The average cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges from $1.50–$4 per square foot, depending on factors like siding material, paint quality, and labor rates. Most homeowners pay around $3,178 in total, with typical project costs ranging from $600–$7,700. A two-story home generally costs between $3,000 and $6,200, while a three-story home can exceed $10,000.
In this guide, we’ll break down what influences these costs and whether it’s worth tackling the job yourself or hiring a professional.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide was sourced from Angi.
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Cost To Paint House Exterior by Square Foot
The average cost to paint a house’s exterior typically ranges between $1.50–$4 per square foot, depending on labor, materials, and surface condition. The home’s size is the primary factor influencing the cost of exterior house painting. Larger homes have more surface area to cover, though even homes with similar square footage can vary in painting costs based on design features such as windows, doors, trim, and architectural details.
The table below shows the average total cost to paint a home based on the square footage of the paintable area.
| Paintable Area | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 800 square feet | $1,200–$3,200 |
| 1,000 square feet | $1,500–$4,000 |
| 1,200 square feet | $1,800–$4,800 |
| 1,500 square feet | $2,250–$6,000 |
| 1,800 square feet | $2,700–$7,200 |
| 2,000 square feet | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | $3,750–$10,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | $4,500–$12,000 |
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Number of Stories
The number of stories in a home significantly impacts the cost of exterior painting due to increased surface area and the complexity of accessing higher elevations. Homes with multiple stories require additional equipment, such as taller ladders or scaffolding, and involve more labor, leading to higher overall expenses.
The table below outlines the average total cost to paint a home based on the number of stories:
| Number of Stories | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
|
One |
$1,500–$3,500 |
|
Two |
$3,000–$6,200 |
|
Three |
$4,500–$10,000 |
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Siding
The type of siding on your home also affects painting costs due to differences in surface texture, paint absorption, and required preparation. Materials like wood and vinyl siding are generally easier to paint and may come pre-primed, making them more affordable.
In contrast, stucco and brick often require extensive prep work, multiple coats, or specialty paint, which increases labor and material costs. Similarly, metal siding can range in price depending on the type of finish and whether a primer is needed to ensure long-lasting adhesion.
The table below shows the average cost per foot to paint a home based on its siding type.
| Siding Type | Estimated Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1–$3 |
| Concrete | $1–$3.50 |
| Vinyl | $1.25–$3 |
| Metal | $1.50–$2.50 |
| Stucco | $1.50–$4 |
| Brick | $1.50–$4.50 |
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Project Type
The exterior of a home is more than just walls. Even if the outside walls still look good, you can refresh your home’s curb appeal by painting trim, soffits, and exterior doors. Some professional painters will charge by square or linear foot for these features, and others may offer per-project painting prices.
The table below shows the average cost to paint specific parts of your house.
| Project Area | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Trim | $2 per linear foot |
| Gutters | $2.50 per linear foot |
| Fascias and soffits | $2.50–$6 per linear foot |
| Eaves | $3–$5.50 per square foot |
| Shutters | $6 to $33 per shutter |
| Exterior door | $150–$500 per door |
| Deck | $975 total |
| Porch | $1,200 total |
| Garage | $1,500–$3,000 |
Labor Costs
When it comes to professional exterior painting jobs, 70%–80% of the total cost goes toward labor. Painting a house also entails gathering materials, preparing and repairing the walls, caulking any gaps, sanding the old paint, priming, painting two coats, and cleaning up the worksite.
Some painters charge cheap hourly rates, with pricing as low as $25 an hour. Though these discounted rates may seem appealing, exert caution when it comes to lower-than-average offers. There is no licensing required in the residential painting field in most areas, so almost anyone can call themselves a painting contractor. More experienced technicians usually charge $25–$100 per hour per painter.
Factors Affecting Paint Cost
While the price and amount of paint contribute to the overall expense of an exterior painting project, it’s often a smaller portion than labor and preparation costs. For example, a single-story, 2,000-square-foot home typically requires about six gallons of paint for two coats. Opting for higher-quality paint can be more cost-effective in the long run, as it tends to be more durable and may extend the interval between repainting.
Type of Paint
Exterior paints are mainly categorized into three types: latex, acrylic, and oil-based. Choosing the right exterior paint depends on your home’s surface material, climate conditions, and how long you want the finish to last. Here’s an overview of each options below:
Type of Finish
Paints can also be classified by their finish or sheen. In general, the shinier a paint dries, the more expensive it is, though the price difference isn’t large. Additionally, not all finishes are well-suited to outdoor painting. Here are the costs and uses of paint finishes for outdoor projects:
- Flat: Flat or matte paint is glossy and spreadable, but this paint type is generally the least durable. It’s easily damaged by cleaning products or power washing.
