What does a painter cost in 2026?

In brief

• A painter usually costs 600-900 kr per hour.
• Painting prepared walls often costs 180-300 kr per m² of wall surface.
• Filling and painting typically cost 300-550 kr per m².
• A bedroom can cost roughly 8,000-15,000 kr.
• A 50 m² apartment can cost roughly 45,000-90,000 kr.
• Exterior painting of a house often costs 55,000-220,000 kr or more.
• Preparation is often the biggest price driver.
• You should always clarify whether paint, filling, masking and clean-up are included in the quote.

Typical painter prices in 2026

The prices are meant as a starting point for budgeting. An actual quote can be both lower and higher, depending on the scope of the work.

What is included in the price?

Two painting quotes can look alike at first glance but include completely different services. That is why you should check what is actually included in the price.

A complete quote may include, among other things:

Ask the painter to specify how many coats are included, which products will be used, and whether the price includes materials and VAT.

It is especially important to clarify the preparation. A quote that only includes the painting itself can seem cheap but become considerably more expensive if the walls first need full-surface filling and sanding.

Hourly rate, price per square metre or fixed price?

Painters can price the work in three common ways.

Hourly rate

An hourly rate is typically used when the scope of the work is uncertain or the job is small. This could be, for example, repairing individual damage, painting a few pieces of trim or finishing work after other tradespeople.

A typical hourly rate is roughly 600-900 kr. In larger cities and areas with high demand, the price can be higher.

An hourly rate gives flexibility but makes it harder to know what the final sum will be. So ask for an estimate of the expected time.

Price per square metre

A price per square metre works well when large, uniform surfaces are to be painted. That could be walls in an empty apartment or a facade with easy access.

You must always clarify what kind of square metres the quote refers to. Some give a price based on actual wall surface, while others market package deals based on the floor area of the home.

That is an important difference.

A room with 12 m² of floor area can have around 35-45 m² of wall surface, depending on the shape of the room, ceiling height, doors and windows. You therefore cannot simply multiply the floor area of the home by the price per square metre of wall.

Fixed price

A fixed price gives the best predictability when the job is well described. The painter inspects the surfaces and gives a total price for the whole job.

The fixed price should describe:

A low fixed price is not necessarily the cheapest if important parts of the work have been left out.

How is the price per square metre calculated?

For walls you can do a simple calculation:

Wall area = perimeter of the room × ceiling height

Then subtract the approximate areas of large doors and windows.

A room that is 4 metres long and 3 metres wide has a perimeter of 14 metres. With a ceiling height of 2.4 metres, the wall surface is:

14 × 2.4 = 33.6 m²

After deducting the door and window, the paintable surface may be around 29-31 m².

If the walls cost 250 kr per square metre to paint, the price is roughly:

30 m² × 250 kr = 7,500 kr

If the ceiling is also to be painted, that must be calculated separately. The same applies to extensive filling, trim, frames and materials if these are not included.

What does it cost to paint a room?

The price depends both on the size of the room and on which surfaces are to be treated.

An empty room with smooth walls is quicker and cheaper to paint than a furnished room with many corners, doors, trim and damage.

Kitchens may have less visible wall surface but often more detail work around cabinets, worktops and installations. Hallways and stairwells can also be costly because access is more difficult.

What does it cost to paint an apartment?

For a whole apartment, the price will primarily depend on the size of the home and how much is to be painted.

The table assumes normal preparation and two coats on large parts of the home. If all the walls need full-surface filling, the total price can be considerably higher.

The price per room is often lower when the painter can paint the whole apartment at once. The work can be done more efficiently, and time spent on setting up, transport and clean-up is spread over a larger job.

What do filling and painting cost?

The condition of the walls often matters more for the price than the painting itself.

If the walls are already smooth, it may be enough to wash them, repair a few small holes and apply two coats. If the walls have an old textured finish, a lot of damage, visible joints or uneven transitions, full-surface filling may be necessary.

Typical price levels are:

Filling usually consists of several rounds of application, drying and sanding. The work can therefore take several days, even if the painter is not in the home for a full working day every day.

