How much does it cost to paint an apartment in Toronto?
Quick Answer: Apartment painting in Toronto costs $850 to $4,500+ in 2026. A studio runs $850–$1,500, a 1-bedroom costs $1,000–$2,000, a 2-bedroom runs $1,500–$3,500, and a 3-bedroom costs $2,000–$4,500+. That's for professional work with two coats of premium paint, full prep, and cleanup. Per square foot, expect $2.00–$3.50 for a whole-unit job.
I'm Chad, co-owner of Home Painters Pro. When you call us, you're talking to me — not a call centre, not a sales rep. I've personally handled over 1,500 painting projects across Toronto in 20+ years. I walk through every quote myself and make sure the work gets done right.
Here's something I notice every week. Someone calls us asking about "apartment painting." Someone else calls about "condo painting." Nine times out of ten, they're describing the exact same unit in the exact same building.
In Toronto, the words "apartment" and "condo" get used interchangeably. Whether you own a unit at CityPlace, rent a place in a North York high-rise, or live in one of those older walk-ups near King West—you want to know what painting costs. Fair enough. Let me break it all down.
I've been painting Toronto apartments and condos for over 20 years. The pricing is the same whether you call it an apartment or a condo. What actually changes the cost is size, wall condition, ceiling height, and building logistics. Not the label.
Apartment painting cost by size in Toronto
Let's get right to the numbers. This is what Toronto apartment painting actually costs in 2026:
| Apartment Size | Square Footage | Cost Range | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/Bachelor | 300–500 sq ft | $850–$1,500 | $2.50–$3.50 |
| 1-Bedroom | 500–700 sq ft | $1,000–$2,000 | $2.00–$3.00 |
| 2-Bedroom | 700–1,000 sq ft | $1,500–$3,500 | $2.00–$3.50 |
| 3-Bedroom | 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $2,000–$4,500+ | $2.00–$3.00 |
These prices include labour, paint, primer, prep work, and cleanup. Two coats of quality paint—Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams. Standard 8–9 foot ceilings.
The wide range within each size comes down to specifics. A clean, well-maintained 1-bedroom with smooth walls lands near the bottom. A 1-bedroom with holes everywhere, textured ceilings, and dark colours that need three coats to cover? That pushes toward the top.
For detailed breakdowns by unit size, check our specific guides: 1-bedroom condo painting costs and 2-bedroom condo painting costs.
What drives apartment painting costs in Toronto?
Wall condition is the biggest variable
This is where quotes diverge dramatically. A unit with clean, smooth drywall in good shape? Two coats and done. A place where the previous tenant hung 40 picture frames, patched nothing, and left scuff marks at hip height down every hallway? That's hours of prep before we even open a can of paint.
Prep work includes filling nail holes, sanding patches smooth, caulking gaps along trim and baseboards, cleaning dust and grime off surfaces, and priming any stains or repairs. On a unit in rough shape, prep alone can account for 30–40% of the total labour.
If your apartment needs significant drywall repair, that's quoted separately. Minor patching is included in standard painting quotes.
Ceiling height changes everything
Standard 8-foot ceilings are the baseline for all pricing above. Those soaring 10 or 12-foot ceilings you see in newer downtown condos and converted lofts? Add 15–25% to the cost.
I painted a loft in Liberty Village last year with 13-foot ceilings. One accent wall in the living room took a full afternoon. Scaffolding, extra time, more paint—the owner was surprised until I pointed out that wall was almost twice the height of a standard one. The square footage was modest. The cubic footage was not.
Layout complexity matters more than size
An open-concept 900 sq ft apartment paints faster than a chopped-up 700 sq ft unit with six doorways, a galley kitchen, and a narrow hallway. More walls, more corners, more cutting in around trim. A painter's favourite thing is a long, uninterrupted wall. Reality in Toronto apartments is rarely that generous.
Building logistics add cost
This is where apartments and condos share the same headache. Elevator bookings ($100–$300), restricted work hours (typically 9 AM–5 PM weekdays), move permits for hauling equipment ($50–$200), and insurance requirements. Older rental buildings sometimes have fewer restrictions but also have narrower hallways and no service elevator.
A painter working in a downtown tower at Fort York has a fundamentally different day than one painting a house in the suburbs. Hauling supplies to the 28th floor, working around building rules, sharing elevators with residents—that adds about 10–15% to any honest quote compared to ground-level work.
