Painting a New York City apartment isn't priced like painting a suburban house. Plaster walls, radiators, high pre-war ceilings, building rules and limited elevator access all change the quote. Here are typical 2026 prices and what drives them. Use the calculator to estimate your job.
NYC interior painting prices (2026)
| Job | Walls only | Walls + ceilings | Everything (incl. trim/doors) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single room (12×12) | $400–$700 | $550–$900 | $700–$1,100 |
| Studio | $1,000–$1,900 | $1,300–$2,500 | $1,700–$3,000 |
| 1-bedroom | $1,600–$3,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $2,600–$4,800 |
| 2-bedroom | $2,400–$4,800 | $3,000–$6,500 | $3,800–$7,500 |
| 3-bedroom | $3,400–$6,500 | $4,500–$8,500 | $5,500–$10,000 |
| Brownstone / house | $6,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$20,000 |
What changes your painting quote
Wall condition
Nail holes and small dings are included in most quotes. Cracked plaster, water damage and peeling paint need more prep. Patching adds 10–20%, a full skim coat 40–60%.
Ceiling height
Pre-war apartments with 10-foot ceilings need taller ladders and more paint, adding around 20%. Lofts with 12-foot-plus ceilings can add 40% or more.
Color changes
Going from a dark color to white (or vice versa) usually needs a primer coat or an extra finish coat, about 15% more.
Trim, doors and radiators
Doors cost about $75–$150 each, and painting radiators with heat-resistant paint $100–$250 each. Oil-based trim work in older buildings takes longer.
Paint quality
Premium lines like Benjamin Moore Aura or Regal Select cost $70–$100+ per gallon versus $40–$55 for contractor grade. On a full apartment that's $200–$600 more, but it covers better and lasts longer.
NYC building requirements
- Certificate of insurance (COI): nearly every co-op, condo and managed rental requires one naming the building and management company.
- Work hours: typically weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Lead-safe practices: in buildings built before 1960 (or 1960–1978 if lead is known), work that disturbs paint must follow EPA and NYC lead-safe rules, especially where children under 6 live.
- Elevator reservations for bringing in materials.
Renters: who pays for painting?
In NYC, landlords of buildings with three or more apartments must repaint rental units every three years under the Housing Maintenance Code. If you're a tenant and your walls haven't been painted in three years, ask your landlord before paying out of pocket.
How to save on interior painting
- Move furniture to the center of rooms and clear walls yourself.
- Paint walls and ceilings the same white to save on cutting in.
- Book in winter (January–March), when NYC painters are less busy and more flexible on price.
- Get at least three written quotes specifying the number of coats, paint brand and prep work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint an apartment in NYC?
In 2026, a studio typically costs $1,300–$2,500, a one-bedroom $2,000–$4,000, a two-bedroom $3,000–$6,500 and a three-bedroom $4,500–$8,500, including walls, ceilings, labor and paint.
How much do NYC painters charge per hour or per square foot?
Most NYC painters quote by the job, but it works out to roughly $55–$90 per painter-hour or $2.50–$5 per square foot of wall area. Manhattan companies charge at the high end.
How much does it cost to paint a single room in NYC?
A standard 12×12 bedroom costs $400–$700 for walls only and $550–$900 with the ceiling. Kitchens and bathrooms cost similar amounts despite being smaller because of cutting in around cabinets and fixtures.
Is skim coating expensive?
Skim coating, applying a thin layer of joint compound to smooth damaged plaster, adds roughly 40–60% to a painting job. It's common in pre-war NYC apartments with cracked plaster.
Do I need to hire a licensed painter in NYC?
NYC requires a Home Improvement Contractor license from DCWP for most residential painting jobs over $200. Your building will also usually require the painter's certificate of insurance.
How long does it take to paint an NYC apartment?
A two-person crew usually paints a one-bedroom in 2–3 days and a two-bedroom in 3–5 days, longer if walls need significant repair.
Sources & methodology
Prices are compiled from published provider price lists, government fee schedules and quotes, then adjusted for 2026. See how we price.