One of the first questions homeowners ask when planning a painting project is: how much is this going to cost? If you live in Northbrook, Glenview, Highland Park, Arlington Heights, or anywhere in the Chicago North Shore and Northwest Suburbs, this guide will give you a realistic picture of what professional painting costs in 2026.
At Sunpainting, we’ve completed thousands of painting projects throughout the area over the past 30+ years. We believe in honest, transparent pricing — and that starts with helping homeowners understand what goes into a painting estimate before we ever set foot in your home.
Please note: the price ranges below reflect typical market rates charged by painting contractors across the Chicago suburbs — not necessarily Sunpainting’s prices. Every project is different, and the best way to get an accurate number for your home is to request a free estimate directly from us.
Interior Painting Costs in the Chicago Suburbs
Interior painting prices in the Chicago area typically depend on three main factors: the size of the space, the condition of the walls, and the number of coats needed. Here are some general benchmarks for what homeowners across the Chicago suburbs can expect to pay in 2026:
- Single room (bedroom, office): $250 – $500
- Living room or dining room: $300 – $600
- Full home interior (2,000–3,000 sq ft): $2,000 – $4,000
- Kitchen cabinets: $1,500 – $4,500 depending on size and finish
These ranges reflect typical market rates for professional labor, premium paint (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or Behr), and proper surface preparation. Actual costs vary by contractor — preparation quality, paint brand, and experience all play a significant role in the final price.
Exterior Painting Costs in the Chicago Suburbs
Exterior painting is typically more involved than interior painting because it requires surface preparation to handle Chicago’s demanding climate. Proper prep — power washing, scraping, caulking, priming, and wood repair — is essential for long-lasting results. The ranges below represent typical Chicago-area market rates:
- Small home exterior (1,200–1,800 sq ft): $2,000 – $4,000
- Medium home exterior (1,800–2,800 sq ft): $3,000 – $6,000
- Large home exterior (3,000+ sq ft): $5,000+
- Deck staining or painting: $800 – $3,500
Homes with multiple stories, intricate trim, masonry, or extensive wood rot repair will typically fall on the higher end of these ranges.
What Affects the Price of a Painting Project?
Several factors influence the final cost of any painting project in the Chicago suburbs:
- Surface condition: Walls with cracks, holes, water damage, or old wallpaper require more preparation time and materials.
- Number of colors or coats: Bold colors or significant color changes may require additional coats.
- Paint quality: Premium paints cost more but last significantly longer, especially on exteriors exposed to Illinois winters.
- Accessibility: High ceilings, second-story exteriors, or difficult-to-reach areas require more time and equipment.
- Scope of work: Adding trim, ceilings, doors, and windows increases the overall project cost.
Why the Cheapest Estimate Is Rarely the Best Value
In the Chicago suburbs, homeowners sometimes receive dramatically different quotes from different painting contractors. A quote that seems significantly lower than others often means one or more things: less thorough preparation, cheaper paint products, fewer coats, or unlicensed workers without proper insurance.
At Sunpainting, we carry $2,000,000 in general liability insurance and use only premium paint products. Every estimate includes a complete breakdown of what we will do — so you always know exactly what you’re paying for.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Home
The price ranges in this guide are meant to give you a general idea of what painting projects cost across the Chicago market — but your actual quote from Sunpainting will be based on the specific conditions of your home. The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule a free in-home estimate. Our team will assess the condition of your surfaces, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed written quote with no surprises.
Sunpainting serves homeowners throughout Northbrook, Glenview, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northfield, Wilmette, Winnetka, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Lake Forest, and the greater Chicago North Shore and Northwest Suburbs.
Contact us today to schedule your free estimate. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you plan your next painting project with confidence.
Have a Question About Painting Costs?
Have you recently gotten painting quotes in the Chicago area? Were they higher or lower than these ranges? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear about your experience, and we’re happy to answer any questions about what goes into a painting estimate.