Updated April 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Most painting jobs in Adelaide cost $275–$11,050
from a single room to a whole interior
A single room in Adelaide costs $275–$735. A full 3-bed interior runs $2,750–$7,350. Exterior repainting for a 3-bed house costs $3,675–$9,200. Hourly rates are $46–$92/hr.
+1.5%Painter costs in Adelaide have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Painter Cost in Adelaide
$64
per hour or $25–$45 per square metre (interior)
Per Room
$276–$736
Interior (3-bed)
$3k–$7k
Exterior
$4k–$17k
Budget $46/hrAverage $64/hrPremium $92/hr
Painting in Adelaide costs $46–$92 per hour for a licensed painter, or $275–$735 for a single room (walls and ceiling). A whole-house interior repaint for a 3-bedroom costs $2,750–$7,350, while exterior repainting runs $3,675–$9,200.
We've compiled pricing from painters across Adelaide, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerPainter in Adelaide costs $46–$92 /hr, with most averaging $64 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Adelaide quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Adelaide 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Painter (hourly rate)
$46/hr
$64
$92
Single room (walls + ceiling)
$275per room
$460
$735
Whole interior (3-bed house)
$2,750total
$4,600
$7,350
Whole interior (4-bed house)
$4,150total
$6,450
$11,050
Exterior (single-storey)
$3,675total
$6,000
$9,200
Exterior (two-storey)
$5,500total
$10,100
$16,550
Feature wall
$140per wall
$275
$460
Ceiling only (per room)
$185per room
$295
$460
Door (both sides)
$74per door
$120
$185
Fence painting/staining
$460total
$1,100
$2,300
Deck staining
$460total
$1,000
$1,850
Wallpaper removal + repaint
$460per room
$830
$1,375
Getting quotes for painter work in Adelaide? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Interior painting in Adelaide ($2,750–$7,350 for a 3-bed) is generally cheaper than exterior ($3,675–$9,200) due to weather exposure, scaffolding needs, and prep work on external surfaces.
Surface condition
Freshly plastered walls are easy. Older Adelaide homes with peeling paint, cracks, or wallpaper removal need extensive prep, adding 30–50% to labour costs.
Number of coats
Two coats over a primer is standard. Dark-to-light colour changes may need 3+ coats. Extra coats add 25–40% to paint costs and labour time.
Ceiling height & access
Standard 2.4m ceilings are straightforward. Higher ceilings in older Adelaide homes need scaffolding or platform ladders, increasing cost and time.
Paint quality
Budget paint ($30–$50/tin) vs premium (Dulux Wash & Wear, $70–$100/tin) affects both finish quality and longevity. Most Adelaide painters recommend mid-range to premium for interiors.
Trim & detail work
Painting doors, window frames, skirting boards, and architraves is labour-intensive. A feature wall ($185–$460 in Adelaide) with a different colour or texture adds cost.
How to Save Money on Painter in Adelaide
1
Get quotes from licensed Adelaide painters — prices vary significantly based on scope and prep
2
Ask for a detailed quote that separates prep, painting, and materials
3
Choose mid-range paint (Dulux, Taubmans) — it's better value than budget paint that needs more coats
4
Move furniture and cover floors yourself to save on your Adelaide painter's prep time
5
Ask how many coats are included and whether primer is extra
6
Book Adelaide painting jobs in autumn or spring for the best weather conditions and availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a room in Adelaide?
Painting a single room (walls and ceiling) in Adelaide costs $275–$735. Cost depends on room size, ceiling height, surface condition, and number of coats.
How much does it cost to repaint a whole house interior in Adelaide?
A full interior repaint in Adelaide costs $2,750–$7,350 for a 3-bedroom and $4,150–$11,050 for a 4-bedroom. This typically includes walls, ceilings, and trim.
How much does exterior painting cost in Adelaide?
Exterior painting in Adelaide costs $3,675–$9,200 for a 3-bedroom house and $5,500–$16,550 for a 4-bedroom. Price depends on surface material, condition, and scaffolding needs.
How much does a painter charge per hour in Adelaide?
Painters in Adelaide charge $46–$92 per hour, but most jobs are quoted as a fixed project price rather than hourly.
How long does it take to paint a house?
A single room takes 1 day. A full 3-bed interior takes 3–5 days. Exterior painting of a Adelaide home takes 4–7 days depending on size, condition, and weather.
Should I paint or wallpaper?
Painting is cheaper and easier to change. Wallpaper adds texture and pattern but costs $50–$150/roll plus $30–$60/sqm for professional hanging in Adelaide.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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