- Eggshell: This paint type is the most popular choice for exterior walls due to its balance of coverage and durability with a slight shine. It’s less prone to chipping than matte paint and gives a more smooth appearance than satin paint.
- Satin: Satin finish paint is slightly glossier than an eggshell finish paint.
- Semi-gloss: Look to this paint type for a visible shine and stain resistance. The higher shine draws attention to flaws or dents, but it stands up well to cleaning, making it the exterior paint of choice for dusty or muddy properties.
- High-gloss: The most reflective type of house paint, high-gloss dries with a hard exterior and is very durable, but it’s best for small coverage areas. Its water-resistant properties make it a good choice for trim, windows, and doors.
Brand of Paint
The brand can influence the price, though the type and finish have a more significant impact. Budget brands like Glidden and Behr offer paints ranging from $20 to $50 per gallon, while premium brands like Sherwin-Williams and PPG may range from $35 to $75 per gallon.
Investing in high-quality paint and the appropriate finish for your specific project can lead to better aesthetics and longer-lasting results, potentially reducing the frequency and cost of future repaints.
Use the formula below to estimate the gallons of paint you’ll need for your exterior painting project.
Additional Cost Considerations
If the exterior of your home is particularly dirty or damaged, be aware that repairing or cleaning it can double the time and labor needed to paint it. You shouldn’t need a permit to repaint your home, but you might if you change the siding. Keep in mind that if you’re making a significant change to paint colors—like a dark color to a light shade or vice versa—you’ll likely require more coats of paint. Additionally, if you’re unsure what exterior paint color to choose, you might want to meet with a painting company color consultant.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Costs
If you do the job yourself, you’ll need the proper supplies. This can incur costs beyond just the price of paint. Here are common cost estimates for painting materials you may need, according to Home Depot:
- Brushes: $3–$20
- Drop cloth: $5–$30
- Ladder: $80–$300
- Paint trays: $3–$5
- Painter’s tape: $3–$10
- Primer: $20–$40 per gallon
- Rollers: $10–$20
- Sandpaper: $5–$30
- Scraper: $5–$20
You can also rent a paint sprayer for $30–$50 per day, but detail work and wall edges will likely still require some brushes or rollers.
DIY vs. Professional Exterior House Painting
While an exterior paint job is a project you can do yourself, it’s often more of an undertaking than most homeowners realize. A streaky or uneven paint job can reduce the curb appeal of a house, so many homeowners choose to hire professional, experienced painters. Here are some considerations that can help you make that choice.
DIY Pros and Cons
Pros
- Homeowners only have to pay for materials, not labor
- Offers more control over the ultimate appearance of your home since you’re painting
- Exterior painting is less disruptive to everyday life than interior painting, making it easier to take your time
Cons
- Process will take longer than with using a professional
- Must read reviews or ask family and friends to find a trustworthy contractor
Professional Pros and Cons
Pros
- May offer higher quality results than doing the painting yourself
- Has a quicker turnaround time than a DIY project
- Increases personal safety by leaving the ladders and potential risks to the professionals
Cons
- Costs more than DIY painting options
- Must read reviews or ask family and friends to find a trustworthy contractor
How To Save on Exterior House Painting Costs
Whether you choose a DIY approach or leave the painting to the experts, there are some ways to save on exterior painting costs:
- Shop for multiple quotes to ensure you get the best rate from professional companies.
- You can do the prep work yourself, such as trimming nearby trees and shrubs, sanding the surfaces to be painted, and removing any shutters, doorknobs, or other items.
- To reduce labor, be proactive by scheduling repainting before the exterior is in disrepair.
- Choose a lighter color to avoid fading in the sun, decreasing the frequency of repainting.
With these tips in mind, you may be able to save more on painting than you think.
Our Conclusion
Although you can paint your home exterior yourself, hiring a professional is usually a good idea. Experienced painters will create a more consistent final product, and they’ll finish the project faster. As a bonus, they can also handle the extensive preparation and cleanup. Painters may also offer a warranty on their work. Most local contractors will give free painting estimates, so get more than one quote to ensure you get the best price on your fresh coat of paint.
FAQs About Exterior House Painting Costs
How long should an exterior paint job last?
A properly applied exterior paint job should last between five and 10 years. The lifespan of the paint job on your home will depend on the type of paint, the surface it’s applied to, and the climate in your region.
How do I know if my home has lead paint?
Many homes built before 1978 contain some kind of lead-based paint. Before doing any sanding or scraping that could cause the old paint to become airborne, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspection performed by a certified lead-based paint inspector. This step will give you an idea of the safety precautions needed when painting your home.
How much does it cost to paint a two-story home?
An average two-story house will cost between $3,000 and $6,200 to paint the exterior. Most homes with more than one story are more expensive to paint than the same surface area on a single-story home. This is because painting on ladders and around staircases can be more complex.
