How Much Does It Cost to Paint an Apartment in NYC in 2026
Survey of Painting Companies in Manhattan: Finding the Best Fit for Your 2-Bedroom Apartment
In the fast-paced world of New York City, where every square foot counts, refreshing your living space with a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference. But with dozens of painting companies vying for your business, how do you choose one that's reliable, affordable, and delivers high-quality results? To help answer that question, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 32 painting companies operating in Manhattan. Our goal was to solicit estimates for a standard 2-bedroom apartment, focusing on painting all walls, ceilings, baseboards, doors, and closet interiors. We prioritized companies that responded promptly and provided clear quotes, while also evaluating their reputation through customer reviews on major platforms like Yelp, Google, and Houzz.
Out of the 32 companies contacted via email and their websites, only 16 provided usable estimates despite repeated follow-ups. The others either ignored our inquiries, refused to quote without an in-person visit, or were unresponsive. This highlights a common challenge in the industry: not all companies are eager to engage with potential clients remotely. For consistency, we standardized the quotes by adding an estimated $700 for paint costs (based on premium Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace or equivalent) to those that excluded materials. None of the estimates included New York City's 8.875% sales tax, so factor that in when budgeting.
Our analysis combines the quoted totals with real customer feedback to give you a balanced view. We scoured reviews for patterns in professionalism, quality of work, cleanliness, timeliness, and value. While prices varied widely—from around $5,000 to over $16,000—the best options often balanced affordability with strong reputations. Below, we break it down with a comparison table, followed by detailed profiles of the responding companies. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process, whether you're a homeowner, renter, or property manager.
Key Findings from the Survey
Price Range: Estimates ranged from $3,850 (plus materials) to $16,168 (including tax in some cases), with an average around $8,000 after standardization. Lower quotes often came from smaller, highly rated firms, while higher ones included premium services like extensive prep work or specialty paints.
Common Inclusions: Most covered two coats of paint, minor patching (e.g., screw holes), and cleanup. Extras like insurance certificates or heavy repairs added costs.
Timeline: Jobs typically took 3-7 days, depending on the crew size and scope.
Reputation Matters: We prioritized companies with consistent 4.5+ star ratings across platforms. Avoid those with frequent complaints about communication or quality.
Tips for Choosing: Get multiple quotes, check for insurance, and read recent reviews. Consider eco-friendly options or those specializing in apartments to minimize disruption.
| Company Name | Total Price | Notes | Yelp Rating (# Reviews) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ManhattanPainters.com | $5,000 | Ballpark $5,000. Higher for Chantilly Lace due to extra coats; minor patching included. 3-4 days. | 5.0 (multiple positive mentions) | |
| S&A Painting | $5,988 | Includes walls, ceilings, trim, doors; 8-9 gallons of paint (~$500 discounted); minor patching; 5-6 days. Add $150 for insurance. | 4.8 (professional and efficient) | |
| Paintworks & Decorating NYC | $5,200 | $3,850 plus materials; walls, ceilings, trim, doors; 3-4 days. | 4.8 (64 reviews; five 1-star reviews) | |
| Jonathan Barsness Interior Painting (Spruce Painters) | $6,200 | $5,500 labor + $700 paint; includes patching and caulking. | 4.8 (127 reviews; efficient and neat) | |
| NT Home Concepts | $5,800 | $5,100 labor + $700 paint; two full coats; standard prep. | 4.7 (positive communication) | |
| Precision Painting Plus | $6,824 | $6,124 labor + $700 paint; detailed prep; some mixed feedback on professionalism. | 3.5 (29 reviews; overpriced and sloppy in some cases) | |
| Magic Roller Painters Services | $7,035 | $6,335 labor + $700 paint; light prep; 5 days. | 4.7 (quality and unmatched attention) | |
| JB Painters | $7,200 | $6,500 labor + $700 paint; plus tax with materials. | 3.0 (mixed; poor customer care post-payment) | |
| Pristine Painters | $7,826 | $7,126 labor + $700 paint; detailed room-by-room breakdown; 4-5 days. | 2.5 (unreliable and poor communication) | |
| City Zen Painting | $7,700 | $7,000 + paint/tax; may need primer for Chantilly Lace. | 5.0 (30 reviews; joyful and professional) | |
