Planning to repaint your Bronx home or apartment? Before you pick up the phone to call a painter, you need to know what things actually cost in this market. Painting prices in New York City and in the Bronx specifically are higher than the national average, and for good reasons. Labor rates, building access challenges, older building stock, and the cost of living all push prices up. However, getting accurate numbers upfront means no surprises when the estimate arrives.
This interior painting cost guide for Bronx, NY homes breaks down real 2025 pricing by room, by apartment size, by paint type, and by the extra factors that most homeowners do not think about until they see the final bill. Whether you are a homeowner, a landlord, a co-op or condo owner, or a property manager, this guide gives you everything you need to budget accurately and hire confidently.
What Is the Average Interior Painting Cost in the Bronx, NY?
Let’s start with the number most people want right away. Locally in the Bronx, interior painting prices average around $5.25 per square foot — higher than the national figure due to elevated labor rates and the logistical challenges of navigating tight spaces in NYC buildings.
Nationally, the cost of an interior painting project can range from $350 to $5,800, with a national average of $2,021. However, New York City consistently runs above the national average. The cost to paint the interior of a house in New York averages $2,299, with most homeowners spending between $1,237 and $3,663.
For context, NYC professionals typically charge $50 per hour, $5.25 per square foot, or $400 per day. These are the baseline numbers to keep in mind as you read through the full breakdown below.
Interior Painting Cost Per Square Foot in NYC — 2025 Rates
Square footage is the most reliable starting point for any painting estimate. Here is what the data says for New York City in 2025.
In NYC, professional painters charge between $5.25 and $10.62 per square foot. A standard 10×12 room may cost between $300 and $800, depending on the factors involved.
Labor typically accounts for 70–80% of the total cost, or $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Materials — including paint, primer, tape, drop cloths, and supplies — usually account for the remaining 20–30%.
Across the country, the average cost to paint the interior of a house is $2.75 per square foot. If you include walls, trim, and ceilings together, that cost rises to $4.70 per square foot. In the Bronx and across New York City, expect to pay above both of those national figures.
Quick reference – NYC interior painting cost per square foot:
| Scope | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Walls only (basic job) | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Walls + trim + ceilings | $4.70 – $10.62 |
| Premium or specialty finishes | $7.00+ |
Room-by-Room Painting Cost Breakdown
Not every room costs the same to paint. Size, layout, surface type, humidity, and the finish required all affect the price. Here is what you can expect to pay for each space in a typical Bronx home or apartment.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are among the most straightforward and affordable spaces to paint, usually ranging from $300 to $700. In NYC specifically, a medium room such as a bedroom typically costs $800 to $2,500 or more. The higher NYC range reflects elevated labor rates and older wall conditions that often require more prep work before painting can begin.
Bathroom
On average, bathroom painting costs range from $200 to $500 nationally. The high humidity in these spaces often requires mold- or mildew-resistant paint, and extra care is needed when masking cabinets, mirrors, or tiles. In NYC, the average cost to paint a bathroom is $150 to $400. For a Bronx bathroom, budget toward the higher end of that range, as prep and moisture-resistant materials add to the cost.
Kitchen
In NYC, the cost to paint a kitchen typically ranges from $400 to $1,200. Kitchens typically cost between $400 and $900, depending on layout and prep needs. Because they contain built-in fixtures, cabinets, and appliances, extra labor is required to mask surfaces before painting properly. Durable, washable paint finishes are also recommended for kitchen environments, which can add to material costs.
Living Room
Living rooms are generally larger than bedrooms and more challenging to paint. Cost is usually between $600 and $1,500. High walls or cathedral ceilings increase the cost of a large living room, since painters must use ladders or scaffolds. The living room painting cost is also higher due to the addition of trim, doors, or built-in features.
Ceilings and Trim
Painting ceilings and trim can add $500 to $1,000 to the total cost, depending on the area’s size and detail. In older Bronx buildings with ornate crown molding or high ceilings, this figure can climb higher still.
Accent Wall
Adding an accent wall generally increases the project budget by 20–30% because of higher paint and material costs. In addition, there is the need for extra taping and drying time.
Room-by-room cost summary for NYC / Bronx:
| Room | National Range | NYC / Bronx Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | $300 – $700 | $800 – $2,500 |
| Bathroom | $200 – $500 | $150 – $400 |
| Kitchen | $400 – $900 | $400 – $1,200 |
| Living Room | $600 – $1,500 | $600 – $1,500+ |
| Ceilings + Trim | Add $500 – $1,000 | Add $500 – $1,000+ |
Apartment Painting Costs by Size
For landlords, property managers, and apartment owners in the Bronx, here is the full cost breakdown by apartment size.