Apartment vs. condo: does the terminology actually matter for pricing?
Not really. The cost difference comes from the building, not the label.
Newer condo buildings (built 2010+) tend to have taller ceilings, open layouts, more glass, and stricter building management. The taller ceilings and building fees push costs slightly higher.
Older rental apartment buildings (1960s–1990s) typically have standard 8-foot ceilings, simpler layouts, and more relaxed building rules. But they often have more wall damage, layers of old paint, and sometimes textured surfaces that need extra prep.
On average, the pricing lands in the same range for equivalent square footage. A 700 sq ft 1-bedroom is a 700 sq ft 1-bedroom whether it's in a 1970s rental in Etobicoke or a 2020 condo in King West. The specifics shift the quote, not the name on the building.
For a comprehensive look at condo-specific pricing, see our complete condo painting cost guide.
Painting a rental apartment in Toronto: what renters need to know
A huge number of people searching for apartment painting costs in Toronto are renters. You live in the place, you stare at those walls every day, and you want them to look better. I get it. Here's what you need to know.
Can you paint your rental apartment in Ontario?
Yes, but with caveats. Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act doesn't specifically prohibit tenants from painting. However, your lease may have clauses about it. The key points:
- Always check your lease first. Some leases explicitly require landlord approval for painting.
- Get written permission from your landlord before starting. An email works. A text works. Something in writing.
- You may need to return walls to the original colour when you move out, depending on your lease terms.
- Landlords cannot unreasonably withhold permission, but "unreasonable" is subjective and disputes go to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
My honest advice? Talk to your landlord. Most are reasonable about it, especially if you're choosing neutral colours. Some will even split the cost or cover it entirely—fresh paint protects their asset.
Should you hire a professional or DIY?
For renters, DIY often makes more sense than it does for owners. You're painting a temporary space, you might need to repaint when you leave, and budget matters.
DIY makes sense when: Your apartment is under 600 sq ft, you're doing one or two rooms, and you have a free weekend. Budget $150–$400 for paint and supplies.
Hire a professional when: You want the whole unit done, the ceilings are tall, or you need a clean finish for a specific reason (hosting, photos, mental health). A professional job lasts longer and looks noticeably better, especially around trim and ceilings.
For help choosing the right products, read our guides on paint finishes explained and how to choose paint colours.
Painting costs for Toronto landlords
If you own a rental apartment and you're wondering whether to repaint between tenants—do it. The ROI is hard to beat.
The landlord math
| Unit Size | Painting Cost | Monthly Rent Increase | Annual Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $850–$1,500 | $50–$100/mo | $600–$1,200 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,000–$2,000 | $75–$150/mo | $900–$1,800 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,500–$3,500 | $100–$200/mo | $1,200–$2,400 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,000–$4,500 | $150–$250/mo | $1,800–$3,000 |
A freshly painted unit rents 30–50% faster and justifies higher asking rent. Even a modest $100/month increase on a $1,500 paint job pays for itself in the first year. Plus, painting costs are fully tax-deductible as a current expense against rental income in Canada.
For the full landlord playbook—ROI analysis, paint durability tips, tenant damage protocols, and tax deductions—read our complete landlord's guide to painting rental condos.
Best paint for rental apartments
Durability over aesthetics. Every time.
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select in eggshell—washable, durable, lasts 8–12 years
- Sherwin-Williams Duration in eggshell or satin—scrubbable, handles tenant wear
- Stick to one neutral colour throughout (Simply White or Agreeable Gray)
- Never use flat or matte in a rental—it stains permanently and can't be cleaned
Where your painting money actually goes
People see a $2,500 quote and wonder where it all goes. Here's the breakdown for a typical Toronto apartment paint job:
| Cost Component | Percentage | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | 60–70% | Prep, painting, cleanup, building navigation |
| Paint & Materials | 20–25% | Paint, primer, tape, drop cloths, caulking |
| Overhead | 10–15% | Insurance, WSIB, equipment, vehicle costs |
Labour is the biggest piece because painting apartments takes skill and time. Toronto professional painters charge $35–$55 per hour per person in 2026. A standard 2-bedroom with a two-person crew takes 2–3 days. That's $1,120–$2,640 in labour alone before a single can of paint enters the picture.
This is why those $800 quotes for a full 2-bedroom don't add up. Either they're cutting corners on prep, using cheap paint, carrying no insurance, or planning to disappear halfway through.
