Painting your home can do more than just give it a quick refresh; it can also boost its resale value. Redfin , a national real estate brokerage, says that painting the inside of your home can potentially create a 107% return on investment and could add thousands to your resale price. However, painting your home can be a major investment these days, costing, on average, around $3,000 to $10,000 for exterior house painting and $3,500 to $10,000 for the interior of a mid-sized home, according to HomeGuide, a national home services website.
During the pandemic, paint prices saw a significant increase that hasn’t come back down. Many painters note that the cost of supplies, labor, and fuel is still cutting into their profits, and homeowners are feeling the impact through higher project estimates. We spoke with professional painting companies in different parts of the country about how inflation continues to shape the cost of painting homes in 2025 and what it means for your next project.
How inflation is impacting painters and painting companies
After a few unpredictable years, paint prices have calmed down but are still higher than before. We spoke with Kelly Mardis, owner of Marcel Painting , a professional residential painting company in the Phoenix area, and Matt Boden, owner of Fresh Coat Painters of Tampa . Both said inflation has changed how they price jobs, plan projects and work with homeowners.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the cost of making paint and coatings increased by more than 25% between 2021 and 2022. Since then, prices have leveled off a bit, but they still remain well above pre-pandemic levels. The American Coatings Association notes that raw materials and energy costs are still high, which is noteworthy since many paint ingredients are derived from oil .
“Some people are doing things cheaper because people are less willing to spend money in this economy,” Mardis said. “I don’t have to do that because a significant portion of my business comes from referrals. They pay more than competitors because they trust me.”
As some customers exercise more caution about spending on home upgrades like paint, many painting companies are adjusting how much they charge and how they plan projects.
“Rising material costs have pushed painters to shift from broad ballpark estimates to tighter, itemized pricing," Boden said. "Many now lock in quotes for shorter periods, update pricing monthly, and build in contingency margins because paint and sundry costs fluctuate more than they did pre-2020.”
Boden and Mardis agreed that staying competitive means keeping a close eye on costs, not just prices.
“When the economy isn’t well, you don’t get a good return on advertising. Cutting those costs and relying on things like referrals has kept me competitive,” Mardis said.
A report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and its 2025 update show that remodeling and maintenance spending, which includes projects like painting, has held steady through 2025 and is expected to remain stable into 2026. The Angi 2025 State of Home Spending Report found that most homeowners are still hiring professionals but are focusing more on maintenance projects while keeping a close eye on their budget.
“Because of the current economy, people are less willing to pay as much. Offering interest-free payment plans has helped customers be able to afford new paint jobs,” Mardis said.
Expert tips to keep painting costs down without cutting corners
While prices are still higher than they were a few years ago, many homeowners are looking for ways to save on professional painting projects without sacrificing quality.
“Yes, homeowners are adjusting their budgets,” Mardis said. “Some aren’t willing to dish out money for a paint job right now. People are putting off projects to save.”
Even so, waiting too long may not pay off. According to Today’s Homeowner , a national home advice site, material prices across most home improvement categories will continue to rise, which suggests that prices could become more expensive if you delay any needed maintenance.
However, as Boden said, good planning can make a real difference. “Plan early and be flexible. Scheduling during a painter’s slower season or giving them a wider time window can reduce labor costs without sacrificing premium materials or craftsmanship.”
According to Angi , the labor for professional painters can account for more than half the total price of a paint job. However, Mardis said the best way to save in the long term is to invest in quality work from the start.
“I actually don’t recommend you cutting costs because that’s gonna lead to spending more money in the long run,” Mardis said. “If you spend money on a good, reputable company, it’ll last ten years. If you try to cut corners, it’ll only last three to four years.”
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He added that quality paint isn’t just cosmetic. “Paint is a very important aspect of your house. It protects the wood underneath and prevents structural damage,” Mardis said. “A bad paint job or using low-quality paint can lead to damage, which in the long run is going to cost you more money.”
What this means for your next house painting project
Most painters expect prices to remain steady rather than decline.
“It’s going to stay the same or go higher. Paint prices are rising again, which means painters are going to have to continue adjusting costs,” Mardis said.
Boden agreed that homeowners shouldn’t count on big price cuts anytime soon. “Most in the industry expect prices to remain elevated through 2026. Even if paint costs stabilize, higher wages and fuel expenses are unlikely to reverse, keeping baseline project prices higher than pre-inflation levels,” he said.
So what can you do? Plan ahead and set a realistic budget. Be sure to do your research and hire a reputable painter who is licensed, insured and transparent about costs. Since demand for painting services remains strong, scheduling interior or exterior painting services early can help you lock in both the timing and price you want.