Studio Apartment
A studio apartment costs approximately $1,000 to $2,500 to paint in NYC. For 550 square feet at NYC’s average rate, you’ll spend roughly $2,887 including materials and labor.
One-Bedroom Apartment
On average, painting a 1-bedroom apartment in NYC can range from $2,000 to $4,500. Real-world examples include a 700-square-foot one-bedroom apartment being painted for $2,500, with a broader range of $2,650 to $4,928 for a one-bedroom unit.
Two-Bedroom Apartment
The cost to paint a two-bedroom apartment in NYC typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, with some estimates ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 for larger apartments between 500 and 900 square feet. For labor alone, expect several days of work totaling $2,000 or more, plus at least four gallons of paint for two coats.
Three-Bedroom Apartment or Larger
For apartments with three or more bedrooms, painting costs in NYC can escalate considerably, often exceeding $10,000 for units larger than 1,000 square feet, with some estimates placing the range at $3,500 to $6,000 or more depending on the specific dimensions, number of rooms, and complexity of the layout.
Apartment painting cost summary — NYC / Bronx:
| Apartment Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 2-Bedroom | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| 3-Bedroom+ | $3,500 – $10,000+ |
What Factors Affect Interior Painting Costs in the Bronx?
Understanding what drives the price helps you plan a realistic budget and avoid unexpected costs when the estimate comes in.
Square Footage
The bigger the space, the more paint and labor it takes. Larger rooms generally have a lower interior painting price per square foot because painters can work more efficiently in open spaces. Conversely, smaller rooms with lots of trim, corners, and obstacles may cost more per square foot due to the additional detail work required.
Surface Preparation
Surface prep like patching, sanding, and priming adds $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot, especially in older NYC homes. If you need to remove wallpaper before painting, expect to pay $3 per square foot for professional removal. Furthermore, if a room requires drywall fixes before the paint can be applied, drywall repair costs can add an average of $600 to your budget, depending on the severity.
Skim Coating
In many older Bronx apartments, walls are uneven or have built-up texture from decades of painting. The average cost for skim coating is around $0.98 per square foot; however, the cost for a standard room can range from $300 to $1,200, and quotes can even reach $12 per square foot in extreme cases.
Ceiling Height
Standard 8-foot ceilings are the baseline for most estimates. If you have 10-foot, 12-foot, or vaulted ceilings, expect to pay 20–40% more due to the additional time and equipment needed.
Paint Quality
Paint costs can range from $30 to $100 per gallon, depending on the brand and quality. High-end paints like Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Farrow & Ball increase material costs but may provide better coverage and durability. Budget options cost $15 to $30 per gallon, while premium brands like Benjamin Moore cost $50 or more, covering 400 square feet per gallon.
Number of Coats
Using multiple colors or creating accent walls requires more time for taping and transitioning between paints, which can increase the interior painting price per square foot by $0.50 to $1. Dark-to-light color changes often require additional coats, raising both labor and material costs.
Urban and Building-Specific Factors
Urban areas like the Bronx face higher costs due to parking fees, union labor, and building regulations. For instance, HOA approvals in condos can add delays and fees. Walk-up buildings, lack of parking, or high-rise apartments may incur additional fees due to the increased effort required to transport materials and equipment.
Paint Types, Finishes, and Material Costs Explained
Choosing the right paint finish for each room is not just about looks — it also affects durability, ease of cleaning, and long-term cost.
Paint Finish Guide by Room
Flat finishes are among the most cost-effective and are a great choice for common spaces that do not see a lot of moisture. It is recommended not to use them in kitchens, bathrooms, or children’s bedrooms. Eggshell and satin paint finishes are a great option for any room in your house because they are durable and low maintenance. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are usually best for trim and baseboards due to their durability.
Recommended finishes by room:
| Room | Recommended Finish |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | Flat or eggshell |
| Living Room | Eggshell or satin |
| Kitchen | Satin or semi-gloss |
| Bathroom | Semi-gloss or moisture-resistant |
| Trim and Baseboards | Semi-gloss or gloss |
Material Cost Breakdown
Paint costs $15 to $40 per gallon for standard options, depending on the brand and paint finish. Long-lasting, high-gloss, and stain-blocking or mold-resistant paint costs more and can push up your material costs. Primer costs around $10 per gallon, covering approximately 100 square feet with a single coat. Supplies including brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and other materials can add $50 to $150 to the total cost.
