How Much Does Interior House Painting Cost in Washington D.C., DC?
Washington D.C. pricing is 35% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-subtropical climate conditions, and Washington D.C.'s government-defense-lobbying economy.See our methodology
Interior House Painting Pricing in Washington D.C., DC
Washington D.C. is a high-cost market where interior house painting runs about 35% above the national average. The city's government-defense-lobbying economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 690K, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in interior house painting costs here. Hot humid summers and cold winters create year-round HVAC demand; historic preservation rules affect renovation costs.
Market-specific factors matter in Washington D.C.: high cost of living and government contractor rates inflate all service pricing; historic district rules can double renovation costs.
Washington D.C. has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your interior house painting project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
Washington D.C. vs National Average
What Affects Interior House Painting Cost in Washington D.C.?
Room Count
Average per room: $300-$800 depending on size
Paint Quality
Builder-grade: $25-$35/gallon. Premium: $50-$80/gallon
Ceiling Height
Rooms over 9 feet add 20-30% to labor costs
Condition
Walls needing extensive patching or priming add $200-$500 per room
Washington D.C. Market Conditions
high cost of living and government contractor rates inflate all service pricing; historic district rules can double renovation costs
Local Climate Impact
hot humid summers and cold winters create year-round HVAC demand; historic preservation rules affect renovation costs
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Top-Rated Interior House Painting Pros in Washington D.C., DC
3 providersFirst Choice Restoration
⭐ PREMIUMServing Washington D.C. and surrounding areas since 1994. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.
All-Pro Roofing & Siding
⭐ PREMIUMServing Washington D.C. and surrounding areas since 2011. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.
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Tips to Save on Interior House Painting in Washington D.C.
- 1.Do your own prep work (moving furniture, taping)
- 2.Choose standard paint over premium brands
- 3.Paint multiple rooms at once for volume discounts
- 4.Get quotes during winter when painters are less busy
- 5.In Washington D.C., verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
📈 Interior House Painting in Washington D.C. Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,211 | — |
| 2021 | $3,346 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $3,563 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $3,663 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $3,780 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Interior House Painting in Washington D.C.
Recent Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does interior painting take?
A single room takes 4-8 hours. A full house (3-4 bedrooms) takes 3-5 days.
How often should you repaint interior walls?
Every 5-7 years for most rooms. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens may need repainting every 3-4 years.
Why does interior house painting cost different in Washington D.C. than other cities?
Washington D.C.'s costs reflect local labor rates driven by the government-defense-lobbying economy, humid-subtropical climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The expensive labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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