If you've gotten painting quotes in New York City that range from $800 to $6,000 for what sounds like "the same job," you're not imagining things. Painting and drywall pricing swings more than almost any other renovation category — because so much of the cost is hidden in prep work you can't see on a walkthrough. This guide breaks down what actually drives price, what a realistic NYC budget looks like in 2026, and how to tell a contractor who preps a wall correctly from one w