What you pay for
Interior painting in California typically runs $2.50–$5.50 per square foot for walls and ceilings, depending on prep, paint grade, and condition. A whole-home interior often lands between $3,500 and $12,000.
What drives the price
- Prep: patching, sanding, caulking, priming
- Repairs: drywall damage or water stains
- Color changes: dark-to-light needs primer
- Paint grade: contractor vs. premium lines
- Rooms: kitchens and baths cost more per square foot
Questions to ask
- What prep is included?
- What paint brand and line, and how many coats?
- Are you RRP certified if my home is pre-1978?