NYC painting prices vary enormously based on apartment size, ceiling height, prep work required, and quality of materials. Here's what the market actually looks like in 2026.
Average NYC Painting Costs by Apartment Size
- Studio (350–500 sq ft): $700–$1,400 for walls and ceilings
- 1-Bedroom (600–800 sq ft): $1,100–$2,100
- 2-Bedroom (900–1,200 sq ft): $1,600–$3,200
- 3-Bedroom (1,300–2,000 sq ft): $2,400–$5,000
- 4-Bedroom or Larger: $3,500–$7,000+
Per-Room Estimates
- Bedroom: $350–$700
- Living room: $450–$900
- Kitchen: $300–$600 (smaller square footage)
- Bathroom: $200–$400
- Hallway/foyer: $150–$350
What Drives Costs Up
Ceiling height: Standard NYC ceilings are 8–9 feet. Pre-war apartments with 10–12 foot ceilings require extension poles and ladders — add 20–30% to labor.
Prep work: Skim coating (repairing damaged plaster walls), wallpaper removal, and primer coats add $1–$3/sq ft to the job. Old NYC apartments with crumbling plaster or textured walls need significant prep.
Trim and doors: Painting doors, door frames, crown molding, and baseboards adds $50–$200 per room depending on complexity.
Paint quality: Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal (our standard) cost $70–$90/gallon. Cheaper paints require more coats and don't last as long. We use quality paint — it saves money over time.
Colors: Deep colors and dark accent walls require more coats for full coverage. Budget for an extra coat with any color darker than SW Mindful Gray or similar.
What's Usually Included vs. Extra
Included: Surface prep, patching small nail holes and minor cracks, two coats of paint, furniture/floor protection, cleanup.
Extra: Skim coating, wallpaper removal, painting radiators, textured finishes, color consultation.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Beware of quotes given over the phone without a site visit — they're almost always low. A reliable NYC painter will want to see ceiling height, wall condition, and number of doors and windows before quoting.
Request a free painting estimate from House Help Services. We visit in person, assess your space, and give you a fixed quote — no surprises.
House Help Services provides emergency and home improvement services across NYC and NJ. Get a free estimate or call (206) 401-7828.