Interior painting for households and small businesses
Starting costs about $781 in the United States and 151,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,460 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 3 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 243 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $781 | $2,460 |
| Nigeria | 151,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £542 | £1,670 |
| Kenya | 36,300 KES | 79,900 KES |
| India | 15,900 INR | 58,300 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Repainting a home or premises is slow and messy, and it is hard to find a painter who is available, tidy and punctual for a small job.
The solution
An interior painting service, from one room to a whole home: furniture and floors protected, holes filled, two coats, cleaning and finished on the promised date.
Your customers
Owners and tenants moving in or out, landlords between tenants, estate agencies, small offices and shops.
How you make money
Price per room or per square metre, €150 to €600 a room depending on size and wall condition, paint included or supplied by the client; deposit at the start.
Competition
Building companies that prefer large jobs, independent painters, cash-in-hand workers, people who paint themselves.
Who has an edge
Being tidy, punctual and clear on price is often enough to stand out; agencies and landlords then provide regular work between tenants.
The risks
Physical work, badly calculated quotes, damaged walls needing more preparation, late payments, insurance required for building work in some countries.
The first 3 steps
- Repaint a room for a friend to practise and take photos
- Prepare a price list per room and per square metre
- Introduce yourself to estate agencies and landlords
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,300 − costs €1,600 = €1,700 net per month. Revenue: 11 rooms × €300 a month. Costs: paint and supplies, transport, tools, insurance, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Careful interior painting?
About $781 (United States), 151,000 NGN (Nigeria), £542 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 243 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,460 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,670 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 3 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Physical work, badly calculated quotes, damaged walls needing more preparation, late payments, insurance required for building work in some countries.
Where do I start?
1. Repaint a room for a friend to practise and take photos 2. Prepare a price list per room and per square metre 3. Introduce yourself to estate agencies and landlords
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