How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House?

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Here's a breakdown of the costs and factors involved in painting your house's exterior:

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 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+ |

Why Multi-story Homes Cost More:
- Harder-to-reach areas increase labor time.
- Scaffolding setup or lift rentals may be necessary.

Cost by Siding Type

| Siding Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Total Cost Range |
|---------------------|-----------------------|--------------------------|
| 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 |

Labor & Material Costs

Labor: $1–$3.50/sq. ft. or $25–$100/hour.
Materials: Paint ($20–$60/gallon) and primer ($15–$80/gallon).
Prep Work:
Paint stripping: $0.50–$2/sq. ft.
Pressure washing: $240–$400.
Caulking: $200–$500.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

| Option | Cost | Time Commitment | Skill Level |
|-------------------|-----------------|-----------------------|----------------------|
| DIY | $500–$1,000 | 2–4 weeks | Moderate to High |
| Professional | $3,000–$6,200+ | 3–6 days | Expert-level Finish |

DIY Supplies Costs:
- Brushes: $5–$90
- Ladders: $100–$300
- Sprayers: $100–$2,000

Cost-Saving Tips

DIY Prep Work: Sand, clean, and prime yourself.
Bundle Projects: Paint exterior and interior together.
Timing: Look for deals in the off-season.
Get Quotes: Compare at least three professionals.

Painting your house can enhance curb appeal and protect it from weathering. Whether you hire a pro or DIY, understanding the costs helps you make informed decisions.