Painter Costs in Philadelphia, PA
Professional painters in Philadelphia charge $45–$72/hr per hour. Paint costs $33–$74/gal per gallon from local Philadelphia paint stores and home improvement retailers. An average 12×14 room costs $285–$470 professionally including labour and paint.
DIY painting a standard room in Philadelphia costs $99–$203 in paint and supplies — saving 60–70% vs hiring a professional. Use the calculator above to estimate your exact project cost.
Philadelphia Paint Cost Reference Table
| Project | DIY Cost | Professional Cost in Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (12×14) | $99–$203 | $285–$470 |
| Whole house interior | $960–$1980 | $1,815–$3,960 |
| Exterior (average home) | $596–$1288 | $1,543–$4,356 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $130–$261 | $1100–$1840 |
Painting in Philadelphia's Climate
Philadelphia has a large stock of pre-1978 row homes with lead paint — always test before sanding or stripping old surfaces. The city's brick row home architecture requires masonry-specific exterior primers and paints. South Philly and North Philly row homes are typically painted brick.
Best time to paint in Philadelphia: April through October. The humid Philly summers are manageable for exterior painting with proper timing around afternoon heat.
Philadelphia Neighborhoods & Painting Tips
High-demand painting areas include Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Fairmount, South Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill, and the Main Line suburbs. Philadelphia's revitalizing neighborhoods have strong renovation painting demand.
How to Find a Painter in Philadelphia
Get multiple quotes. Philadelphia painter prices vary significantly — get at least three quotes for any professional job. Prices often differ by 30–50% for identical work.
Verify insurance. Always confirm your painter carries liability insurance and workers' compensation before work begins. Ask to see the certificate of insurance directly.
Check reviews. Google and Yelp reviews are reliable indicators of quality. Look for painters with 20+ reviews and a consistent track record.
Use the calculator first. Know your paint quantities before meeting contractors — it helps you evaluate quotes and prevents overpaying for materials.
Related Paint Calculators
- Paint Calculator Pennsylvania →
- Bedroom Paint Calculator →
- Exterior Paint Calculator →
- Whole House Paint Calculator →
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? →
- Cost to Paint Exterior of House →
- Best Exterior Paint for Houses →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a room in Philadelphia?
Professional painters in Philadelphia charge $45–$72/hr. An average room costs $285–$470 professionally. DIY painting costs $60–$150 in paint and supplies.
How much paint do I need for a room in Philadelphia?
A standard 12×14 room needs about 2 gallons for two coats. Enter your exact dimensions in the Philadelphia paint calculator above for a precise estimate.
How much does exterior painting cost in Philadelphia?
Exterior painting for an average Philadelphia home costs $1,815–$3,960 professionally. DIY costs $400–$1,200 in paint and supplies.
What is the best exterior paint for Philadelphia's climate?
Philadelphia has a large stock of pre-1978 row homes with lead paint — always test before sanding or stripping old surfaces. The city's brick row home architecture requires masonry-specific exterior primers and paints. South Philly and North Philly row homes are typically painted brick.
When is the best time to paint a house in Philadelphia?
April through October. The humid Philly summers are manageable for exterior painting with proper timing around afternoon heat.
How do I find a good painter in Philadelphia?
Get at least three quotes from licensed and insured painters. Check Google reviews, verify liability insurance, and ask for references. Philadelphia painters typically book 4–6 weeks in advance.