Guide · Updated October 2026
painting cost guide Sydney.
Wondering what your project should cost? Here are current Sydney market ranges for the most common jobs, so you can budget with confidence and compare your quotes properly.
How much does painting cost in Sydney?
In 2026, painting a house or apartment in Sydney typically costs $3,000–$14,000 for an interior and $5,000–$18,000+ for an exterior. A full repaint inside and out usually costs $9,000–$22,000+. Most painters quote a fixed price per job, or around $18–$60 per square metre, depending on preparation, access and property size.
| At a glance | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Interior repaint (apartment or house) | $3,000–$14,000 |
| Exterior repaint | $5,000–$18,000+ |
| Full repaint, inside and out | $9,000–$22,000+ |
| Per square metre | $18–$60 per m² |
How to read these prices
Ranges are compiled from independent Sydney cost guides published in 2025–2026 and include GST where stated. They are a guide only, not a Next Coat quote. Your price depends on the size, condition and access of your project.
Interior painting cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Per square metre (walls) | $20–$45 per m² |
| Bedroom (walls and ceiling) | $600–$1,600 |
| Living room | $1,500–$3,200 |
| Bathroom (with anti-mould paint) | $900–$1,400 |
| Hallway (walls and ceiling) | $800–$1,200 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Whole interior, 3-bedroom house | $5,000–$14,000 |
The range is wide because preparation varies so much. A room with patching, stained ceilings or a dark colour to cover takes far longer than a room in good condition.
Interior painters SydneyExterior painting cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Per square metre | $30–$60 per m² |
| Single-storey house | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Double-storey house | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Rendered home (premium system) | $14,000–$22,000 |
| Federation or period home | $10,000–$24,000 |
Exterior prices depend on height and access, the amount of scraping, sanding and repairs, and the paint system. Sydney sun, salt air and rain make a quality exterior paint worth the extra cost.
Exterior house painters SydneyRoof painting cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Tile roof (clean and 2–3 coats) | $15–$35 per m² |
| Metal or Colorbond roof | $20–$40 per m² |
| Typical 3-bedroom home | $2,500–$6,900 |
| Pressure clean only | $300–$800 |
Broken tiles, ridge capping and rust repairs are priced separately. Metal roofs cost more per m² because they need rust treatment and an etch primer.
Roof painting SydneyDriveway painting cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Two-coat acrylic paint | $35–$55 per m² |
| Anti-slip or epoxy coating | $45–$90 per m² |
| Sealing only | $15–$30 per m² |
| Typical single driveway (about 40 m²) | $1,400–$2,400 |
Cleaning, degreasing and crack repairs make the biggest difference to how long a driveway coating lasts. A driveway in poor condition can cost 20–40% more to prepare.
Driveway painting SydneyDeck staining and fence painting cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Deck staining (about 4 × 6 m, including prep) | $1,400–$2,200 |
| Fence painting | $15–$30 per m² |
| Timber paling fence (about 20 m) | $1,800–$2,800 |
Weathered grey timber needs cleaning and sanding before oil or stain can soak in. Both sides of a fence count, so check whether a quote includes your neighbour’s side.
Deck staining and fence painting SydneyPressure cleaning cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Driveway | $170–$460 |
| House wash, single storey | $290–$805 |
| House wash, double storey | $520–$1,275 |
| Roof | $345–$1,500 |
Prices rise with size, stain type (oil, rust, mould) and access. Soft washing is used on render and roofs where high pressure could cause damage.
Pressure cleaning SydneyEpoxy flooring cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Basic garage coating | $40–$60 per m² |
| Standard 2–3 coat system | $60–$90 per m² |
| Decorative flake | $80–$120 per m² |
| Metallic finish | $100–$160 per m² |
| Double garage, flake finish | $2,800–$4,500 |
| Typical minimum charge | $1,500–$2,000 |
Grinding the concrete and repairing cracks is what makes epoxy bond. Moisture problems in the slab add cost and must be fixed first.
Epoxy flooring SydneyCommercial painting cost in Sydney
| Job | Sydney market range |
|---|---|
| Interior walls and ceilings | $20–$45 per m² |
| Exterior facade and render | $40–$90 per m² |
| Warehouse and factory walls | $15–$45 per m² |
| Line marking and floor coating | $30–$55 per m² |
| After-hours loading (2-painter crew) | $250–$900 per day |
| Scaffold or elevated work platform | $500–$2,000 per day |
Commercial jobs are usually priced per project after a site visit. After-hours work, staging around tenants and high access are the main extras.
Commercial painters SydneyWhat affects the price
Preparation and repairs
Patching, crack repairs, sanding and priming are the biggest variable. Major repairs can add $1,500–$4,000 to a house.
Paint quality
Premium paints cost 40–60% more per tin but last noticeably longer, especially on exteriors.
Ceiling height and access
Ceilings over 3 m can add 30–40% to labour. Two-storey exteriors may need scaffold or an elevated platform.
Colour change
Going from a dark colour to a light one often needs an extra coat, adding around $800–$1,500 to a house.
Condition and hidden issues
Mould, timber rot and old lead paint all need treating before painting, and are often left out of cheap quotes.
Period details
Fretwork, sash windows and ornate cornices take more time to prepare and cut in than flat modern walls.
Painting cost questions
How much does it cost to paint a house in Sydney?
In 2026, painting a house or apartment in Sydney typically costs $3,000–$14,000 for an interior and $5,000–$18,000+ for an exterior. A full repaint inside and out usually costs $9,000–$22,000+. The final price depends on size, condition, preparation and the paint system used.
Do painters charge by the hour in Sydney?
Most professional painters quote a fixed price for the whole job rather than an hourly rate. The real cost comes from preparation, repairs, access and the paint system, not just time on the tools. An hourly rate can look cheaper, but it often rises once the job starts, while a fixed quote tells you the price before any work begins.
How much does it cost to paint a room in Sydney?
A bedroom with walls and ceiling typically costs $600–$1,600 and a living room $1,500–$3,200, depending on size, repairs and colour change.
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Quotes differ mostly in preparation. A low quote often means less sanding, patching and priming, or fewer coats, which shortens the life of the finish. Compare what each quote includes, not just the total.
Are these Next Coat prices?
No. These are current Sydney market ranges to help you budget. Next Coat provides a clear, itemised quote after seeing your project, with no obligation.
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