Benjamin Moore paint typically costs $45-$115 per gallon, with many homeowners paying about $70-$90 for a premium interior line before tax. The best price depends on the product, finish, color, local dealer, and whether the purchase qualifies for a sale or contractor discount.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior paint, per gallon | $45 | $75 | $115 | Price varies by product line and finish |
| Exterior paint, per gallon | $50 | $85 | $125 | Premium weather-resistant formulas cost more |
| Five gallons of interior paint | $225 | $375 | $575 | Before tax; bulk discounts vary by dealer |
| DIY room paint materials | $90 | $190 | $400 | Paint plus basic supplies for one room |
What a gallon of Benjamin Moore paint costs
For a standard one-gallon can, a practical shopping range is $45-$115. Lower-cost options such as contractor-focused interior paint can fall near $35-$55, while widely used midrange lines often land around $55-$85. Premium interior and exterior products can reach $90-$125 per gallon, especially in specialty finishes.
A realistic budget for a common premium interior paint is $70-$95 per gallon before tax. Exact prices are set by local independent retailers, not by one uniform national checkout price. A store may also quote different prices for the same line depending on finish, tint, current promotion, or account discount.
A gallon usually covers roughly 350-400 square feet on a smooth, primed surface. Two coats, textured walls, deep colors, and porous drywall reduce practical coverage. A 12-by-12-foot room with 8-foot ceilings has about 380 square feet of wall area before deducting doors and windows, so two coats may require two gallons rather than one.
Assumptions: U.S. retail purchase, standard one-gallon size, ordinary colors, and no contractor account or special promotion.
How paint grade and finish change the quote
Benjamin Moore product lines differ in price, coverage, durability, and intended use. A less expensive line may suit rental turnover or low-traffic rooms, while a premium washable product can be worthwhile in kitchens, hallways, and homes with children. Compare the actual product line and finish on each quote rather than comparing only the brand name.
| Product tier or use | Typical price per gallon | Best cost comparison | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor-focused interior | $35-$55 | Large repaint or low-traffic rooms | Lower upfront price; durability depends on product |
| Midrange interior | $55-$85 | Bedrooms and general living areas | Common balance of coverage and washability |
| Premium interior | $80-$115 | High-traffic walls and trim | Higher price may reflect scrub resistance or finish |
| Exterior formula | $50-$125 | Siding, trim, and weather exposure | Line, substrate, and finish drive the spread |
| Specialty finish or small container | $15-$45 per quart | Accent work or color testing | Higher cost per gallon equivalent |
Finish can affect the quote, though the paint line often matters more. Flat and matte finishes may be priced differently from eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. Quart containers are convenient for small jobs but typically cost more per gallon equivalent than full gallons.
Ask the retailer to identify the exact line, finish, and container size on the estimate. A cheaper gallon is not a true bargain if it requires an extra coat or does not suit the room’s cleaning demands.
Which paint and labor charges belong in a room estimate
Buying paint is only one part of a professionally painted room. A contractor may include surface preparation, primer, masking, paint, labor, cleanup, and disposal. Some quotes list paint as an allowance; others include it in a project price. Ask whether the paint is specified by product line and whether unused cans remain with the homeowner.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge | Common unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore paint | $55-$115 | Product line, finish, tint | Per gallon |
| Primer | $25-$60 | Stain blocking or specialty surface | Per gallon |
| Painter labor | $35-$75 | Region, prep, crew experience | Per hour |
| Wall preparation | $0.50-$2.50 | Patching, sanding, peeling paint | Per sq ft of wall |
| Masking and supplies | $20-$100 | Room size and protection needed | Per room |
| Old-paint or debris disposal | $10-$50 | Local disposal rules and volume | Per job |
For a straightforward room, a painter might use two gallons plus primer and spend 8-14 labor hours on protection, preparation, two coats, and cleanup. At $35-$75 per hour, labor alone could be about $280-$1,050, although many contractors price by room or project rather than hourly.
For example, 10 hours at $50 per hour equals $500 in labor before paint and supplies. Get paint, prep, coats, trim, and cleanup listed separately enough to compare competing bids.
Why room size, coats, and wall condition shift the price
Paint quantity is a major cost driver. Measure wall height and length, subtract large openings, and use the product label’s coverage estimate. For budgeting, a smooth wall may use 350-400 square feet per gallon per coat; rough or absorbent surfaces can use less. Two coats generally double the paint quantity, while a color change may require primer or extra coverage.