Low-VOC and Eco-Friendly Paint
If you are painting an occupied apartment or a home with children, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint is an important consideration. Low-VOC paints produce fewer fumes, making them safer for indoor air quality — particularly relevant in Bronx apartments where ventilation can be limited. These paints typically cost slightly more per gallon than standard options but are widely available from brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
Special Considerations for Older Bronx Buildings
This section matters especially for Bronx homeowners, landlords, and property managers. A large portion of the Bronx’s residential building stock is older — and older buildings bring specific painting challenges and costs that newer homes do not have.
Lead Paint – A Critical Safety Issue
New York City’s Local Law 31 mandates lead inspections in buildings constructed before 1960. This is a legal requirement that landlords must take seriously. On average, lead paint inspection costs $500, with most homeowners paying between $300 and $700.
If lead paint is found, remediation is required. Encapsulation — which seals lead paint beneath a protective barrier — costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. Complete removal, which involves stripping surfaces and rebuilding them, ranges from $8 to $17 per square foot.
Do not skip this step in any Bronx building built before 1960, or between 1960 and 1978 if lead paint is suspected. If lead-based paint hazards are detected, solutions like encapsulation or removal may be necessary, adding significantly to the overall cost.
Plaster Walls in Old Bronx Apartments
Many older Bronx apartments have plaster walls rather than modern drywall. Plaster is harder and more durable, but it also cracks over time and requires specialized surface preparation before painting. Hairline cracks, uneven patches, and peeling layers from decades of repainting all need to be addressed before a new coat can be applied properly. The condition of walls, including the need for repairs or extensive preparation, can add significantly to the overall cost — especially in prewar buildings with detailed trim, textured walls, or old wallpaper.
Moisture, Mold, and Peeling Paint
In the Bronx, where humidity affects durability, moisture-resistant paints are recommended to prevent future touch-ups and mold growth. Addressing existing mold or mildew staining before repainting is essential — painting over an active mold problem without treatment will not solve it and can result in the new coat failing quickly. Always treat and dry affected surfaces thoroughly before any paint is applied.
Wallpaper Removal
Many older Bronx homes and apartments still have wallpaper — sometimes several layers deep. If you need to remove wallpaper before painting, expect to pay $3 per square foot for professional removal. This cost can add up significantly in a whole-apartment project and should always be included in your estimate upfront.
How Do Painters Charge – By Hour, Room, or Square Foot?
Understanding how painters price their work helps you evaluate quotes more accurately and avoid being overcharged.
NYC professionals typically charge $50 per hour, $5.25 per square foot, or $400 per day. However, most professional residential painting contractors in the Bronx will quote by project or by square foot rather than by the hour, because an hourly quote gives the homeowner less budget certainty.
Professional painters include the cost of labor in the total estimate, which often accounts for 75% to 95% of the total cost. That means materials are a relatively small share of what you pay the skill, time, and expertise of the crew is where most of your money goes.
Pricing method comparison:
| Method | Typical NYC Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Per square foot | $5.25 – $10.62 | Whole apartments, full rooms |
| Per hour | $50/hr | Small touch-ups, single walls |
| Per day | $400/day | Smaller projects |
| Per project | Varies | Most common for full interiors |
Most reputable painting contractors in the Bronx will provide a written, itemized estimate that breaks down labor, materials, number of coats, and prep work separately. Always request this level of detail before agreeing to any job.
Tips to Get an Accurate Painting Estimate in the Bronx
Getting the right estimate — not just the cheapest one — saves you money and headaches in the long run. Here is how to approach the process.
Get at least three quotes. Reach out to local licensed NYC painting contractors to get several detailed quotes. Compare hourly or per-square-foot rates, ask about all included items, and do not just focus on the bottom line — compare the scope of work, materials included, and each company’s reputation.
Know your square footage. Measure the square footage of wall space — not floor space. Multiply room length by height for each wall, then add all walls together. Subtract about 20 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each standard window.
Ask about prep work specifically. Prep is where surprise costs hide. Ask your contractor directly: is wall patching included? Will they skim coat? Is primer included in the price? Is wallpaper removal included if needed?
Budget for contingencies. Set aside 10–15% for contingencies. In the Bronx, also budget for permits if needed.
Time your project strategically. Costs can vary seasonally, with late fall and winter often offering the best time to paint, as demand is lower and some contractors offer discounted rates.
Save money without cutting quality. Purchasing paint and supplies independently can reduce costs if you ensure compatibility with the painter’s preferred materials. Handling tasks like moving furniture, cleaning walls, and minor repairs can decrease labor expenses. Booking painting services during less busy times, such as winter months, may lead to discounted rates.
Why Hire Brilliant Renovation LLC for Interior Painting in the Bronx?
With over 12 years of hands-on experience serving the Bronx County, Westchester County, and the greater New York area, Brilliant Renovation LLC understands exactly what interior painting in this market involves. We know the older buildings, the plaster walls, the moisture issues, the building regulations, and the real cost drivers that generic online calculators miss entirely.
