Quick Cost Summary
Low End
$2,312
National Average
$2,890
High End
$3,757
Exterior Painting Cost Breakdown
| Item | Unit | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Paint | gallon | 12 | $50.00 | $600.00 |
| Primer | gallon | 6 | $40.00 | $240.00 |
| Labor | hr | 30 | $60.00 | $1800.00 |
| Power Wash & Prep | lump sum | 1 | $250.00 | $250.00 |
What Affects Exterior Painting Cost?
- Project scope & size: Larger projects cost more, but per-unit pricing often drops for bigger jobs.
- Material quality: Premium materials (e.g., hardwood vs. laminate, copper vs. PEX) significantly impact total cost.
- Labor rates: Vary dramatically by region — from $45/hr in rural areas to $120+/hr in major metros.
- Permits & inspections: Many trades require building permits ($100–$500+) and inspections that add to total cost.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas, multi-story buildings, or old construction can add 15-30% to labor costs.
- Seasonal demand: Prices often peak in spring/summer when demand is highest. Scheduling in off-peak months can save 10-20%.
Exterior Painting Cost by City
Costs vary by location. Here are estimated prices for exterior painting in major US cities:
| City | Avg. Cost | vs. National | Free Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $4,191 | +45% | Get Estimate → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $3,902 | +35% | Get Estimate → |
| Chicago, IL | $3,468 | +20% | Get Estimate → |
| Houston, TX | $2,746 | -5% | Get Estimate → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2,832 | -2% | Get Estimate → |
| Philadelphia, PA | $3,323 | +15% | Get Estimate → |
| San Antonio, TX | $2,601 | -10% | Get Estimate → |
| San Diego, CA | $3,757 | +30% | Get Estimate → |
| Dallas, TX | $2,890 | Avg | Get Estimate → |
| San Jose, CA | $4,335 | +50% | Get Estimate → |
| Austin, TX | $3,035 | +5% | Get Estimate → |
| Jacksonville, FL | $2,659 | -8% | Get Estimate → |
| Fort Worth, TX | $2,746 | -5% | Get Estimate → |
| Columbus, OH | $2,659 | -8% | Get Estimate → |
| Indianapolis, IN | $2,601 | -10% | Get Estimate → |
| Charlotte, NC | $2,746 | -5% | Get Estimate → |
| San Francisco, CA | $4,480 | +55% | Get Estimate → |
| Seattle, WA | $3,757 | +30% | Get Estimate → |
| Denver, CO | $3,179 | +10% | Get Estimate → |
| Nashville, TN | $2,890 | Avg | Get Estimate → |
Get Your Free Exterior Painting Estimate
Use our free estimate generator to create a professional, itemized estimate in under 2 minutes. No signup required.
Create Free Estimate →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does exterior painting cost?
The national average cost for exterior painting ranges from $2,312 to $3,757. Costs vary significantly by region — for example, costs in San Francisco are typically 55% higher than the national average, while cities like Oklahoma City are 15% below average.
What affects exterior painting cost?
Key factors include: project scope and size, material quality and type, local labor rates, permit requirements, accessibility, seasonal demand, and complexity of the work. Getting multiple quotes and using a detailed estimate generator can help you budget accurately.
How can I get a free exterior painting estimate?
Brixor offers a free online estimate generator for exterior painting. Enter your project details, customize line items, and download a professional PDF estimate instantly. No signup or credit card required.