Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Painting the exterior of your house can boost its curb appeal and protect it from weathering. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Average Cost by Square Foot

| Paintable Area (Sq. Ft.) | Cost Range |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------|
| 1,000 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$6,000 |
| 2,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 2,500 | $3,750–$10,000 |
| 3,000 | $4,500–$12,000 |

Cost per Square Foot: $1.50–$4, depending on siding type, paint quality, and labor.

Cost by Number of Stories

| Stories | Paintable Area (Sq. Ft.) | Cost Range |
|--------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|
| Single-story | 1,000–1,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Two-story | 1,500–2,500 | $3,000–$6,200 |
| Three-story | 2,500–3,000+ | $4,500–$10,000+ |

Additional Story Costs: Add ~50% for each story due to scaffolding and labor challenges.

Cost by Siding Type

| Siding Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Total Cost |
|---------------------|-----------------------|--------------------------|
| Wood | $1–$3 | $700–$3,000 |
| Vinyl | $1.25–$3 | $600–$3,500 |
| Concrete | $1–$3.50 | $500–$3,000 |
| Stucco | $1.50–$4 | $1,400–$6,000 |
| Metal | $1.50–$2.50 | $400–$3,500 |
| Brick | $1.50–$4.50 | $3,500–$10,000 |

Note: Brick and stucco require primers due to porous surfaces, increasing the cost.

Labor and Material Costs

Labor:
$25–$100/hour per painter.
Total labor typically costs $1–$3.50/sq. ft.
Materials:
Paint: $20–$60/gallon (oil-based higher).
Primer: $15–$80/gallon.
Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape): $200–$400.
Prep Work:
Paint stripping: $0.50–$2/sq. ft.
Caulking: $200–$500 for perimeter.
Pressure washing: $240–$400.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

| Option | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
|--------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|
| Total Cost | $500–$1,000 | $3,000–$6,200+ |
| Time Commitment | 2–4 weeks (DIY) | 3–6 days (Pro team) |
| Finish Quality | Skill-dependent | Professional-level |

Add-On Costs

| Add-On | Cost Range |
|---------------------|-----------------------|
| Trim Painting | $2/linear foot |
| Porch | $1,200 |
| Garage Door | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Deck | $975 |
| Exterior Doors | $150–$500 each |

Ways to Save on Exterior Painting

DIY Prep: Sand, clean, and prime the surface yourself to reduce labor costs.
Bundle Projects: Paint interior and exterior together for bulk discounts.
Work Off-Season: Labor may cost less in cooler months.
Use Pros for High Areas: Avoid ladder risks; pros come equipped with safety gear.

Painting your home's exterior is a valuable investment that enhances both appearance and protection. Hiring a pro ensures safety and a flawless finish, while DIY options are great for smaller budgets.