Color and substrate can create meaningful differences. Bright whites, saturated reds, and deep hues may need a tinted primer or additional coats, depending on the base and existing color. A change from pale beige to another light neutral is usually simpler than covering a dark wall with white. Ask the dealer whether the selected color has a recommended primer or coverage note.
Surface condition also affects labor. Minor nail holes and light sanding may add only limited prep time, but peeling paint, water stains, cracked plaster, or extensive patching can add several hours and material. Exterior work adds further variables: siding material, peeling layers, height, access, weather exposure, and repairs to trim or caulk.
At 500 square feet of wall area, two coats can require roughly three gallons under normal coverage, with a fourth gallon prudent for rough walls or difficult colors. Confirm the quantity with the paint counter using measured surface area, not just the room’s floor dimensions.
How local dealers and U.S. regions affect shelf price
Benjamin Moore is sold through independent paint retailers, and local store pricing and promotions can vary. Higher-rent metropolitan areas and markets with elevated labor or delivery expenses may price paint and painting services above rural markets. As a planning estimate, retail paint prices in expensive coastal metros may run about 5%-15% above a lower-cost regional baseline; some rural stores may be 5%-10% below it, though product availability can be narrower.
These percentages are directional, not a guaranteed regional price list. A sale at one retailer can outweigh the general location difference. Some dealers offer loyalty pricing, contractor rates, multi-gallon discounts, or seasonal promotions, while others hold regular prices and discount only selected lines.
For the best price, compare the same line, finish, color, and quantity at nearby dealers. Ask whether tax, delivery, and tinting are included and whether the quote is valid for all cans. Two written prices for the identical product specification are more useful than comparing a premium line with a budget line.
How long a professional room repaint takes
A painter typically needs one to two workdays for an average bedroom or living room, depending on preparation, drying time, crew size, and whether ceilings or trim are included. A simple 12-by-12-foot bedroom may take 8-14 labor hours for wall painting and basic patching. Extensive repairs, furniture moving, multiple colors, or trim work can extend the schedule to 2-3 days.
Labor rates commonly fall around $35-$75 per hour, but contractor pricing often uses a per-room or square-foot estimate. A wall-only job with sound surfaces is less expensive than a room that includes a ceiling, doors, baseboards, repairs, and furniture protection. Ask how many coats are included and whether the painter charges extra for moving heavy furniture.
Drying and recoat times depend on the specific product, room temperature, humidity, and ventilation. A short turnaround may require additional labor or return visits, rather than simply more paint. Scheduling the work with enough time for preparation and drying can prevent rush charges and avoid paying a crew to wait.
When primer, delivery, and disposal add to the bill
Primer is not automatically needed on every repaint. A stable, previously painted wall in a similar color may need only cleaning and paint, while bare drywall, stains, glossy surfaces, or a dramatic color change can call for primer. A gallon of ordinary primer often costs $25-$60; specialty stain-blocking or bonding products can cost more.
Delivery is typically a modest charge when a retailer offers it, often around $10-$50 depending on distance and order size. Small orders may face a minimum delivery fee. Ask if paint can be picked up without charge and whether a large order qualifies for delivery at a reduced rate.
Old paint disposal depends on local household hazardous-waste rules. Small quantities may be accepted at a municipal collection site, while contractor debris or many cans can require a paid service. Do not assume a painter’s cleanup price includes disposal of leftover liquid paint. Confirm whether surface repairs, primer, delivery, and disposal are included before approving the final amount.
How to lower the Benjamin Moore paint bill without downgrading
Choose the product line based on room use instead of buying the most expensive option everywhere. A durable premium finish may be justified on a busy hallway or kitchen wall, while a lower-cost suitable line may work for a guest room. Keep a consistent finish where practical, but avoid paying for features the surface does not need.
Accurate measuring can prevent overbuying. Combine rooms with the same color and finish into one order, and ask whether the retailer offers multi-gallon or account pricing. A five-gallon pail may cost less per gallon than five individual cans, but it is a poor saving if the project requires only two gallons and the remainder will not be used.
Do basic, safe preparation where appropriate: remove small wall fixtures, clear the room, and identify repairs before the crew arrives. Do not scrape old coatings without considering lead-paint precautions in homes built before 1978. Compare at least two written contractor bids that specify the same Benjamin Moore product and number of coats.
The most dependable savings come from controlling quantity, scope, and labor—not choosing an unsuitable paint solely because its gallon price is lower. For a small area, compare the cost of a quart with a full gallon; for a large repaint, ask for the price per gallon and whether unopened containers can be returned.