If you're thinking about giving your home a fresh coat of paint here in New Hampshire, you're probably wondering what it's going to cost. The truth is, painting prices can vary quite a bit depending on where you are in the state, what you're painting, and who you hire for the job. I've put together this guide to help you understand what you should expect to pay in 2025.
Whether you're in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, or Derry, painting costs tend to be pretty similar across New Hampshire, though some factors can push prices up or down. Let me break down what goes into those estimates so you can make a smart decision for your home.
For interior painting, most homeowners in New Hampshire are looking at somewhere between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot. If you're painting a typical 2,000 square foot home, you're probably looking at $5,000 to $9,000 total for labor and materials. Keep in mind that these numbers can shift based on a few things.
The condition of your walls makes a real difference. If you've got walls that need a lot of prep work—patching, sanding, filling holes—you'll be on the higher end of that range. A home with well-maintained walls that just needs a fresh coat will cost less. In Manchester and Nashua, where there's more competition among painters, you might find slightly better pricing than in more rural areas.
Also think about how many coats you need. Most interior jobs require two coats, but darker colors or dramatic changes might need three. The type of paint matters too. Budget paint might run $25-40 per gallon, while high-quality paint can be $60-100 per gallon. That adds up when you're covering 2,000 square feet.
Exterior painting is typically more expensive than interior work, and for good reason. Painters have to deal with New Hampshire weather, ladder work, and surface preparation is usually more demanding. For exterior painting, expect to pay $3.50 to $6.00 per square foot, so a typical home might run you $8,000 to $15,000 or more.
The reason exterior work costs more is pretty straightforward. First, there's more prep involved—scraping off old paint, power washing, caulking gaps, and priming bare wood. Second, exterior paint is more expensive than interior paint. And third, the work is physically harder on the painters because they're working at heights and dealing with weather conditions.
If your home is in Derry or Concord and hasn't been painted in 10+ years, budget for the higher end of that range. Older homes with multiple layers of paint to strip or wood rot that needs attention will cost more. Fresh stain jobs on new decks or trim can add another $1,500 to $3,000 depending on size.
Sometimes it helps to think about what specific rooms or spaces cost. A single bedroom might run you $400 to $800 depending on size and condition. A kitchen or bathroom typically costs $500 to $1,500 because of the detail work around cabinets and fixtures. Living rooms and larger spaces will be $800 to $2,000.
If you're just doing an accent wall or two, you're looking at $200 to $500 per wall. Painting a whole house exterior including trim, siding, and garage doors usually falls in that $8,000 to $15,000 range I mentioned, but I've seen quotes as high as $20,000 for larger homes with multiple stories and lots of detail work.
For folks in the Manchester area with bigger homes, don't be surprised if exterior painting runs closer to $18,000. For smaller homes in quieter parts of Concord or Derry, you might come in around $7,000 to $10,000.
Beyond the basics, several things can change what you pay. How detailed is the work? Intricate trim work, popcorn ceiling removal, or painting around lots of built-ins takes longer. The number of colors you want matters—multiple colors mean more taping and prep time. Surface condition is huge—if there's water damage, mold, or severe peeling, preparation costs go up.
Location within New Hampshire does matter a little bit. You'll probably find more competitive pricing in Nashua and Manchester since there are more painters competing for work. Rural areas might have higher prices because painters have to drive farther.
The time of year also affects cost. Summer is peak season, so some painters charge more. Spring and fall can offer better rates. Winter painting is possible but more expensive because drying times are longer and conditions are harder to work in.
A 2,000 square foot home usually takes 3 to 5 days for interior painting, depending on the condition of the walls, number of colors, and detail work. Smaller projects might be done in a day or two.
Professional painters will do better work, faster, and with proper preparation that makes the paint last longer. DIY can save money upfront, but mistakes can be expensive to fix. For most people, hiring professionals is worth it for the quality and time saved.
Yes, you should move furniture away from walls they're painting. Most painters will move some light furniture, but you're responsible for clearing the space and protecting items you're leaving behind.
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