How much does a painter cost in Adelaide?
The average painter in Adelaide charges around $64 per hour or $25–$45 per square metre (interior). Prices vary based on the specific job, time of day, materials required, and your suburb within Adelaide. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of common painter costs, what factors affect pricing, and tips on how to get the best deal.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painter (hourly rate) | $46 | $92 | $64 /hr |
| Single room (walls + ceiling) | $276 | $736 | $460 per room |
| Whole interior (3-bed house) | $2,760 | $7,360 | $4,600 total |
| Whole interior (4-bed house) | $4,140 | $11,040 | $6,440 total |
| Exterior (single-storey) | $3,680 | $9,200 | $5,980 total |
| Exterior (two-storey) | $5,520 | $16,560 | $10,120 total |
| Feature wall | $138 | $460 | $276 per wall |
| Ceiling only (per room) | $184 | $460 | $294 per room |
| Door (both sides) | $74 | $184 | $120 per door |
| Fence painting/staining | $460 | $2,300 | $1,104 total |
| Deck staining | $460 | $1,840 | $1,012 total |
| Wallpaper removal + repaint | $460 | $1,380 | $828 per room |
Prices include GST. Based on Adelaide metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Surface preparation
Peeling paint, cracks, holes, and water damage all need fixing before painting. Prep can account for 50–70% of the total job time.
Paint quality
Budget paint ($30–$50/can) vs. premium paint ($70–$120/can) affects both cost and longevity. Premium paints last 10+ years vs. 4–6 for budget.
Number of coats
Changing from a dark colour to light (or vice versa) may need 3 coats instead of 2, adding 30–50% more paint and time.
Height and access
Two-storey exteriors require scaffolding ($1,000–$3,000), which significantly increases the cost compared to single-storey.
Surface type
Smooth plasterboard is quick. Textured walls, weatherboard, and brick take longer and use more paint.
Room size and detail
Rooms with lots of windows, doors, and trim require more cutting-in time than simple open walls.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), 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 financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →