The cost to paint the interior of a house in Maryland in 2025 typically ranges from $2.00 to $6.00 per square foot, depending on factors such as room size, wall and ceiling condition, paint type, and finish choices. For a standard 2,000-square-foot home, homeowners should expect to spend between $4,000 and $10,000, which aligns with Maryland averages and verified contractor pricing. This wide range reflects the variability in prep work, the use of specialty paints, and additional features like high ceilings, crown molding, or built-in shelving that increase labor requirements.
Understanding these price ranges and the cost drivers behind them helps Maryland homeowners plan realistically for their interior house painting and avoid unexpected expenses.
Common Cost Ranges in Maryland
- Maryland average per square foot: $2.00–$6.00 (covers walls and ceilings with mid-grade paint, two coats)
- Typical 2,000 sq ft home: $4,000–$10,000 (labor and materials included)
- Example single room (12’ x 12’): $275–$500+ depending on prep and finish choices
- Low-cost partial/basic jobs: $0.85–$1.00 per sq ft, often quoted by budget painters for minimal prep work
These ranges illustrate how interior painting costs scale depending on the size of the project and the scope of services included.
Maryland Interior Painting Cost Table (2025)
| Home Size (Sq Ft) | Estimated Range | Notes |
| 1,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 | Small home or townhouse |
| 2,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 | Standard suburban home |
| 2,500 | $5,000 – $12,500 | Larger single-family house |
| 3,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 | Multi-story or high-detail home |
Local Maryland Examples:
- Bethesda, MD (2025): Full interior painting projects reported at $5,000–$9,000.
- Budget painter rate: Around $0.93 per sq ft for simple walls with minimal prep.
Key Pricing Influences
The square-foot averages provide a baseline, but several factors impact final pricing for interior painting in Maryland:
1. Prep Work and Repairs
Holes, cracks, peeling paint, or rough drywall increase costs because painters must spend time sanding, patching, caulking, and repairing before applying paint. Neglected walls can add hundreds of dollars to a project.
2. Specialty Rooms
- Bathrooms and kitchens often require moisture- and mildew-resistant paints that cost more per gallon.
- Basements may require stain-blocking or anti-mold coatings.
These products enhance durability but increase total costs.
3. Ceilings, Trim, and Accents
Walls may form the bulk of the job, but ceilings and trim are often priced separately:
- Ceilings: Add complexity, especially if they are textured or vaulted.
- Trim and doors: Typically $1–$3 per linear foot or priced per unit.
- Accent walls: May cost extra due to specialized paint or color changes.
4. Architectural Features
Maryland’s housing stock includes many older homes with high ceilings, crown molding, and built-in shelves. These details significantly raise labor time and may require finer brushes, ladders, and specialized finishes.
5. Paint Quality
- Standard paints: $25–$40 per gallon.
- Premium brands: $50–$60+ per gallon.
While premium paints raise upfront costs, they often provide better coverage, fewer coats, and longer-lasting results—worth considering in humid or high-traffic areas.
Labor and Paint Costs in Maryland
Labor
Labor is the single largest factor in interior painting prices.
- Average Maryland painter wage (2025): ~$22 per hour.
- Multi-person crews: Often required for full-home jobs, increasing efficiency but also overall labor expense.
- Metro areas: Expect higher labor costs in Montgomery County, Baltimore, and the D.C. suburbs compared to more rural counties.
Paint and Materials
Paint is the second-largest cost driver. A typical 2,000-square-foot home requires 15–25 gallons depending on number of coats, wall condition, and paint brand. Supplies like tape, primer, rollers, and drop cloths are usually included in estimates but can vary by contractor.
Maryland vs. National Interior Painting Costs
Nationally, interior painting costs in 2025 average $3–$5 per square foot, placing Maryland squarely in the mid-to-upper end of the scale. The state’s slightly higher averages are tied to:
- Labor market costs: Maryland painters face higher insurance and licensing requirements.
- Housing styles: Older and historic homes require more prep and detailed work.
- Regional demand: Higher demand in suburban counties near Washington, D.C. often inflates pricing.
Room-by-Room Cost Examples
While whole-home costs provide a useful overview, many Maryland homeowners choose to repaint one or two rooms at a time. Here are some 2025 averages:
- Bedroom (12’ x 12’): $275–$500
- Living Room (16’ x 20’): $600–$1,200
- Bathroom: $300–$600 (moisture-resistant paint required)
- Kitchen: $500–$1,000 (cabinet painting adds significant cost)
Additional Considerations for Maryland Homes
High Ceilings
Homes with 10-foot or vaulted ceilings require ladders, scaffolding, and more paint, often adding 20%–40% to costs.
Historic Properties
Maryland’s older homes in places like Annapolis and Frederick may require specialty paints or delicate restoration, further raising expenses.
Climate Factors
Maryland’s humid summers and cold winters mean premium paints with mold- and moisture-resistance are often recommended, especially for basements and bathrooms.
Recommendations for Homeowners
To make the most of your investment in an interior painting project:
- Request Detailed Quotes
Make sure bids specify exactly what’s included: walls, ceilings, trim, closets, doors, and repairs. - Compare Paint Brands
Ask contractors which paints they use. Premium paints may cost more but deliver longer-lasting results. - Check References and Portfolios
Local experience matters. Review before-and-after photos of previous Maryland projects and confirm customer satisfaction. - Plan Around Your Schedule
Full-home jobs often take 5–10 days depending on crew size. Plan ahead if you need rooms accessible during the project. - Consider Longevity
Spending more on prep work and high-quality paints can extend the life of your paint job by several years, saving money over time.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Maryland homeowners can expect to pay $2.00–$6.00 per square foot for professional interior painting. For a standard 2,000-square-foot house, that translates to $4,000–$10,000 depending on prep work, paint quality, room type, and architectural features. Labor costs are the largest factor, with local painter wages averaging $22 per hour and Maryland’s licensing requirements pushing rates slightly above the national average.
By securing multiple quotes, clarifying inclusions, and investing in quality materials, Maryland homeowners can achieve both aesthetic upgrades and long-term value when repainting their interiors.
