Getting quotes for a house repaint and wondering why the numbers are all over the place? You’re not imagining it. House painting cost in Melbourne can vary a lot depending on the size of your home, the condition of your surfaces and what’s actually included in the quote. This guide breaks down real cost ranges, what affects price, and how to tell a solid quote from a risky one, so you can budget with confidence. Whether you’re repainting one tired bedroom or getting the whole house done inside and out, understanding what drives the price helps you avoid surprises down the track.
Average House Painting Costs in Melbourne (2026)
Let’s start with the numbers most people actually want. These are indicative 2026 estimates only, not fixed quotes, since every home and job is different.
| Factor | Garage Floor Paint | Epoxy Coating |
| Upfront cost | Low | Medium to high |
| Durability | Fair, chips over time | Excellent, resists impact and chemicals |
| Lifespan | 1 to 3 years | 10+ years with proper care |
| Prep needed | Minimal | Grinding and cleaning essential |
| Look | Flat, single colour | Glossy, can include flakes or patterns |
| Best for | Budget touch ups, rentals | Long term garages, workshops, showrooms |
Think of these as a starting point for your budget conversation, not a final number. Your actual house painting cost will depend on your home’s size, current condition and the finish you choose. The only way to get an accurate figure is a proper measure and quote.
Interior Painting Costs
Interior painting cost is usually calculated by room or by total square metreage, and it covers more than just the paint itself. A typical interior quote should include prep, primer where needed, two coats of paint, and cleanup.
Rough factors that shift interior painting cost:
- Number of rooms and their size.
- Ceiling height (higher ceilings mean more time and often scaffolding).
- Condition of existing walls (cracks, holes or old wallpaper add prep time).
- Trim, skirting boards and doors, which are often priced separately.
- Paint quality, since premium paints cost more but often last longer.
A 3 bedroom home will obviously cost less to paint inside than a larger 4 or 5 bedroom house, simply because there’s more surface area to cover. It also helps to think about which rooms matter most to you. Some homeowners choose to repaint high traffic living areas first and leave bedrooms for later, spreading the cost over time rather than tackling everything at once.
Exterior Painting Costs
Exterior house painting cost tends to be higher than interior work for a few reasons: bigger surface areas, weather exposure and access challenges like ladders or scaffolding for two storey homes.
Your home’s construction type matters a lot here too:
- Render: generally straightforward to paint, though cracks need patching first.
- Weatherboard: often needs more prep and more paint due to the number of individual boards and joints.
- Brick: if previously unpainted, this can mean higher material use and a different prep process altogether.
Access and height are big cost drivers as well. A single storey home with easy access will cost less than a double storey home needing scaffolding or specialised equipment to reach safely. Overgrown gardens, fences close to the house or tricky rooflines can also add time, so it’s worth mentioning any access issues upfront when getting a quote rather than letting a painter discover them on the day.
How Painters Price a Job: Per Square Metre vs Per Room
Ever wonder why one painter quotes by the room and another quotes painting cost per square metre? Both methods are common, and understanding them helps you compare quotes properly.
- Per square metre: painters measure the total wall (and sometimes ceiling) area and price based on that figure. This tends to be more accurate for larger or irregular spaces.
- Per room: a flat rate based on typical room size, which is quicker to quote but can be less precise for very large or very small rooms.
Neither method is better across the board, but knowing which one a painter is using helps you sanity check whether a quote seems fair for your home’s actual size.
What Affects the Price
Beyond square metreage, a handful of factors can push your cost to paint a house interior or exterior up or down.
- Surface condition: peeling paint, mould, cracks or water damage all need fixing before painting begins, which adds time and cost.
- Amount of prep: sanding, filling, priming and masking all take time, and rushed prep almost always shows in the finished result.
- Number of coats: most jobs need two coats for even coverage, but darker colour changes or stained surfaces may need an extra coat.
- Colour changes: going from a dark colour to a light one (or vice versa) usually needs more coats to fully cover the old colour.
- Paint quality: premium paints cost more per litre but often need fewer coats and last longer, which can even out the cost over time.
How to Get an Accurate Quote (and Avoid Underquoting)
A good painting quote should be detailed, not just a single number. Look for:
- A clear breakdown of labour, materials and prep work.
- The number of coats included.
- Whether trim, doors and ceilings are covered or extra.
- Start and completion timeframes.
- Whether the quote includes minor repairs like filling small cracks.
Red flags to watch for include quotes that are dramatically cheaper than others with no explanation, vague wording like “as needed” for prep work, or no mention of how many coats are included. A quote that seems too good to be true usually means corners will be cut somewhere, whether that’s fewer coats, rushed prep or lower quality paint. It’s always worth asking a painter directly what’s included before signing anything, since a quick conversation can save you from a messy surprise halfway through the job. A trustworthy painter will happily walk you through their pricing and explain exactly what you’re paying for.
Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners
You don’t need to sacrifice quality to keep costs reasonable. A few honest ways to save:
- Bundle interior and exterior painting together if you’re planning both, since painters often offer better rates for larger combined jobs.
- Do minor prep yourself, like moving furniture or clearing walls, if your painter allows it.
- Choose a mid range quality paint rather than the cheapest option, since it often needs fewer top ups down the track.
- Get multiple quotes so you can compare pricing and inclusions properly.
- Time your job outside peak season if your schedule allows some flexibility, since demand can affect pricing.
The goal is spending smart, not just spending less. A slightly higher upfront cost from a quality painter often works out cheaper over the years than a rushed, budget job that needs redoing sooner. Think of it as paying for the finish to last, not just paying for paint on a wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 3 bedroom house?
It depends on the home’s condition, ceiling height and whether you’re painting interior, exterior or both. Costs can also shift based on the number of coats needed and the paint quality chosen. Get a free measure and quote for an accurate figure specific to your home.
Is it cheaper to paint the inside or outside of a house?
Interior painting is often cheaper overall since it doesn’t usually need scaffolding or weatherproof paint, but the actual cost depends on room size and condition versus your home’s exterior surface area.
Do painters charge per square metre or per hour?
Most painters charge per square metre or per room rather than per hour, since it gives a clearer, more predictable price for both parties.
How long does it take to paint a house?
Timeframes vary with home size and scope, but a full interior or exterior repaint typically takes anywhere from a few days to around a week or two for larger homes.
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Quotes differ based on what’s included, like prep work, number of coats and paint quality. Two painters can quote very differently for the same house simply because one includes more prep or better paint. Always compare the full scope of each quote, not just the bottom line number.
Want a clear, honest number for your home? Get a free, no obligation painting quote from Ace Coating and know exactly what you’re paying for.
Written by the Ace Coating Services team, proudly serving Dandenong and South East Melbourne with over 15 years of experience in interior and exterior house painting.rf