Prices for top-brand interior paints from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams vary by finish, color, and project scope. The cost often hinges on gallon size, primer needs, and regional labor rates. This article lays out exact price ranges, practical per-unit details, and how to budget for both brands.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior gallon paint (standard finish) | $28 | $38 | $66 | Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin Williams SuperPaint common references |
| Interior gallon with primer | $60 | $80 | $110 | Primer required for new surfaces or drastic color changes |
| Metallic/eggshell/satin finishes | $40 | $58 | $90 | Higher price for specialty sheens |
| Labor to apply 1 gallon (room, 250 sq ft) | $120 | $180 | $320 | Includes prep and two coats in typical rooms |
| One-coat ceiling paint (optional) | $15 | $25 | $40 | Usually primer-friendly or already compatible |
Assumptions: Midwest labor zones, standard interior walls, typical roller brushes, 8 ft ceilings, single-color repaint.
Actual Price Components Behind Brand Choices
Prices break down into materials, labor, and incidental costs. The most impactful factor is the base paint price per gallon, followed by the number of coats and surface prep. For either brand, expect higher overall costs if a premium finish (eg, Emerald or Regal) is chosen or if multiple rooms are involved.
| Components | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $28-$66 per gallon | Brand line and finish drive paint cost |
| Labor | $120-$320 per room (1 gallon) | Includes prep, masking, and two coats |
| Permits/Fees | $0-$50 | Rare for simple interior repaint |
| Delivery/Handling | $0-$20 | Small orders may incur freight |
| Primer | $0-$30 per gallon | Depends on surface and color jump |
| Waste/Dump or disposal | $0-$15 | Minimal for small rooms |
What Swings the Final Quote Between Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams
Finish level, color complexity, and surface prework are the main price drivers. Benjamin Moore often prices slightly higher for premium lines like Aura or Regal, while Sherwin Williams may offer broader access to contractor discounts. The exact finish chosen (matte, eggshell, satin) and whether a tinted primer is needed affect the final cost for either brand.
Concrete Cost Drivers by Finish and Surface Size
Quantities rise with space and multiple coats. For a standard 10×12 foot room, expect roughly 1.5-2 gallons for two coats on walls, plus primer if needed. Ceilings may require an additional 1 gallon of ceiling paint. The table below shows example per-room calculations using common options.
| Scenario | Gallons | Materials | Labor | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore standard interior (walls only, two coats) | 2 gal | $76-$132 | $180-$260 | $256-$392 |
| Sherwin Williams standard interior (walls only, two coats) | 2 gal | $56-$120 | $180-$280 | $236-$400 |
Assumptions: 8 ft ceilings, single color, latex interior paints, basic tools included.
Regional Price Differences: North, South, Midwest, West
Regional market conditions shift both material costs and labor rates. In the U.S., expect up to a 15-25% spread between high-cost urban markets and lower-cost rural areas for the same brand and finish. A typical wall repaint in coastal cities may push toward the higher end due to access and demand.
Premium vs Standard Lines Within Each Brand
Both brands offer standard and premium finishes; Emerald (Benjamin Moore) and Ultra Premium (Sherwin Williams) carry higher per-gallon costs. The premium tier can add $15-$40 per gallon over standard options, with additional savings possible when using contractor-grade primers and bulk purchases.
Variables That Most Change Your Quote
Two top variables are surface area and number of coats. A 500 sq ft living space with two coats on walls drives substantially higher costs than a 150 sq ft accent wall with one coat. Material choice and color-fast pigments influence both coverage and tint costs, nudging the total upward or downward.
Practical Ways to Cut the Price Without Sacrificing Quality
Scope control and material choices are the main levers. Reuse existing primer when color matches closely, pair a mid-range finish instead of top-tier, order paint and primer together to get bulk discounts, and schedule the project during off-peak seasons when contractors have more availability. Bundling purchases and planning repaint windows can trim overhead and delivery charges.
Three Realistic Quote Scenarios for Benchmarking
Scenario A: Two-room interior repaints in a suburban 1,000 sq ft home using Sherwin Williams standard acrylic, two coats on walls, minimal prep. Scenario B: A single large room in a city condo with Benjamin Moore Aura, two coats, tinted primer, and ceiling paint. Scenario C: Whole-home update using Benjamin Moore premium line with extensive prep, multiple finishes, and one additional accent wall. These examples show ranges for total project costs and per-unit pricing, helping readers compare bids.
Summary of Quick Comparisons
- Benjamin Moore standard interior per gallon: $28-$66; two coats plus primer can push to $100-$140 per gallon equivalent when accounting for labor
- Sherwin Williams standard interior per gallon: $28-$60; premium finishes raise costs by about $15-$40 per gallon
- Labor commonly ranges from $120-$320 per room depending on prep and number of coats
- Expect total project costs to scale with room count, wall area, and finish choice
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard tools, typical masking and cleanup included in labor estimates.