What does ceiling painting cost?

Ceiling painting often costs roughly 200-350 kr per square metre. A 20 m² ceiling can therefore cost around 4,000-7,000 kr.

The price can be higher if the ceiling:

Ceilings require more masking and a more strenuous working position than walls. That can explain why the price per square metre is often higher.

What does wallpapering cost?

Wallpapering typically costs between 200 and 450 kr per square metre, in addition to the wallpaper itself. Pattern matching, many corners and complicated rooms can increase the price.

The wall must be smooth before the wallpaper is hung. If old wallpaper needs to be removed or the surface needs filling, this normally comes on top.

Also clarify who is responsible if too little wallpaper has been ordered, or if different production batches have slight colour differences.

What does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?

Exterior painting of a house often costs between 250 and 500 kr per square metre of facade. A complete job can cost from around 55,000 kr for a small, simple house to over 200,000 kr for a large home.

A complete exterior painting job can include:

The condition of the facade is decisive. A well-maintained house can in some cases be washed and painted directly. A worn facade may require extensive scraping, priming and repair before the paint can be applied.

Three example painting budgets

Example 1: Painting a bedroom

A bedroom is 12 m² and has roughly 35 m² of wall surface.

• Masking and preparation: 1,500 kr
• Spot filling and sanding: 2,000 kr
• Painting walls: 7,000 kr
• Painting ceiling: 3,000 kr
• Materials: 1,500 kr

Estimated total price: 15,000 kr

If the walls are already completely smooth and the ceiling is not to be painted, the price can be considerably lower.

Example 2: Painting a 70 m² apartment

The apartment is empty and is to be painted before moving in.

• Masking and preparation: 7,000 kr
• Spot filling and sanding: 15,000 kr
• Painting walls: 45,000 kr
• Painting ceilings: 18,000 kr
• Trim and frames: 6,000 kr
• Materials: 9,000 kr

Estimated total price: 100,000 kr

If all the walls need full-surface filling, the price can rise to 130,000-180,000 kr.

Example 3: Exterior painting of a detached house

A medium-sized house is to be washed, scraped, primed and painted with two coats.

• Washing and preparation: 12,000 kr
• Scraping and sanding: 18,000 kr
• Priming and painting: 52,000 kr
• Materials: 15,000 kr
• Scaffolding or lift: 12,000 kr

Estimated total price: 109,000 kr

This is only an example. Access, facade type and the amount of preparation can change the total sum a lot.

What affects the price of painting work?

Condition of the walls

New, smooth walls are quicker to paint than old walls with cracks, wallpaper remnants and an uneven texture. The need for full-surface filling can make up a large part of the cost.

Number of coats

Two coats are standard, but some colour changes may require more. This applies especially if a dark wall is to become very light, or a strong colour is to be covered.

Choice of colour

Big colour changes may require extra priming and more coats. Dark and strong colours can also be harder to get even.

Paint type and quality

Paint prices vary. Special paint for wet rooms, kitchens, floors or highly durable surfaces costs more than ordinary wall paint.

Ceiling height and access

High walls, stairwells and facades with difficult access require more equipment and more working hours. A lift or scaffolding can be a significant additional cost.

Furniture and belongings

An empty home is usually cheaper to paint. If the painter has to move furniture and spend a lot of time on masking, the price goes up.

Details

Trim, mouldings, windows, frames, radiators, pipes and many corners make the work more time-consuming.

Geographic area

The price level can be higher in Oslo and other larger cities. Travel distance and the availability of local painters can also affect the quote.

Timing

Exterior painters may be in highest demand in spring and summer. You can sometimes get a better price by booking early or being flexible about when the work is done.

Can you paint it yourself?

Painting is one of the tasks many homeowners can do themselves. That does not mean every painting job is easy, though.

You can often do the job yourself if:

It may be wise to use professionals if:

The most common mistake when doing it yourself is spending too little time on washing, filling, sanding and masking. The painting itself is often the quickest part of the job.

