House Painting Cost in New York City (2026)
Average cost in New York City
$4,500 – $28,500
$3 – $9 per sq ft
In New York City, the average is $12,642 and most projects cost between $4,500 and $28,500, or about $3 – $9 per sq ft. Prices are before tax and based on 12 sources.
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedSkilled union and non-union painters
65%
Premium paint, primer, and supplies
20%
Patching, sanding, and lead testing
10%
Parking, elevator fees, and COI
5%
Sales Tax at 4%
📋What's Included
ScopeTypically Includes
- Interior or exterior paint (2 coats)
- Primer
- Surface preparation (sanding, patching)
- Trim painting
- Masking & protection
- Cleanup
Typically Excludes
- Wallpaper removal
- Extensive repairs (drywall, siding)
- Lead paint abatement
- Specialty finishes (faux, texture)
- Deck or fence staining
Based on painting a standard 1,500 sq ft home exterior or 3-4 rooms interior.
🧮Estimate your project
LiveYour estimate in New York City
Likely range $5,689 – $27,812
- Labor65%$8,217
- Materials20%$2,528
- Surface Preparation10%$1,264
- Logistics & Insurance5%$632
Interior only
$12,642
Exterior only
$17,699
Interior + Exterior
$27,812
Calibrated to 12 researched sources for New York City. Before tax. Real quotes vary with site conditions.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
$11,227
Today
$12,642
House Painting in New York City is ↑ 12.6% compared to roughly a year ago — about $1,415 more on the average project.
Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.
🏢Top Painting Contractors in New York City
Verified providersJB Painters Manhattan
20 W 33rd St 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
231 reviews
Sandoukas Painting Company NYC
350 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
44 reviews
Paintworks & Decorating
45-20 11th St, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
219 reviews
Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.
💬What People Actually Paid
Community❓Common Questions
NYC costs are 40-85% higher due to a combination of union labor rates (averaging $80/hr for skilled trades), complex logistics like double-parking and service elevator restrictions, and the extensive prep work required for century-old pre-war walls.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $3 and $9 per square foot. The lower end covers basic wall painting, while the $9 range includes ceilings, intricate trim work, and premium finishes like high-gloss or Venetian plaster.
Yes, especially in pre-war buildings. Surface preparation for older drywall or plaster can add $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. Additionally, professional lead paint testing and remediation are often required for buildings constructed before 1978, which can add thousands to the total project cost.
Generally, cosmetic painting does not require a NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) permit. However, if the project is part of a larger renovation involving structural changes or if it falls under Local Law 97 energy requirements for exterior insulation, specific filings and fees (starting around $130) may apply.
📊Our Methodology
How we collect dataAggregated from 12+ verified web sources and cost databases
Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides
Government construction and labor statistics
Community-reported project costs and reviews
Last data collection: 1 months ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.
About this data
Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.
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