Painting a room in Los Angeles costs between $400 and $1,200 on average in 2026, depending on the room size, paint quality, and amount of prep work required. LA labor rates are higher than the national average, so expect to pay a premium compared to other parts of California.
📍 Painting Services Across Los Angeles County
Cost research and price ranges for painting services across LA County cities and neighborhoods.
Room Painting Costs in Los Angeles by Room Type
| Room Type | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bedroom (10×10) | $400 | $520 | $650 |
| Medium Bedroom (12×12) | $500 | $650 | $800 |
| Large Bedroom (14×16) | $650 | $820 | $1,000 |
| Living Room (16×20) | $800 | $980 | $1,200 |
| Kitchen | $600 | $780 | $1,000 |
| Bathroom | $350 | $450 | $600 |
What Factors Affect Painting Costs in Los Angeles?
Room Size
High ImpactPainters typically charge $2–$6 per square foot of wall space. Larger rooms cost more in both labor and materials.
Paint Quality
Medium ImpactStandard paint runs $30–$50/gallon; premium (Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball) runs $80–$120/gallon. One gallon covers ~350 sq ft.
Number of Coats
Medium ImpactMost rooms need 2 coats. Dark or vibrant colors over white may need 3, adding 15–25% to the cost.
Surface Prep
High ImpactHoles, cracks, or peeling paint require patching and sanding. Heavy prep can add $100–$400 to the job.
Ceiling Height
Medium ImpactRooms over 9 ft require scaffolding or special ladders. Expect a 10–20% surcharge for vaulted or cathedral ceilings.
Trim & Doors
Low-Medium ImpactPainting baseboards, crown molding, and doors adds $150–$400 depending on linear footage.
Example Cost Breakdown
Scenario: 12×14 bedroom, standard paint, 2 coats, minimal prep
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources & Methodology
Pricing estimates for Painting in Los Angeles are derived from a base price anchored to January 2025 LA market survey data, adjusted forward using publicly available labor and materials indices.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- → Employment Cost Index (ECI) — Private sector, LA-Long Beach-Anaheim MSA
- → Applied labor adjustment: +4.2% YoY
- → Producer Price Index (PPI) — Construction materials (WPU0731)
- → Applied materials adjustment: +2.8% YoY
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
- → Prevailing wage schedules for Los Angeles County
- → Trade classifications used for labor weighting
- → Data period: Q4 2024 – Q1 2026
⚠️ Disclaimer: These are derived estimates intended to help consumers understand typical market ranges. They are not official government prices and do not represent quotes or bids from any service provider. Actual costs vary based on project scope, materials selected, site conditions, and local market conditions. Always verify pricing directly with qualified providers. Prices last recalculated: January 2026. For permit and license verification, visit cslb.ca.gov.