Do you need to apply for permission to paint the house?

Normal maintenance and painting in the same or a similar colour do not normally require an application. If you change the appearance of the facade significantly, the work may require an application.

Local zoning plans, protection orders and municipal regulations can also limit which colours and changes are allowed. For older, listed or heritage-worthy buildings you should therefore check the rules before the work starts.

The Norwegian Building Authority (Direktoratet for byggkvalitet) states that facade changes may in principle require an application, while changes that do not alter the character of the building may be exempt. You should contact the municipality if you are unsure. Read more at the Norwegian Building Authority.

How to compare quotes from painters

Do not just compare the total sum. Check whether the quotes are based on the same scope of work.

Ask that each quote specifies:

You should also check the organisation number, references, reviews and any liability insurance. For larger jobs it can be sensible to ask for photos or examples of similar work.

The Norwegian Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet) recommends a precise job description, a written contract and comparing several quotes. See their checklist for hiring a tradesperson.

Fixed price or price estimate?

As a general rule, an agreed fixed price must not be exceeded unless you agree on additional work.

If you receive a price estimate, the Consumer Council states that the final sum should normally not exceed the estimate significantly - and by a maximum of 15 percent - unless you have expressly agreed otherwise or approved extras arise.

To avoid misunderstandings, all changes should be documented in writing before they are carried out. It should state:

How can you save money?

Get the room ready

Clear the room of small furniture, pictures and decorative items. Agree with the painter whether you will take down curtains, shelves and lamps yourself.

Combine several rooms in one job

It is often cheaper per room when the painter can do several rooms at the same time.

Choose colours early

If colour choices and products are settled before the start, you reduce the risk of delays and extra work.

Ask for a fixed price

A detailed fixed-price quote gives better control over the budget than an open hourly agreement.

Avoid unnecessary full-surface filling

Full-surface filling can give a great result but is not always necessary. Ask the painter to explain which surfaces actually need it.

Be flexible

If the job is not urgent, flexibility about the start date can make it easier for the painter to fit the work in between other projects.

Do not buy paint before you have agreed on it

Professional painters may have deals on paint and know the products they work with. If you buy the wrong amount or the wrong product yourself, the saving can disappear.

Ensure good documentation

Before the work starts, you should document:

After the work you can ask for:

Keep the colour codes. It makes future maintenance and touch-ups far easier.

Paying safely for painting work

You should avoid paying the full amount before the work starts. For larger jobs, payment can be split according to documented milestones.

A common arrangement can be:

Fikso is built to make buying services safer. The customer secures the payment before the work starts, and the money is paid out in line with the agreed process. If a disagreement arises, the payment can be held back while the documentation is reviewed.

A clear work description, written communication and photos along the way make it easier to establish what was actually agreed if the parties disagree.

What do you do if you are not satisfied?

If you discover faults, you should notify the painter in writing as soon as possible. Describe what you think is wrong, attach photos and give the painter the opportunity to inspect and correct the work.

Do not hire another painter to fix the fault before the original company has had a reasonable opportunity to correct it, unless the situation requires immediate action.

The Consumer Council states that there may be a five-year complaint period for work carried out on real property. You must still complain within a reasonable time after you discovered or should have discovered the fault. Read more about complaining about tradesperson work at the Consumer Council.

Frequently asked questions about painter prices

Conclusion: What should you budget for?

A professional painter usually costs 600-900 kr per hour. A typical room can cost roughly 8,000-15,000 kr, while painting a whole apartment often costs between 45,000 and 140,000 kr.

Exterior painting of a house typically costs from 55,000 to over 200,000 kr.

The most important thing is not just to find the lowest price. A good quote should describe the preparation, products, number of coats, materials, schedule and how additional work will be handled.

Get several comparable quotes, use a written contract and make sure payment and completion follow clear milestones. That reduces the risk of surprises and increases the chance of a result you can be happy with for many years.

Method and sources

The prices are indicative ranges based on published Norwegian price guides and examples from painting companies. Actual prices vary by location, season, surface and scope of work.

Sources used as a basis: