The average cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges from $2.20–$4.40 per square foot, depending on factors like your siding material, paint quality, surface preparation, and local labor rates. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, that comes out to $4,400–$8,800, with an average project cost of around $6,600.
To get an idea of real project pricing and labor estimates, we looked into material costs from The Home Depot and contractor estimates from Homewyse. In this guide, we break down the key factors that go into exterior painting costs and help you determine whether a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach or hiring a professional is the better investment.
Key Takeaways
- Exterior painting costs average $2.20–$4.40 per square foot, with total costs for most 2,000-square-foot homes falling between $4,400 and $8,800, depending on materials and labor.
- Exterior painting costs vary based on surface condition, siding material, paint selection, and access difficulty, not just square footage.
- Investing in quality materials and timely repainting can lower long-term maintenance costs.
Find Expert Help
- Use our expert research to learn more about your project
- Enter your ZIP code and tell us about your home
- Match with local experts who can meet your needs
Get a Quote From Exterior Painting Professionals Near You
Compare quotes from local pros
Cost To Paint a House Exterior by Square Foot
The average cost to paint a house’s exterior typically ranges between $2.20–$4.40 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.
| Size of Exterior Painting Area | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 800 square feet | $1,800–$3,500 |
| 1,000 square feet | $2,200–$4,400 |
| 1,200 square feet | $2,600–$5,300 |
| 1,500 square feet | $3,300–$6,600 |
| 1,800 square feet | $4,000–$7,900 |
| 2,000 square feet | $4,400–$8,800 |
| 2,500 square feet | $5,500–$11,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | $6,600–$13,200 |
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Homewyse, an online database with home improvement project costs, and The Home Depot.
Cost To Paint a 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 2,000 square-foot home based on the number of stories:
| Number of Stories | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
One |
$4,400–$8,800 |
|
Two |
$6,900–$12,700 |
|
Three |
$8,300–$15,200 |
Cost To Paint Different Types of Exterior 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 vary in price depending on the finish and whether a primer is needed for 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 Range |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1.70–$3.60 per square foot |
| Aluminum | $2.10–$4.20 per square foot |
| Stucco | $2.50–$4.80 per square foot |
| Brick | $2.60–$5.00 per square foot |
| Vinyl | $2.80–$5.20 per square foot |
Cost of Painting Exterior House Features
In addition to siding and overall home size, certain exterior features can increase the total cost of your painting project. Painting trim, soffits, gutters, decks, and doors requires detailed prep work, specialized tools, and extra labor time.
The estimates below reflect average pricing based on the specific surface type and level of detail involved. Homes with intricate architecture or heavy prep needs may fall toward the higher end of these ranges.
| Home Feature | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Porch | $1.90–$3.75 per square foot |
| Garage | $2.00–$3.75 per square foot |
| Deck | $2.25–$4.50 per square foot |
| Gutters | $3.00–$5.75 per linear foot |
| Trim | $4.25–$8.25 per linear foot |
| Fascia | $4.50–$8.50 per linear foot |
| Soffits | $5.00–$9.75 per square foot |
| Shutters | $115–$235 per shutter |
| Exterior Door | $165–$330 per door |
Exterior House Painting Labor Costs
For professional exterior painting projects, much of the cost goes toward labor. Exterior painting involves more than just applying paint — it includes surface preparation, minor repairs, caulking, sanding, priming, applying multiple coats, and thoroughly cleaning the worksite.
While some individuals may advertise rates as low as $25 per hour, professional painting contractors typically charge between $40 and $100 per hour per painter, depending on experience, insurance coverage, and regional labor costs.
Licensing and insurance requirements vary by state and municipality, so it’s important to verify that any contractor you hire is properly credentialed and insured.
Factors Affecting Exterior House Paint Costs
The type of exterior paint you select can significantly impact how long your finish lasts and how much you’ll spend on maintenance over time. Climate exposure, surface material, and long-term maintenance goals all play a bigger role than you may realize.
Today, most high-quality exterior paints are 100% acrylic latex formulations, which offer the best balance of flexibility, adhesion, and weather resistance. Rather than focusing solely on the upfront price per gallon, it’s smarter to evaluate the cost over the paint’s lifespan.
Type of Paint
Choosing the right exterior paint can significantly impact how long your finish lasts and how much you’ll spend on maintenance over time. Climate exposure, surface material, and long-term maintenance goals all play a bigger role than you may realize.
Standard exterior latex paints typically range from $30–$50 per gallon and are often used for budget-conscious projects or properties with shorter-term ownership plans. While they provide solid coverage in mild climates, lower resin content can lead to faster fading and a shorter lifespan, around five to seven years, depending on exposure.
Premium 100% acrylic exterior paints generally cost between $45 and $85 per gallon, reflecting their higher-quality resins and durability. These formulations offer superior adhesion, UV resistance, and flexibility, allowing them to expand and contract with temperature changes. In many climates, high-quality acrylic paint can last eight to 12 years or longer, reducing the need for long-term repaints.
Oil-based exterior paints typically range from $40–$75 per gallon and are most commonly used for trim, doors, and metal surfaces. They provide a hard, smooth finish and strong adhesion but are less flexible than acrylic paints and more prone to cracking over time. Stricter environmental regulations limiting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that evaporate into the air as paint dries, have reduced the availability of traditional oil-based products, making them less common for full exterior projects.
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 you choose can influence the overall cost, though the paint type and finish typically have a greater impact on performance and longevity. Budget-friendly brands such as Glidden, Behr, and Valspar generally range from $30–$60 per gallon, depending on quality and durability.
Premium brands like Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and Benjamin Moore typically cost between $50 and $85 per gallon, especially for high-performance exterior formulations designed for long-term weather resistance.
Investing in high-quality paint and the appropriate finish for your specific project can improve appearance, durability, and color retention — potentially reducing the need for frequent repainting and lowering long-term maintenance costs.
Use the formula below to estimate the gallons of paint you’ll need for your exterior painting project.
Additional Exterior House Paint 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) Exterior House Painting 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: $5–$25
- Drop cloth: $10–$40
- Ladder: $100–$350
- Paint trays: $3–$8
- Painter’s tape: $5–$15
- Primer: $25–$60 per gallon
- Rollers: $10–$25
- Sandpaper: $5–$25
- Scraper: $8–$25
You can also rent a paint sprayer for approximately $50–$100 per day, depending on the model and location. However, detailed areas such as trim, edges, and corners will still require brushes or rollers.
DIY Painting 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
When To Hire a Professional Painter
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.
Professional Painter 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:
- Repaint before major peeling begins: Waiting until paint is severely cracked or peeling increases prep time and repair costs. Repainting when you first notice fading or minor cracking can significantly reduce labor expenses.
- Choose standard or neutral colors: Deep, bright, or custom-tinted colors often require additional coats for full coverage. Neutral shades typically cover faster and may reduce material and labor costs.
- Bundle exterior projects together: Painting trim, shutters, doors, or a deck at the same time as your siding can lower overall costs compared to scheduling separate projects.
- Schedule during slower seasons: In some areas, early spring or late fall may offer more flexible scheduling and better pricing than peak summer months.
- Handle simple prep work in advance: Clearing landscaping, moving outdoor furniture, and removing detachable fixtures can reduce labor time. Leave sanding, repairs, and priming to professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
- Invest in higher-quality paint: Premium exterior paint may cost more upfront but typically lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent repainting and lowering long-term maintenance costs.
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 $6,900 and $12,700 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.
How We Determined Exterior Painting Pricing
To provide accurate, current pricing for exterior painting projects, we collected average prices from Homewyse and The Home Depot. Note that prices shared in this guide represent cost ranges and averages based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as your location, chosen contractor, bathroom specifics, material quality, and overall project scope.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