| Green City Painters | $8,400 | $7,500 labor + $900 materials; in-person view recommended. | 4.8 (58 reviews; incredible and thorough) | |
| CertaPro Painters | $18,000 | $16,500-$18,500 + tax; recommends Benjamin Moore Aura for coverage. | 3.5 (mixed; outstanding in some, disappointing in others) | |
| Lexington Painting Inc. | $7,877 | Includes prep, two coats; excludes closets/cabinetry; 4 days. | 4.8 (52 reviews; impeccable and detailed) | |
| Spruce Painters | $10,000 | Includes patching, caulking, ceilings, walls, doors, trim, closets; without tax. | 4.8 (127 reviews; efficient and spotless) | |
| Two Cousins Painting | $7,175 | $6,475 including paint; light fixing; excludes cabinets. | 4.9 (efficient and thorough) | |
| Supreme Paint | $16,869 | Detailed room-by-room; premium materials; 5-7 days. | 4.7 (outstanding craftsmanship) | |
| Michael J Mahoney Painting | $6,750 | $6,000-$7,500; Chantilly Lace may need extra coats; matte/satin finishes. | 5.0 (impeccable and trustworthy) |
Detailed Company Profiles
Manhattan Painters
This company offered one of the most competitive quotes, emphasizing value for basic whites versus premium options like Chantilly Lace. Their notes highlight potential extra coats for certain paints, but overall, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious clients. Reviews praise their timeliness, efficiency, and fair pricing, with users noting "unmatched quality and speed." Ideal for quick, high-quality jobs in apartments or lofts.
S&A Painting
A strong contender for detailed work, including minor imperfections. Reviews highlight their efficiency and professionalism, with one client calling them "helpful, quick, and excellent." The added insurance fee is a minor drawback, but their discounted paint access keeps costs reasonable.
Paintworks & Decorating NYC
Focused on empty spaces for easier access, this firm's lower base quote (plus materials) appeals to those handling supplies themselves. High ratings for precision and care, with Houzz users noting "professional, helpful, and accommodating." Great for eco-friendly or carpentry-inclusive projects.
Jonathan Barsness Interior Painting (Spruce Painters)
Known for honesty and punctuality, they shine in detailed prep. Reviews rave about their "fantastic work" and affordability, making them a top pick for apartments. Their 100+ reviews speak to reliability.
NT Home Concepts
Straightforward quotes with standard prep. Positive feedback on timeliness and communication, though fewer reviews overall. Suitable for full-apartment jobs without frills.
Precision Painting Plus
Detailed but pricier, with some reviews criticizing sloppiness and rudeness. Others praise their excellence, so vet carefully.
Magic Roller Painters Services
Emphasizes protection and cleanup. Reviews commend their "outstanding quality" and transformation skills. Good for thorough, no-mess jobs.
JB Painters
Meticulous but post-payment service issues noted in reviews. Proceed with caution despite solid prep.
Pristine Painters
Room-by-room detail, but reviews cite unreliability and poor communication. Not recommended based on feedback.
City Zen Painting
Personal touch with potential priming needs. Stellar reviews for joy and cleanliness. Excellent for high-end finishes.
Green City Painters
Eco-focused with in-person emphasis. Reviews love their dedication and neatness. Ideal for sustainable projects.
CertaPro Painters
Premium but expensive; mixed reviews on quality and errors. Best for those prioritizing brand recognition.
Lexington Painting Inc.
Comprehensive prep; reviews highlight "impeccable" results. Strong for guaranteed coverage.
Spruce Painters
Full-service with closets; high-volume positive reviews for efficiency. Top choice for turnkey experiences.
Two Cousins Painting
Includes light fixing; reviews praise timeliness and cleanliness. Family-run vibe with solid results.
Supreme Paint
Detailed and premium; reviews note craftsmanship. For larger, high-end projects.
Michael J Mahoney Painting
Flexible finishes; perfect reviews for trustworthiness. Great for personalized service.
Recommendations: Our Top Picks
Based on value, reviews, and responsiveness, we echo the "best 2025" subset: Manhattan Painters, Michael J Mahoney Painting, City Zen Painting, Lexington Painting Inc., Green City Painters, and Spruce Painters. These consistently score 4.8+ stars and offer competitive pricing under $10,000. For the best match, prioritize those with strong apartment experience and positive feedback on cleanup—essential in NYC's tight spaces.
Remember, prices can fluctuate based on your apartment's condition and specifics. Always request references and verify insurance. Happy painting!