The short answer
Airtasker's published guide puts interior painting at $1,000 to $9,000 and exterior painting at $3,500 to $35,000. Your quote lands where the prep, access and paint choice put it, so use a range to check a quote, not to replace one.
The figures below are Airtasker's marketplace estimates, from a page last updated on 4 June 2025. They are not quotes and prices change. A written quote for your own job beats any range.
What moves the price
Airtasker lists these as the main drivers of painting cost:
- location, because hourly rates vary by city
- the condition of the walls, since cracks, holes, stains or mould need repairs first
- surface area, meaning more rooms and larger areas
- the type of rooms, since bedrooms and living areas can cost more than bathrooms or kitchens
- roof and ceiling height, because high ceilings and multiple storeys need extra equipment
- detail, like French windows, cornices and architraves
- access, such as furnished homes and tight spaces
- the type and quality of paint
How to get a fair painting quote
Send the same brief to at least three painters and ask each to list the rooms, the prep, the number of coats and the paint brand. Our guide on comparing quotes shows how.
For a small job, ask for a small deposit tied to a start date and pay the balance when you are happy with the finished work.
Do painters need a licence?
In Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria says painting does not require registration. Ask for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance and photos of recent work instead.
Price ranges
Ranges, not quotes. Use them to judge whether a quote is in the right area.
| Job | Low | High | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior painting | $1,000 | $9,000 | 11 November 2026 |
| Exterior painting | $3,500 | $35,000 | 11 November 2026 |
| Whole house painting | $1,000 | $35,000 | 11 November 2026 |
| Painter per hour, Adelaide | $70 | $85 per hour | 11 November 2026 |
| Painter per hour, Sydney | $74 | $110 per hour | 11 November 2026 |
| Painter per hour, Melbourne | $79 | $87 per hour | 11 November 2026 |
| Painter per hour, Perth | $82 | $87 per hour | 11 November 2026 |
| Painter per hour, Brisbane | $84 | $88 per hour | 11 November 2026 |
Source: Airtasker, house painter cost. Page updated 4 June 2025, figures checked by us on 11 November 2026.
Common questions
How much does it cost to paint the inside of a house?
Airtasker's guide gives a range of $1,000 to $9,000 for interior painting. Your price depends on the size of the job, the prep and the paint.
How much do painters charge per hour?
Airtasker lists about $70 to $110 an hour, depending on the city. Melbourne is shown at $79 to $87 and Sydney at $74 to $110.
Do I need to pay a deposit to a painter?
Ask for a small deposit tied to a start date and pay the balance when the work is done and you are happy. For building work, Victorian law caps the deposit.
How much paint do I need for a room?
Use our paint quantity estimator. It works from your room size and the coverage printed on your paint tin.
Sources
- Airtasker: house painter cost (page updated 4 June 2025), checked 11 November 2026
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: protecting homeowners from dodgy builders and tradespeople, checked 11 November 2026
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: getting quotes, checked 11 November 2026