Cost Guide

How much does a painter cost in Darwin?

Updated February 2026 · Independently researched · 8 min read

Painting a 3-bedroom house interior in Darwin costs $3,540–$9,440

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.

Stable Painter costs in Darwin have held steady this quarter, with supply and demand roughly balanced. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025

Average Painter Cost in Darwin

$81

per hour or $25–$45 per square metre (interior)

Per Room

$345–$920

Interior (3-bed)

$3k–$9k

Exterior

$5k–$21k

Budget $57/hrAverage $81/hrPremium $115/hr

The average painter in Darwin charges around $81 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 Darwin. 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 — Darwin 2026

Service	Low	High	Average
Painter (hourly rate)	$57	$115	$81 /hr
Single room (walls + ceiling)	$345	$920	$575 per room
Whole interior (3-bed house)	$3,450	$9,200	$5,750 total
Whole interior (4-bed house)	$5,175	$13,800	$8,050 total
Exterior (single-storey)	$4,600	$11,500	$7,475 total
Exterior (two-storey)	$6,900	$20,700	$12,650 total
Feature wall	$173	$575	$345 per wall
Ceiling only (per room)	$230	$575	$368 per room
Door (both sides)	$92	$230	$150 per door
Fence painting/staining	$575	$2,875	$1,380 total
Deck staining	$575	$2,300	$1,265 total
Wallpaper removal + repaint	$575	$1,725	$1,035 per room

Prices include GST. Based on Darwin metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

What Affects Painter Costs in Darwin

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 Darwin

Get 3 quotes and compare what's included — some painters include paint, others charge it separately

Ask what brand and quality of paint they use — Dulux Wash & Wear is a popular mid-range choice

Preparation is everything — a good painter spends more time prepping than painting

Paint colours look different on walls than on swatches — buy sample pots first

If getting interior and exterior done, bundle them for a better rate

Check if the quote includes moving furniture, masking, and cleanup

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to paint a house interior in Darwin?

Painting the interior of a 3-bedroom house in Darwin 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 Darwin?

Painters in Darwin 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 Darwin?

Exterior painting in Darwin 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.

Related Cost Guides

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 →