How long does apartment painting take?
| Apartment Size | Empty Unit | Furnished Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 day | 1–1.5 days |
| 1-Bedroom | 1–2 days | 2–2.5 days |
| 2-Bedroom | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| 3-Bedroom | 3–4 days | 4–5 days |
An empty apartment is always 20–30% faster. No furniture to move, no plastic sheeting over your couch, no working around your stuff. If you're moving in or out, schedule painting for the gap between tenants or before you unpack.
Tips to save on apartment painting in Toronto
Book in the off-season
January through March is the slowest period for Toronto painters. Rates drop 15–20% compared to the spring rush. If your timeline is flexible, winter painting saves real money—and the work quality is identical.
Combine units for volume pricing
Know your neighbours? Coordinating painting across multiple units in the same building saves everyone 10–15%. The crew stays in one building, no commute between jobs, minimal setup and teardown. I've seen groups of four or five units in buildings around CityPlace and Fort York do this. Smart move.
Do your own prep work
If you're comfortable filling nail holes, removing switch plates, and moving furniture away from walls, that cuts 20–30% off the labour portion. Just be honest with yourself—bad prep leads to bad results.
Choose standard colours
Custom colours that require tinting and extra coats cost more. Stick to popular neutrals in the base range and you avoid surcharges.
Get multiple quotes
Always get at least three quotes from different apartment painters in Toronto. Compare scope, not just price. The cheapest quote that skips primer isn't actually cheaper when the paint peels in 18 months.
Red flags when hiring an apartment painter in Toronto
Twenty years in this industry, and I've heard every horror story. Watch for these:
- Quoting over the phone without seeing the unit. Every apartment is different. A real quote requires an in-person look.
- No insurance or WSIB. If someone gets hurt in your unit, that liability falls on you.
- Wildly low pricing. Three painters say $2,200 and one says $900? Something's wrong with the $900.
- Cash-only, no receipt. Zero accountability. Zero recourse if the work is bad. And for landlords, no tax deduction without a proper invoice.
- Pressure to commit immediately. Good painters are booked weeks out. They don't need to pressure you.
Neighbourhood pricing: does location matter?
The apartment itself drives cost, not the neighbourhood. But building logistics vary:
Downtown towers (CityPlace, Fort York, King West, Liberty Village): Stricter building rules, elevator booking fees, limited work hours. Expect the higher end of the range.
Midtown and North York high-rises: Generally more relaxed building management, easier access. Slightly lower logistics costs.
Etobicoke and Scarborough apartments: Older rental stock often means more prep work (textured walls, multiple paint layers) but fewer building restrictions.
The per-square-foot rate stays in the $2.00–$3.50 range across the city. The logistics just shift where you land within that range.
Ready to get your apartment painted?
Call me directly at (416) 875-8706 or request your free quote. If I don't answer right away, I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Painting an apartment in Toronto costs $850 to $4,500+ in 2026 depending on size. A studio runs $850 to $1,500, a 1-bedroom costs $1,000 to $2,000, a 2-bedroom runs $1,500 to $3,500, and a 3-bedroom costs $2,000 to $4,500+. Prices include labour, materials, prep work, and two coats of paint.
In Ontario, tenants can paint their rental unit but may be required to return it to the original colour when moving out, depending on the lease agreement. Landlords cannot unreasonably withhold permission. Always check your lease first and get written permission. Some landlords cover painting costs between tenants as part of unit maintenance.
Pricing is similar for units of the same size. The main differences come from building logistics. Older rental apartment buildings may have lower ceilings and simpler layouts, which can reduce costs slightly. Newer condo buildings often have taller ceilings and require elevator booking fees. Both types typically fall within the $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot range for whole-unit work.
A studio takes 1 day, a 1-bedroom takes 1 to 2 days, a 2-bedroom takes 2 to 3 days, and a 3-bedroom takes 3 to 4 days. Timeline depends on wall condition, scope of work, and building access restrictions. Painting an empty apartment is 20 to 30 percent faster than a furnished one.
Yes, painting between tenants is one of the highest-ROI investments a landlord can make. Fresh paint costs $1,000 to $3,000 for a typical apartment but can justify $50 to $150 more per month in rent, increase tenant retention, and reduce vacancy time. Neutral colours like whites and light greys appeal to the widest range of tenants.