Cost to Paint an Apartment in Canada 2026 (4½, 5½)

Apartment Painting Cost Overview

Painting an apartment in Canada costs $1,800–$4,800 in 2026 for a professional job, depending on size, ceiling height and how many colours you choose. In Quebec, apartments are described by the pièces system — a 4½ (two bedrooms) or 5½ (three bedrooms) — and pricing tracks closely to floor area. Get a tailored estimate from our painting cost calculator or read the full interior painting cost guide.

Cost by Apartment Size (4½, 5½)

Apartment	Approx. Area	Pro Cost (walls + ceilings)
3½ (1 bedroom)	~550–750 sq ft	$1,200 - $2,400
4½ (2 bedrooms)	~800–950 sq ft	$1,800 - $3,500
5½ (3 bedrooms)	~1,000–1,300 sq ft	$2,500 - $4,800

Per Square Foot & What's Included

Professional interior painting runs $2.50–$4.50 per sq ft of floor area for walls and ceilings, two coats, in 2026. The quote should include filling nail holes, light sanding, taping, two coats of quality paint, and cleanup. Extras that add cost: trim and doors ($3–$6 per linear foot of trim), deep colour changes needing a primer coat, and high or textured ceilings.

DIY vs Hiring a Painter

Doing it yourself, you'll spend $400–$900 on materials (paint, primer, rollers, tape, drop sheets) for a 4½–5½ — roughly a quarter of the pro price. The trade-off is 3–5 days of work and a less crisp finish on ceilings and cutting-in. Many renters paint themselves; owners preparing to sell usually hire out for the clean result buyers notice.

How to Save

• Stick to one or two colours — every extra colour adds setup and cutting-in time.
• Paint ceilings the same white throughout to avoid per-room colour changes.
• Book in the off-season (late fall/winter) when painters have more availability.
• Move and cover furniture yourself before the crew arrives.

Comparing local rates? See interior painting cost in Montreal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to paint a 4½ in Quebec?

Expect $1,800–$3,500 for a professional two-coat job on walls and ceilings of a ~800–950 sq ft 4½ in 2026. DIY materials run about $400–$700.

How much to paint a 5½?

A 5½ (~1,000–1,300 sq ft) runs $2,500–$4,800 professionally for walls and ceilings, more if you add trim, doors and accent colours.

What's the per-square-foot price to paint an apartment?

About $2.50–$4.50 per sq ft of floor area for walls and ceilings with two coats in 2026. Trim and doors are quoted separately.

Is it cheaper to paint yourself?

Yes — materials for a 4½–5½ are $400–$900, roughly a quarter of the pro price. You trade 3–5 days of labour and a less polished finish for the savings.

How long does it take to paint an apartment?

A pro crew finishes a 4½–5½ in 1–2 days. DIY usually takes a long weekend or 3–5 evenings.