How much do painters charge per square foot in Vancouver right now?

In Metro Vancouver, professional interior painters typically charge between $3.50 and $6.50 per square foot of paintable wall surface as of 2026. For exterior work, rates tend to be higher — usually $4.00 to $8.00 per square foot — because of the added complexity of working at height, weather considerations, and surface preparation.

These per-square-foot rates generally include two coats of paint, basic surface prep, masking, and clean-up. Keep in mind that "square foot" in painting quotes refers to the wall area being painted, not your home's floor area. A room with 100 square feet of floor space might have 350 to 400 square feet of wall surface, depending on ceiling height and window placement.

Rates vary across Metro Vancouver. Painters working in Vancouver proper, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver tend to charge at the higher end due to parking challenges, longer travel times, and the cost of doing business in those areas. You may find slightly lower rates in Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford — often $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for interior work.

Some painters prefer to quote by the room or by the project rather than per square foot, which can actually work in your favour for straightforward jobs. A standard bathroom might be quoted at $300 to $500 flat, while a living room runs $600 to $1,200.

When comparing quotes, ask each painter to specify exactly what's included — especially prep work, primer, number of coats, and the paint brand — so you can make a fair comparison.

---

Find a Painting Contractor

Vancouver Paint Contractors connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• Adept Projects Inc ✓
• Greenshield Construction inc ✓
• Canyon Property Projects ✓