Buying Benjamin Moore paint involves balancing coverage, finish, and brand tier. The price per gallon varies by line, sheen, and region, with cost drivers from coverage rate to waste. This article provides practical price ranges and concrete factors behind the cost, helping readers plan a paint budget with the exact terms “cost” and “price” in mind.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore interior latex (Regal Select) | $60 | $75 | $85 | Mid-range line; good coverage; common interior use |
| Benjamin Moore premium interior (Aura) | $120 | $135 | $150 | Top-tier pigment; extensive color depth |
| Benjamin Moore exterior latex (Regal Select Exterior) | $70 | $90 | $110 | Weather resistance; typical home exteriors |
| Benjamin Moore premium exterior (Aura Exterior) | $100 | $125 | $150 | Best color hold and washability |
| Primer (Benjamin Moore) | $25 | $40 | $60 | One coat for most surfaces varies by product |
What buyers usually pay for the exact keyword
Typical total price for a standard interior repaint on a 1,500 sq ft home with two coats and a Regal Select interior finish ranges from $550-$900, assuming 10-12 gallons total and standard supplies. For a higher-end upgrade to Aura, the total often lands between $1,200-$2,000 depending on color complexity and surface prep. Costs scale with room count, surface type, and the number of coats needed. Assumptions: single-story bungalow, standard drywall, good access, and mid-range color palette.
Per-gallon price detail varies by line: Regal Select typically $60-$85 per gallon; Aura ranges from $120-$150 per gallon for interior or exterior projects. Plan for extra gallons if ceilings or ceilings with tricky textures require more coverage. Assumptions: 1 gallon covers roughly 350-400 sq ft per coat, depending on porosity and color.
Price components in a gallon quote
The cost to buy Benjamin Moore paint generally breaks into four major parts. A compact quote helps buyers compare quotes and see where money goes. Assumptions: standard surfaces, two coats, no specialty finishes.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | What’s included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $60-$150 per gallon (depends on line) | Paint, primer if needed | Higher for Aura, exterior finishes |
| Labor | $0.50-$2.50 per sq ft (varies by region and crew) | Prep, priming, cutting-in, coats | Regional wage differences move this range |
| Prep supplies | $5-$20 per gallon equivalent | Tape, rollers, brushes, clean-up | Proper prep improves finish and durability |
| Waste/overage allowance | 5-10% of paint bought | Extra for color matching, mistakes, touch-ups | Better to budget a small excess |
| Delivery/discounts | $0-$20 | Delivery fees or contractor bulk pricing | Regionally variable |
Key variables that move the price of Benjamin Moore per gallon
The final price per gallon is driven by product tier, surface type, and climate demands. For example, color-rich Aura finishes can push the price per gallon higher than Regal Select. A larger project, like exterior siding, may require a higher-sheen or elastomeric finish, changing the cost per gallon. Numeric drivers: line tier (Aura vs Regal), and surface type (smooth drywall vs rough wood or masonry).
Concrete drivers: brand tier, finish, and surface area
The highest impact factors are the brand tier (Aura vs Regal), the finish (flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss), and the surface area to cover. For a 2,000 sq ft interior repaint using Aura, the per-gallon cost may stay near the upper end due to pigment depth and coverage. Conversely, a Regal Select project on the same area can reduce the price without sacrificing durability. Assumptions: two coats, standard coverage rates, typical interior surfaces.
Variables by region and project scope
Prices vary by region due to labor rates and availability of color-matching services. Northeast urban areas may see higher paint and labor costs than the Southeast or Midwest. Per-gallon pricing also shifts with project scope: a full exterior refresh vs. a single-room repaint changes the overall spend and required quantity. Assumptions: typical suburban home, two-coat plan, standard tools.
How finish choice changes per-gallon cost
Choice of finish affects both coverage and price. A flat or matte finish uses less pigment than high-gloss finishes, but cleaning durability differs. Aura Exterior may command a higher price per gallon due to weather-resistant pigments, while a matte Regal Select Interior price may be noticeably lower. Assumptions: two coats, similar color intensity, normal weather exposure.
Regional price deltas for Benjamin Moore across markets
Regional deltas can swing per-gallon costs by about 10-25% depending on market conditions, with urban cores typically on the higher end. A regional snapshot helps buyers budget: interior Regal Select in a city core may sit near $80-$85 per gallon, while rural markets might see $60-$75. Assumptions: standard shipping, local taxes apply.
How to estimate gallons per room and avoid waste
Estimate gallons by measuring wall area: length × height for each wall, subtract windows and doors, then multiply by coats required. A typical 12×12 room with 8′ ceilings needs about 2-3 gallons per coat; plan for 2 coats plus 10% extra for touchups. Assumptions: standard ceiling height, even texture, one color across walls.
Cost-saving moves without compromising finish
To reduce price without sacrificing quality, consider adjusting scope first. Pick Regal Select for interior walls and reserve Aura for accent walls or high-traffic areas. Schedule prep work during off-peak seasons, bundle primer where needed, and compare local contractor quotes for labor hours. Assumptions: two-coat plan, mid-range color complexity.
Three practical quote scenarios with specs and prices
Scenario A uses Regal Select Interior on 1,500 sq ft, two coats, standard prep, no primer. Estimated material: $75-$85 per gallon, total paint cost $450-$700, labor minimal. Scenario B upgrades to Aura Interior for the same area with two coats; estimated material: $125-$140 per gallon, total $1,100-$1,600. Scenario C exterior project uses Regal Select Exterior on a 2,000 sq ft house with two coats; estimated material: $90-$110 per gallon, total $1,800-$2,800. Assumptions: standard weather, typical substrates, no specialty primers.
How color matching and testers affect the cost
Color-matching services and sample cards add a small but real cost. Expect $5-$20 per sample, with larger color-match batches potentially requiring a separate line item on the quote. Plan for a few tester cans to reduce repaint risk and avoid costly corrections later. Assumptions: common mid-range colors, standard sample sizes.
Assumptions and practical notes
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.