Benjamin Moore and Behr paint typically cost about $30-$100 per gallon, with premium lines at either brand priced higher than basic interior paint. For a typical 12-by-12-foot room, paint materials may run $90-$300, while professional painting can bring the total to roughly $400-$1,200; product line, coverage, surface condition, and labor rates drive the difference.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore paint | $30 per gallon | $55 per gallon | $100+ per gallon | Price varies by product line and retailer |
| Behr paint | $25 per gallon | $45 per gallon | $85+ per gallon | Sold primarily through Home Depot |
| Paint for a 12-by-12-foot room | $90 | $180 | $300 | Walls only, usually two coats |
| Professional room painting | $400 | $750 | $1,200 | Includes paint and standard prep |
What Benjamin Moore and Behr cost per gallon
For standard interior wall paint, Behr is often the lower-cost choice at around $25-$55 per gallon, while Benjamin Moore commonly runs $30-$75 per gallon. Premium products from either brand may cost $70-$100 or more per gallon. Exact prices vary with retailer, region, finish, and current promotions.
For many comparable midrange products, Benjamin Moore costs roughly 10%-30% more per gallon, though the difference depends on the lines being compared. Compare products intended for the same surface and use, rather than matching only brand names. A premium Behr product may cost more than an entry-level Benjamin Moore product.
As a practical room estimate, a 12-by-12-foot room with 8-foot ceilings has about 400 square feet of wall area before subtracting doors and windows. Two coats may require 1.5-2 gallons, depending on coverage and surface texture. That puts paint-only spending near $40-$200 for Behr or $45-$200 for Benjamin Moore, with leftover paint and primer potentially adding to the bill.
Assumptions: standard 8-foot ceilings, walls only, two coats, sound surfaces, and approximately 350-400 square feet of paintable area.
How paint, primer, and labor shape the room quote
A store receipt covers only part of a painting project. A professional quote may include surface preparation, primer, paint, masking, labor, and cleanup. Painter pricing commonly falls around $40-$75 per hour, or roughly $2-$6 per square foot of painted wall area, depending on the market and scope.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint, per gallon | $25 | $50 | $100+ |
| Primer, per gallon | $20 | $35 | $60 |
| Labor, per hour | $40 | $55 | $75 |
| Basic prep and masking, per room | $50 | $125 | $300 |
| Paint and labor, 12-by-12-foot room | $400 | $750 | $1,200 |
Labor and preparation usually matter more to a room total than the brand-price gap between two gallons of paint. A painter may spend 6-12 hours on a standard room, including patching, masking, cutting in, rolling two coats, and cleanup. A formula for estimating labor is .
Quotes should state whether ceilings, trim, doors, primer, repairs, and furniture moving are included. A $600 quote for walls only is not directly comparable to a $900 quote that includes trim, patching, and premium paint. Ask whether the contractor specifies the exact brand and product line, since “Benjamin Moore paint” or “Behr paint” alone is not a complete material description.
Coverage, finish, and wall condition change the price
Paint labels commonly estimate coverage of about 350-400 square feet per gallon on a smooth, properly prepared surface. Rough, porous, stained, or previously unpainted walls can use more. If coverage falls to 250-300 square feet per gallon, a room that ordinarily needs two gallons may require three, raising material cost by roughly $25-$100 depending on the product.
Color changes and surface condition can erase the savings from choosing a cheaper gallon. Deep colors, drastic changes from dark to light, and uneven existing paint may require an additional coat or a tinted primer. One extra gallon can add $25-$100 for paint alone; added labor can increase a professional invoice by $75-$250 or more.
Finish also affects the quote. Flat and matte finishes are often among the lower-priced choices, while specialty finishes or more durable formulations may cost more. Satin and semi-gloss are commonly selected for trim, kitchens, and bathrooms, but the right choice depends on cleaning needs and surface preparation. Product lines differ, so compare the price of the same finish and intended application.
Room size provides another useful threshold. A 10-by-10-foot room may use about 1-2 gallons for two wall coats, while a 15-by-20-foot room can need 3-5 gallons. Ceilings, closets, high ceilings above 9 feet, and extra doors or trim change both quantities and labor. Measure wall height and length rather than relying on floor area alone.
Which paint line fits the budget and project
Both brands offer multiple tiers, so a fair comparison uses products with similar intended uses and performance claims. A lower-priced line may suit a rental refresh or low-traffic room, while a more washable product can be useful in a hallway, kitchen, or child’s room. Check the product label for coverage, recommended coats, surface compatibility, and cleanup requirements.
| Comparison | Behr price range | Benjamin Moore price range | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level interior wall paint | $25-$40 per gallon | $30-$50 per gallon | Basic refresh on sound walls |
| Midrange washable paint | $40-$65 per gallon | $45-$75 per gallon | Living areas and moderate traffic |
| Premium interior paint | $60-$85+ per gallon | $70-$100+ per gallon | Higher durability or demanding surfaces |
These ranges are broad retail estimates, not a guarantee that two products perform identically. Benjamin Moore is generally sold through independent dealers, and Behr is primarily sold through Home Depot. Store promotions, account discounts, and regional availability can shift the shelf price.
The least expensive suitable product is not always the lowest-cost project choice. If a lower-priced paint needs another coat, the added material and labor can outweigh the per-gallon savings. Conversely, a premium paint may not justify its higher price in a spare room with little wear. Compare the expected number of coats and the painted area as well as the container price.
