Table of Contents
How Much Does Painting Cost in Australia in 2026?
House painting in Australia costs between $20 and $60 per square metre in 2026, depending on whether you are painting interiors or exteriors, the condition of existing surfaces, and the quality of paint used. For a standard three-bedroom house, expect to pay $3,000 to $7,000 for interior painting and $5,000 to $15,000 for a full exterior repaint.
These figures cover labour, paint, and preparation work. But the range is wide for good reason — a freshly plastered apartment wall that needs two coats of paint is a fundamentally different job from a weathered timber facade that needs scraping, sanding, priming, and three coats of exterior paint. Understanding what drives these differences helps you budget accurately and get fair quotes.
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Contents
- National Painting Rates at a Glance (2026)
- Interior Painting Costs
- Exterior Painting Costs
- Painting Costs by Room
- Painting Costs by Australian City
- Factors That Affect Painting Costs
- How to Save Money on Painting
- Frequently Asked Questions
National Painting Rates at a Glance (2026)
Australian Painting Cost Summary
Average painting costs across Australia, 2026. Prices include labour, paint, and standard preparation.
| Service | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior painting (per sqm) | $20–$40/sqm | Walls and ceilings. Standard prep. |
| Exterior painting (per sqm) | $30–$60/sqm | Includes washing, scraping, and priming. |
| Painter hourly rate | $50–$80/hr | Typically quoted per sqm or per room instead. |
| Full interior (3-bed house) | $3,000–$7,000 | All walls, ceilings, and trims. |
| Full exterior (3-bed house) | $5,000–$15,000 | Depends on storeys, material, and condition. |
| Feature wall | $200–$500 | Single wall, standard room. |
| Ceiling painting (per room) | $250–$500 | Standard room size. |
Interior Painting Costs
Interior painting is the most common painting job in Australian homes. Costs range from $20 to $40 per square metre, with the price depending on surface condition, ceiling height, the number of coats required, and paint quality. Most interior jobs include two coats of paint over a prepared surface.
Interior Painting Costs by Room
Interior painting costs by room, Australia 2026.
| Room | Price Range | Includes | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (standard) | $400–$800 | Walls and ceiling, 2 coats | 1 day |
| Living room (large) | $600–$1,200 | Walls and ceiling, 2 coats | 1–2 days |
| Kitchen | $400–$900 | Walls, ceiling. Grease prep. | 1 day |
| Bathroom | $300–$600 | Moisture-rated paint required | 1 day |
| Hallway | $300–$700 | Walls and ceiling | 1 day |
| Entire house interior (3-bed) | $3,000–$7,000 | All rooms, ceilings, trims | 3–5 days |
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior painting is more expensive than interior work due to the additional preparation required (pressure washing, scraping, sanding, gap filling, and priming) and the need for weather-resistant paint systems. Multi-storey homes require scaffolding or elevated work platforms, which can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the total cost.
Exterior Painting Costs by Property Type
Exterior painting costs by property type, Australia 2026.
| Property Type | Price Range | Includes | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey house | $4,000–$8,000 | Walls, eaves, fascia, trims | 3–5 days |
| Double-storey house | $7,000–$15,000 | All surfaces + scaffolding | 5–8 days |
| Townhouse | $3,000–$6,000 | Exterior walls and trims | 2–4 days |
| Unit/apartment balcony | $500–$1,500 | Balcony walls and ceiling | 1 day |
| Fence (per lineal metre) | $20–$40/lm | Both sides, 2 coats | Varies |
| Deck / verandah | $15–$35/sqm | Sand, prime, and 2 coats | 1–2 days |
Painting Costs by Australian City
Painter Rates by City
Painting rates by Australian city, 2026.
| City | Interior ($/sqm) | Exterior ($/sqm) | Full Interior 3-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $25–$45 | $35–$65 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Melbourne | $22–$40 | $32–$60 | $3,500–$7,500 |
| Brisbane | $20–$38 | $30–$55 | $3,000–$6,500 |
| Perth | $20–$38 | $28–$55 | $3,000–$6,500 |
| Adelaide | $18–$35 | $25–$50 | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Canberra | $22–$40 | $32–$58 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Gold Coast | $20–$38 | $30–$55 | $3,000–$6,500 |
| Hobart | $18–$35 | $25–$50 | $2,500–$5,500 |
Factors That Affect Painting Costs
Surface Condition and Preparation
Preparation is typically 60 to 70 per cent of a painting job's time and cost. A surface in good condition that just needs a light sand and clean before painting costs far less than one with peeling paint, cracks, holes, or water damage that requires extensive repair work. For older homes, preparation can double the total cost compared to a property in good condition.
Paint Quality
Professional-grade paints from brands like Dulux, Taubmans, and Haymes cost $60 to $120 per four-litre tin, compared to $30 to $50 for budget paints. Premium paints last longer, cover better (requiring fewer coats), and resist fading, staining, and mould. Most professional painters recommend mid-to-high-range paints as they deliver better value over the life of the paint job.
Height and Access
Any work above 2.5 metres requires scaffolding, elevated work platforms, or specialised access equipment. Scaffolding hire typically costs $500 to $3,000 depending on the area to be covered and the duration of the job. High ceilings inside also attract premium pricing due to the additional time and equipment required.
How to Save Money on Painting
- Get at least three quotes. Painting quotes can vary by 30 to 50 per cent for the same job.
- Do the preparation yourself. If you are physically able, washing walls, filling small holes, and removing hardware can save 15 to 25 per cent on labour costs.
- Choose standard colours. Custom colour matching and speciality finishes cost more than standard whites and neutrals.
- Paint during the off-season. Autumn and winter are quieter periods for painters, and you may negotiate 10 to 15 per cent discounts.
- Book through a zero-commission platform like Mozome. Painters keep 100 per cent of their earnings, so they can offer competitive rates without platform fee inflation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Sources & References
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