2026 Pricing · New Jersey Homeowners · Interior & Exterior
How Much Does House Painting Cost in New Jersey? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Updated for 2026 · By Solis Painting Company (NJ Licensed & Insured · Two-Year Warranty)
2026 Pricing Guide: Pricing varies most based on prep/repairs, surfaces, access, and the finish system (primer + 1 vs 2 coats).TL;DR — 2026 NJ Painting Cost Ranges
Interior painting: often $3-$7 per sq. ft. (home footprint basis) depending on prep, finishes, and detail work.
Exterior painting: commonly $2.00-$5.50 per sq. ft. (surface pricing varies with access, condition, and siding type).
Whole-home ballpark: many NJ homeowners land roughly in the $4,000-$10,000 range for a ~2,000 sq. ft. home depending on scope and prep.
Biggest "price movers": surface repairs, scraping/sanding, height/stories, trim complexity, and whether you're painting cabinets/doors/railings.
Fastest way to get an accurate number: an on-site estimate that includes prep + materials + coats + cleanup.
Cost ranges based on actual New Jersey pricing for interior and exterior painting projects. (Updated December, 2025 )
2026 New Jersey House Painting Cost Table (Interior vs Exterior)
If you're comparing quotes, you'll usually see pricing expressed one of three ways: per square foot, per room, or per project scope (especially for exteriors and detailed trim).
Here are realistic ranges NJ homeowners can use as a starting point.
Project Type
Typical NJ Cost Range
What's Usually Included
What Often Adds Cost
Interior painting (walls/ceilings/trim)
$3-$7 per sq. ft. (home footprint basis)
Protection, patching, sanding, primer as needed, 2-coat system, cleanup
High ceilings, heavy repairs, multiple colors, detailed trim/wainscoting
Exterior painting (siding + trim)
$2-$5.50 per sq. ft. (varies by surface/access)
Power washing, scraping/sanding, priming, caulk, 2-coat finish, cleanup
Peeling paint, rotten wood repair, multi-story access, lots of shutters/trim
Whole home (~2,000 sq. ft.)
$4,000-$10,000 (scope-dependent)
Depends on interior vs exterior scope and prep needs
Cost ranges based on actual New Jersey pricing for interior and exterior painting projects. (Updated December, 2025 )
What Actually Changes the Price of Painting in NJ?
Two homes can be the same size and get very different quotes. Here are the factors that most often explain the gap.
1) Prep and repair (the #1 driver of long-lasting results)
Peeling paint, cracked trim, damaged shingles, drywall issues, water stains, and failing caulk all add labor — but skipping them is usually what causes early failure.
Solis is known for thorough prep and repair before paint is applied.
Learn more about Solis' full exterior prep process on the House Painting page and interior prep steps on the Interior Painting page.
2) Surfaces and details (trim, shutters, doors, railings, cabinetry)
Detailed work takes time: sanding, masking, and clean lines. The more "pieces" (doors, shutters, crown, wainscoting, built-ins), the more labor hours.
3) Access and height (stories, steep grades, tight landscaping)
Two-story homes, dormers, and hard-to-reach areas can require ladders, scaffolding, or special access planning. That increases labor and safety requirements.
4) Coats, primers, and paint system quality
A proper system (primer + two coats where needed) costs more than a "quick refresh," but it's what typically holds up in NJ weather.
Solis regularly uses premium paint systems such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams on many projects (varies by scope and surface).
Decision tip (used by NJ homeowners comparing painting estimates):
When comparing estimates, ask: "How much prep is included?" and "What paint system (primer/coats) is included on each surface?"
The cheapest quote is often the one that assumes the least prep.
How to Estimate Your New Jersey Painting Cost
You can ballpark your New Jersey painting cost in a few quick steps before you schedule an on-site estimate.
Measure or approximate your square footage:
For many NJ homes, interior painting runs roughly $3-$7 per sq. ft. and exterior work runs about $2-$5.50 per sq. ft. depending on prep, height, and detail work.
Decide on interior, exterior, or both:
Interior-only projects (walls, ceilings, trim) land at the lower end of the range when prep is light, while full exterior systems with siding and trim fall toward the middle or upper end.
Assess prep and repairs:
Peeling paint, rotten wood, water stains, cracked drywall, and detailed trim or cabinetry can move your quote toward the higher end because they add labor and materials.
Use a whole-home ballpark, then confirm on-site:
For a ~2,000 sq. ft. NJ home, many homeowners land somewhere in the $4,000-$10,000+ range depending on whether they're doing interior, exterior, or both-then a free, on-site estimate dials in the exact number.
Quick Checklist: How to Get an Accurate Painting Estimate (Without Wasting Time)
Define your scope: interior, exterior, or both — and list surfaces (walls, ceilings, trim, doors, shutters, cabinets, railings).
How much does it cost to paint a house interior in New Jersey in 2026?
Most interior painting projects in New Jersey fall between $3 and $7 per square foot, depending on prep, ceiling height, trim detail, and number of coats.
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in New Jersey in 2026?
Exterior house painting in New Jersey typically costs 2.00-$5.50 per square foot, with pricing influenced by surface condition, access, number of stories, siding type, and the amount of prep and repair required.
What's the biggest factor that changes a painting quote?
Surface preparation and repairs are the biggest factors affecting cost. Peeling paint, rotted wood, cracked drywall, heavy sanding, and priming significantly increase labor time but are essential for long-lasting results.
Is it cheaper to paint in winter in New Jersey?
Interior painting can be easier to schedule in winter and may offer more flexibility, while exterior painting depends on temperature, moisture levels, and proper curing conditions rather than seasonal discounts.
How do I compare painting estimates fairly?
Compare written scopes of work that clearly list prep steps, repairs included, primer and coat counts, paint brands, cleanup details, and warranty coverage-not just the final price.
Does Solis Painting include a warranty?
Yes. Solis Painting provides a two-year workmanship warranty on residential painting projects, along with licensed, insured service and professional surface preparation. Schedule an estimate to get a scope and price for your home.
How long does a professional paint job last in New Jersey?
With proper preparation and high-quality materials, professional interior paint jobs typically last 7-10 years, while exterior paint jobs usually last 5-8 years, depending on exposure and maintenance.
Why House Painting Costs More in New Jersey Than National Averages
New Jersey painting costs tend to be higher due to labor rates, insurance requirements, detailed prep expectations, weather exposure, and EPA safety compliance. These factors increase quality and durability but also impact pricing compared to national averages.
On-site Estimates for Accurate Pricing
About the Author
Solis Painting Company is a top-rated, family-owned residential painting contractor serving New Jersey homeowners for over 20 years.
Known for detailed surface preparation, reliable scheduling, premium paint systems, and meticulous cleanup, Solis delivers long-lasting interior and exterior results backed by a two-year warranty.
At Solis, we take pride in approaching every aspect of your painting project with professionalism - from estimate through your final inspection of our work. Give us a call today at 908-531-4554 to discover how Solis leaves a great lasting impression.