How much do painters charge to apply each brand
Professional labor is generally priced by project, room, or square footage rather than by brand. For a standard 12-by-12-foot room, walls-only painting may cost about $400-$1,200 including materials. A simple, empty room with sound walls may sit near the lower end; extensive patching, furniture protection, high ceilings, or premium paint can push the quote higher.
Changing brands usually has a smaller effect on labor than changing the scope. If the painter charges $600 for labor and supplies, replacing a $45 gallon with a $65 gallon changes the total by only $20 per gallon. A second coat, however, can add several hours and more paint. Confirm how many coats are included and whether the quote assumes one primer coat plus two finish coats.
Ask for labor and material amounts separately so the brand comparison stays transparent. Some contractors buy paint at trade pricing; others ask the homeowner to supply it. If buying directly, verify the exact product and quantity with the painter before purchase. A mismatch in sheen, color, or product type can lead to delays or extra charges.
Three room estimates using realistic paint quantities
These examples show how gallon price and project size affect a budget. They assume standard wall heights, two finish coats, ordinary access, and no major wall repairs. Professional totals include typical labor and basic preparation, but local quotes can differ.
| Project | Paint quantity and rate | Paint-only estimate | Professional total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-by-10-foot bedroom | 2 gallons at $35-$70 | $70-$140 | $350-$750 |
| 12-by-12-foot living room | 2 gallons at $40-$80 | $80-$160 | $500-$1,000 |
| 15-by-20-foot family room | 4 gallons at $45-$90 | $180-$360 | $800-$1,600 |
In the bedroom example, choosing Behr near $35 per gallon could save around $20-$70 against a comparable Benjamin Moore option priced at $45-$70 per gallon. The room’s labor charge may be several hundred dollars, so that material difference is meaningful but not usually the largest part of a professional project.
In the larger family room, quantities rise because of the wall area and possible extra features such as a vaulted ceiling or open-plan transitions. If the room needs primer, ceiling paint, or trim painting, budget those as separate items. Ask the painter to identify gallons, unit prices, and assumed coverage in the written estimate.
Regional paint and painter prices across the U.S.
Paint shelf prices do not vary as sharply by region as labor does, though local taxes, promotions, and store availability affect the register total. Professional painting can cost about 10%-25% more in high-cost metropolitan areas than in many smaller markets. Rural locations may have lower hourly rates but higher travel charges or minimum job fees.
As a rough labor comparison, a standard interior painter may charge around $40-$60 per hour in many lower- and mid-cost markets, compared with $55-$85 or more in expensive urban areas. These are broad planning ranges, not fixed local rates. A minimum charge of $250-$500 may apply to a small job even when the room takes only a few hours.
Compare quotes from painters who work in the same area and specify the same room scope. Regional differences matter most when labor, travel, access, or scheduling is involved. For paint materials, request the exact product name and check local store prices; online listings may not include local sales tax or delivery.
Extra coats, repairs, and disposal that add to the bill
Basic nail-hole filling and light sanding may be included in a room quote, but larger repairs commonly cost extra. Extensive patching can add $75-$300 per room, while repairing damaged plaster or water-stained drywall may cost more. Stain-blocking primer can add about $30-$60 per gallon, excluding application labor.
Furniture moving, delicate masking, and protection for built-ins may add $50-$200, depending on room size and complexity. Removing wallpaper before painting can add roughly $1-$3 per square foot, and removing failing paint or repairing textured surfaces can require a separate labor estimate. Ask whether disposal of masking materials and empty containers is included.
Most repainting work inside a home does not require a building permit, but local rules can apply to historic properties, multifamily buildings, or work involving hazardous coatings. Older homes may need lead-safe procedures when disturbing paint applied before 1978. That work can increase labor and setup costs; the contractor should identify whether testing or containment is required.
Get any added work priced before it begins, especially repairs and extra coats. A written change order helps distinguish a genuine scope change from an unexpected charge. If walls are in good condition, photos and an in-person walkthrough can help contractors quote the same preparation level.
Ways to save on Benjamin Moore or Behr paint
Control the scope first. Painting walls only costs less than including ceilings, baseboards, doors, and window trim. Measure the room and compare the gallon count against the label’s coverage estimate, while allowing for surface texture and the number of coats. Buying too little can create an extra trip or a color-matching problem; buying too much ties up money in unused paint.
Choose product performance to match the room rather than paying for the top tier everywhere. A durable, washable finish can make sense in a busy hallway, while a lower-cost interior line may be adequate in a low-traffic guest room. Avoid changing sheen or color mid-project, since touch-ups may be more visible and require repainting a larger area.
Compare written estimates using the same paint line, coat count, prep work, and included surfaces. Ask whether a quote includes primer, minor patching, moving furniture, cleanup, and tax. If a contractor offers a discount for painting several rooms together, compare the bundled total with separate room prices and confirm that the same preparation and finish standards apply.
Homeowners can lower labor time by clearing small items and wall decorations before the crew arrives, if the contractor permits it. Avoid doing substantial repairs without agreement; poorly sanded patches can show through and require additional work. For a small, straightforward room, DIY painting may save labor, but the cost comparison should include brushes, rollers, drop cloths, primer, and time.