Townhouses are one of the most common homes we paint in the DMV, from Bowie and Gaithersburg to Alexandria and Columbia. They're compact but vertical: three levels, tall stairwells and lots of trim per square foot. Here's what a full interior repaint typically costs in 2026.
TYPICAL COSTS
| Townhouse Size | Walls Only | Walls, Ceilings & Trim |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200–1,600 sq ft | $4,000 – $6,500 | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| 1,600–2,200 sq ft | $5,500 – $9,000 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| 2,200–2,800 sq ft | $7,000 – $11,500 | $12,000 – $19,000 |
Ranges assume two coats, standard repairs and mid-to-premium paint, with color changes that don't require extra coats.
WHAT MOVES THE PRICE
- Stairwells: tall stairwell walls need staging or ladders on the stairs. They're often the most time-consuming walls in the house.
- Color changes: going from dark to light, or to deep colors, can add a coat.
- Trim and doors: townhouses often have 15–20 doors. Painting doors and trim can be a third of the total.
- Ceiling height: two-story living rooms or vaulted ceilings add time.
- Repairs: nail pops, dents and old anchors. See our nail pops guide.
- Occupied vs. empty: an empty townhouse paints noticeably faster.
WAYS TO SAVE
- Keep ceilings white and paint them only if they're stained or yellowed.
- Use one wall color through hallways and stairwells.
- Paint before you move in or before listing, when rooms are empty.
- Do the full house at once rather than room by room; setup and color matching cost less overall.
If you're selling, a fresh neutral repaint is one of the highest-return projects before listing. If you're renting it out, choose one durable neutral for every room; see the best paint colors for rentals.
For room-by-room pricing and how quotes are built, see our interior painting cost guide.
RELATED READING
INTERIOR PAINTING COST IN DC, MD & VA (2026 GUIDE)
Everything you need to know about painting costs in the DMV area, from single rooms to whole-house projects.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR INTERIOR PAINTERS
What to move, what to leave, and what to tell your painter before the crew arrives — a practical checklist.
THE BEST PAINT COLORS FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES
One durable neutral, the right sheens, and a system that makes every turnover faster.
Planning a project? See our Interior Painting service page for scope, process and recent work.
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