The finish—like matte, eggshell, or satin—can affect both material and labour costs.
- Higher Sheen = Higher Price: As a rule, glossier paints cost more per gallon.
- Gloss Shows Everything: High-gloss paints highlight every tiny flaw on a wall. This means they need more prep work and a more skilled application to look good.
Hands-on Tip: The biggest factor in your paint cost isn’t the sheen—it’s the paint’s quality. A premium paint costs more upfront, but its durability will save you money and headaches in the long run.
We can help you pick a finish that looks great, is durable, and fits your budget. It’s all part of getting the best value for your money.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Painting Quote?
Getting a quote is fast. Most pro companies, including us, can provide a detailed estimate within 24 to 48 hours of your call. There’s no long, drawn-out process.
Our approach is simple and pressure-free:
- A Friendly Chat: We’ll start with a quick call to get a feel for your project.
- A Quick Visit: We’ll schedule a time to pop by for a fast assessment.
- A Clear Quote: We’ll send you a clear, written quote with zero hidden fees. It’s all laid out plainly.
How Much Does Paint Cost for a Whole House?
The price of paint varies widely depending on quality. For a typical 2,000 sq. ft. house in Vaughan or Richmond Hill, you could spend anywhere from $600 to over $1,500 on paint alone.
Premium brands like Benjamin Moore cost more upfront but offer amazing coverage and durability. This often saves you money in the long run because you’ll need fewer coats and the finish will last for years.
Getting Your Guaranteed Painting Quote
You now have a solid, data-backed roadmap for budgeting your interior painting project in Toronto.
But every home has its own character. The only way to get a precise, fixed price is to see the space in person.
At Royal Home Painters, we provide a guaranteed price after a detailed on-site visit. You’ll know the exact cost before we pick up a brush, and we back our work with a lifetime warranty on interior painting.
The prices above are averages. To get a guaranteed price for your specific home, book a Detailed On-Site Estimate with Royal Home Painters.
Looking for Cabinet Painting or Exterior Painting? See our specific guides here for cabinet refinishing services and here for exterior painting.