We provide professional residential and commercial interior painting services for homeowners, landlords, co-op and condo owners, and property managers. Beyond painting, our full-service renovation capabilities — including drywall, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, masonry, roofing, and more — mean we can address every underlying issue before the first drop of paint goes on.
When you hire us, you get a detailed, itemized written estimate with no hidden costs, experienced local crews who understand Bronx-specific building challenges, and a team that stands behind the quality of every job.
Call Brilliant Renovation LLC today for your FREE estimate: +1 917-705-4571 🌐 brilliantrenovationllc.com
Serving: Bronx, NY · Yonkers · Mount Vernon · New Rochelle · White Plains · Westchester County and all nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost for interior painting in the Bronx runs between $5.25 and $10.62 per square foot, which is above the national average due to higher NYC labor rates, building access challenges, and older building stock. For a full apartment, most Bronx homeowners spend between $2,000 and $7,000 depending on apartment size and condition. Call Brilliant Renovation LLC at +1 917-705-4571 for a free, accurate estimate for your specific property.
The cost to paint a two-bedroom apartment in NYC typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, with some estimates going as high as $6,000 to $10,000 for apartments between 500 and 900 square feet. The final cost depends on wall condition, ceiling height, paint quality, and whether extra prep work like skim coating or wallpaper removal is needed.
NYC professionals typically charge $50 per hour, $5.25 per square foot, or $400 per day. Most professional contractors quote full projects by square footage or total project cost. Always request a written, itemized estimate before agreeing to any work.
What paint finish is best for a bathroom or kitchen in the Bronx?
For bathrooms, semi-gloss or moisture-resistant paint is the best choice because of the high humidity environment. The high humidity in bathrooms often requires mold- or mildew-resistant paint for long-lasting results. For kitchens, satin or semi-gloss finishes are recommended because they are easy to wipe clean and hold up to grease and steam.
How often should I repaint the interior of my home?
You should repaint your home’s interior every three to ten years. High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms may need repainting more frequently due to wear and tear. Factors like pets, quality of the previous paint job, type of paint used, and sunlight exposure can influence how soon repainting is needed.
What type of paint is best for old Bronx apartments?
Older Bronx apartments — especially those with plaster walls and high humidity — benefit from moisture-resistant, low-VOC interior paints with a satin or eggshell finish on walls. In the Bronx, where humidity affects durability, moisture-resistant paints are recommended to prevent future touch-ups. For trim, semi-gloss or gloss provides durability and easy cleaning.
Should I hire a professional painter or do it myself?
For small touch-ups, DIY is reasonable. However, for full rooms or apartments — especially in older Bronx buildings with plaster walls, lead paint concerns, or extensive prep needs — professional painting delivers far better, longer-lasting results. Hiring a pro ensures quality work, as they bring professional tools and expertise to the project. Furthermore, any surface with suspected lead paint must be handled by licensed professionals under NYC and EPA regulations.
Why is painting in NYC more expensive than the national average?
Several factors drive NYC painting costs above the national average. Urban areas like the Bronx face higher costs due to parking fees, union labor, and building regulations. Additionally, labor rates are notably higher in NYC due to building access challenges, licensing requirements, and the demand for skilled crews. Older building stock also means more prep work, which adds to the total cost of every job.
Is interior painting worth the investment when selling a home in the Bronx?
Yes, absolutely. Interior painting can yield over 100% return on investment when selling your home, making it one of the smartest updates a homeowner can make. A fresh, clean paint job is also one of the first things buyers and renters notice. For landlords and property managers in the Bronx, repainting between tenants is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect and increase your property’s value.
What happens if I skip wall prep before painting?
Skipping surface preparation is one of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make. Paint applied over cracked, peeling, or uneven walls will not adhere properly and will begin to fail in months rather than years. In the Bronx’s older building stock, thorough prep — including patching, priming, and in some cases skim coating — is not optional. It is what separates a paint job that lasts 5–10 years from one that needs to be redone in 2.
About Brilliant Renovation LLC
Brilliant Renovation LLC is your local home renovation and remodeling construction company serving the Bronx County, Westchester County, and the greater New York area. With over 12 years of experience, we provide residential and commercial bathroom and kitchen remodeling, drywall, driveways, roofing, skylights, masonry, siding, gutters, chimney repairs, and installations.
- Free Estimate: +1 917-705-4571
- brilliantrenovationllc.com
Serving: Bronx NY · Yonkers · Mount Vernon · New Rochelle · White Plains · Westchester County · Riverdale · Fordham · Pelham Bay · South Bronx and all nearby neighborhoods.
