Updated February 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Painting a 3-bedroom house interior in Canberra costs $3,360–$8,960
for walls and ceilings, standard finish
A single room runs $300–$800. Exterior painting for a single-storey house costs $4,000–$10,000, or $6,000–$19,000 for two storeys.
+1.4%Painter costs in Canberra have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Painter Cost in Canberra
$77
per hour or $25–$45 per square metre (interior)
Per Room
$330–$880
Interior (3-bed)
$3k–$9k
Exterior
$4k–$20k
Budget $55/hrAverage $77/hrPremium $110/hr
The average painter in Canberra charges around $77 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 Canberra. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of common painter costs, what factors affect pricing, and tips on how to get the best deal.
Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026
Service
Low
High
Average
Painter (hourly rate)
$55
$110
$77 /hr
Single room (walls + ceiling)
$330
$880
$550 per room
Whole interior (3-bed house)
$3,300
$8,800
$5,500 total
Whole interior (4-bed house)
$4,950
$13,200
$7,700 total
Exterior (single-storey)
$4,400
$11,000
$7,150 total
Exterior (two-storey)
$6,600
$19,800
$12,100 total
Feature wall
$165
$550
$330 per wall
Ceiling only (per room)
$220
$550
$352 per room
Door (both sides)
$88
$220
$143 per door
Fence painting/staining
$550
$2,750
$1,320 total
Deck staining
$550
$2,200
$1,210 total
Wallpaper removal + repaint
$550
$1,650
$990 per room
Prices include GST. Based on Canberra metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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What Affects Painter Costs in Canberra
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.
How to Save Money on Painter in Canberra
1
Get 3 quotes and compare what's included — some painters include paint, others charge it separately
2
Ask what brand and quality of paint they use — Dulux Wash & Wear is a popular mid-range choice
3
Preparation is everything — a good painter spends more time prepping than painting
4
Paint colours look different on walls than on swatches — buy sample pots first
5
If getting interior and exterior done, bundle them for a better rate
6
Check if the quote includes moving furniture, masking, and cleanup
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a house interior in Canberra?
Painting the interior of a 3-bedroom house in Canberra typically costs $3,000–$8,000, depending on room sizes, number of coats, and paint quality. A 4-bedroom home runs $4,500–$12,000.
How much do painters charge per hour in Canberra?
Painters in Canberra charge $50–$100 per hour, with an average around $70/hr. Most painters prefer to quote per room or per project rather than hourly.
How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house in Canberra?
Exterior painting in Canberra costs $4,000–$10,000 for single-storey and $6,000–$18,000 for two-storey homes. Scaffolding adds $1,000–$3,000 if required.
How long does it take to paint a 3-bedroom house?
Interior painting typically takes 3–5 days for a 3-bedroom house. Exterior painting takes 4–7 days depending on weather, prep work, and whether scaffolding is needed.
Should I paint before selling my house?
A fresh paint job is one of the highest-ROI improvements before selling. A $5,000 interior repaint can add $10,000–$20,000 to perceived value.
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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 →