Every property is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all price. But you deserve a realistic idea before you pick up the phone. Here are typical price ranges for jobs around Cairns, what pushes the cost up or down, and how to get the best result for your budget.
Typical price ranges (2026)
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom (walls only) | $300 – $600 |
| Feature wall (paint) | $90 – $230 |
| Wallpaper feature wall | $400 – $800 |
| Full interior, 3-bedroom home | $3,500 – $9,000 |
| Exterior, lowset home | $3,600 – $10,500 |
| Exterior, highset / Queenslander | $4,500 – $15,000 |
| Rental turnover refresh | Approx. $2,000 |
| Airbnb / holiday rental refresh | Quoted per property |
Prices are a guide only and include labour and quality paint. Your quote is fixed and itemised after a free on-site look.
What affects the price
- Preparation. Patching, sanding, filling cracks and fixing flaking paint is where a lasting finish is won or lost. Older and weathered surfaces need more prep.
- Condition and mould. Cairns humidity means mould treatment and sealing are often needed before painting, especially in bathrooms, eaves and south-facing walls.
- Size and height. Ceilings, stairwells and highset homes take more time, ladders or scaffolding.
- Paint quality. Premium, mould-resistant and UV-stable paints cost more but last longer in the tropics.
- Colour changes. Going from dark to light, or the other way, can need extra coats.
- Access and occupancy. Furnished homes, tenanted properties and tight turnaround windows (such as between Airbnb guests) affect scheduling.
Getting the most from your budget
Essential refresh
Focus on the rooms and surfaces that make the biggest first impression: living areas, entry and front façade. Ideal for rentals and pre-sale on a tight budget.
Smart upgrade
A full interior or exterior with better products and colour advice to lift appeal and rent, without overcapitalising.
Full makeover
Interior, exterior, feature walls and finishes, tailored as a complete transformation.
Not sure which fits? Tell me your budget and goal, and I'll recommend where the money will make the most difference. — Mike
Frequently asked questions
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Mostly preparation and paint quality. A cheaper quote often skips prep or uses lower-grade paint, which in Cairns' climate can mean peeling and mould within a few years. My quotes are itemised so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
Do you charge for quotes?
No. Quotes are free and done on site, so the price is accurate. I cover Cairns, the Northern Beaches and the Tablelands.
Can you work to a set budget?
Yes. That's the whole approach. Give me your number and I'll plan the work to get the best result within it.
How long does a typical job take?
As a guide: a single room takes 1–2 days, a full interior 5–10 days, and an exterior 5–12 days, depending on size, preparation and weather.
Can you work around tenants or Airbnb bookings?
Yes. I schedule around tenants and between guest stays to minimise downtime.
Do you require a deposit?
No. There's no deposit, and you pay when the job's done.
Get an accurate price for your property.
Free, no-obligation quote, tailored to your budget.