How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior?
$3,000 – $10,000
National average: $5,000
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
A fresh coat of exterior paint protects your home and transforms its look — and it’s one of the better-value curb-appeal projects. Painting a house exterior costs $3,000 to $10,000 in 2026, averaging around $5,000, or about $1.50–$4.50 per square foot.
What you’re paying for
As with interior work, the paint is cheap and the labor is everything — typically 60–80% of the bill. A proper exterior job means power-washing, scraping and sanding peeling paint, caulking gaps, priming bare spots, and protecting landscaping before a drop of finish paint goes on. That prep is what separates a 7–10 year job from one that peels in two.
Cost by home size
Exterior cost tracks closely with wall area and height. The table below shows typical totals by home size for a roughly 1.5-story house.
Why prep and siding matter
Two homes the same size can quote very differently. Siding type is a big factor: smooth lap siding paints quickly, while stucco, brick, and rough cedar soak up more paint and labor. Condition is the other: a home with widespread peeling, rot, or failed caulk needs far more prep than one in good shape. Always ask what prep is included — it’s where cheap bids cut corners.
How to save on exterior painting
- Get three detailed quotes and confirm the prep scope in writing.
- Keep it to two colors (body + trim) to limit masking labor.
- Choose premium paint that lasts longer and covers in two coats.
- Do minor prep yourself (cleaning, light scraping) if you’re able.
- Schedule in the off-peak shoulder season for better pricing.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (prep + paint) | 60–80% of total | — |
| Paint & primer | $40 – $80 / gallon | — |
| Surface prep & repairs | varies | — |
| Equipment (scaffold/lift) | $0 – $1,000 | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500 – $4,500 | — |
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,500 – $6,500 | — |
| 2,000–2,500 sq ft | $3,800 – $9,200 | — |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $6,000 – $13,000+ | — |
What affects the price
- Home size & stories More wall area and added height (needing ladders or lifts) raise both labor and time.
- Siding type Smooth surfaces paint fast; stucco, brick, and textured siding use more paint and labor.
- Prep & repairs Scraping peeling paint, sanding, caulking, and repairs are the bulk of a good job.
- Paint quality Premium exterior paint costs more but lasts longer and covers in fewer coats.
- Number of colors Multiple body, trim, and accent colors add labor for cutting in and masking.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
- Most homes run $3,000–$10,000, averaging around $5,000, or $1.50–$4.50 per square foot. A 2,000–2,500 sq ft home typically lands at $3,800–$9,200.
- What does exterior painting cost per square foot?
- Expect $1.50–$4.50 per square foot of home, with the higher end reflecting multiple stories, heavy prep, or textured siding like stucco.
- Why is labor most of the cost?
- Prep — power-washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, and priming — plus careful application is where the time goes. Labor is typically 60–80% of an exterior job.
- How long does exterior paint last?
- A quality job lasts 7–10 years (sometimes more for fiber cement or premium paint). Skipping prep is why cheap jobs fail in 2–3 years.
- When is the best time to paint outside?
- Dry, mild weather — late spring through early fall in most regions. Paint needs moderate temperatures and low humidity to cure properly.
- Can I paint my house exterior myself?
- Single-story homes are a feasible (if labor-intensive) DIY. Multi-story homes, heavy prep, and spray application are usually better left to pros for safety and finish quality.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: