Mountain View, CA

How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

$1 – $4 cost per square foot
$1,900 – $6,900 average total house painting cost

Get free estimates from exterior painters near you, or view our cost calculator below.

November 4, 2021

Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 6 expert house painters on HomeGuide.

Cost to paint a house

The average cost to paint a house is $1,900 to $6,900. Exterior house painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the paintable area outside, siding material and condition, number of stories, prep work, and repainting labor.

Cost to paint a house - chart
Cost to paint a house - chart

Cost to paint a house
Home size (square feet) Average cost
1,000 $800 – $3,200
1,500 $1,200 – $4,800
2,000 $1,700 – $6,800
2,500 $2,100 – $8,400
3,000 $2,500 – $10,000
3,500 $2,900 – $11,600
4,000 $3,400 – $13,400
5,000 $4,200 – $16,800

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  • Painting a house takes 4 to 5 days and boosts curb appeal and home value.
  • Paint on a house exterior lasts 5 to 10 years on average.
  • The total cost to paint a house interior is $1,300 to $6,300.

Exterior painting cost calculator

The following table shows the average exterior house painting estimate.

Average cost to paint a house exterior - chart
Average cost to paint a house exterior - chart

Exterior painting cost calculator
National average cost $4,200
Minimum cost $750
Maximum cost $17,000
Average cost range $1,900 to $6,900

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

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Average cost to paint a house exterior

The average cost to paint a house exterior is $1,900 to $6,900. House repainting costs depend on the home's exterior size and condition, number of stories, number of windows and doors, paint quality, siding material, repairs, prep work, and labor.

  • Labor accounts for 70% to 80% of the total cost.
  • DIY painting a house exterior costs $400 to $1,800 for materials only.

Exterior house painting cost per square foot

Exterior house painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average. Labor costs increase for homes with multiple stories, repairs, and obstructions like trees, bushes, or uneven ground.

Exterior house painting cost per square foot
Home size (square feet) Paintable area (square feet)* Average cost
900 720 $750 – $2,900
1,000 800 $800 – $3,200
1,100 900 $900 – $3,600
1,200 1,000 $1,000 – $4,000
1,300 1,100 $1,100 – $4,400
1,400 1,150 $1,200 – $4,600
1,500 1,200 $1,200 – $4,800
1,600 1,300 $1,300 – $5,200
1,700 1,400 $1,400 – $5,600
1,800 1,500 $1,500 – $6,000
1,900 1,600 $1,600 – $6,400
2,000 1,700 $1,700 – $6,800
2,200 1,850 $1,900 – $7,400
2,500 2,100 $2,100 – $8,400
2,700 2,250 $2,300 – $9,200
3,000 2,500 $2,500 – $10,000
3,500 2,900 $2,900 – $11,600
4,000 3,350 $3,400 – $13,400
4,500 3,800 $3,800 – $15,200
5,000 4,200 $4,200 – $16,800

*Paintable area can vary significantly from house to house.

Cost to paint a 2-story house vs. ranch-style

The average cost to paint a 2-story house is $2,000 to $10,500 or 25% to 50% more than a single-story home. Multi-story homes require more paint and supplies, prep work, labor, and ladders or scaffolding. A scaffolding permit adds $100 to $300.

Cost to paint by stories
Home stories Square footage Average total cost
Single story 1,000 – 2,000 $1,000 – $6,400
Two story 1,500 – 2,500 $2,000 – $10,500
Three story 2,500 – 3,000+ $3,200 – $18,000

Labor cost to paint a house exterior

The labor cost to paint a house exterior is $0.80 to $2.80 per square foot or 70% to 80% of the total cost. Professional painter hourly rates are $20 to $50 plus materials or $200 to $500 per day on average.

Exterior painting prep work includes sanding, washing, caulking, and repairs:

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Exterior paint cost per gallon

Exterior paint costs $30 to $80 per gallon for standard acrylic or latex. Mineral-based exterior brick paint costs $100 to $150 per gallon. Exterior paint costs $200 to $1,200 total for an average house. One gallon of paint covers 250 to 400 square feet with one coat. Two coats are recommended for long-lasting coverage.

Exterior paint cost
Home size (SF) Paintable surface (SF) Gallons needed (two coats) Total paint cost
1,000 800 4 – 6 $120 – $480
1,200 1,000 5 – 8 $150 – $640
1,500 1,200 6 – 10 $180 – $800
1,800 1,500 8 – 12 $240 – $960
2,400 2,000 10 – 16 $300 – $1,300
3,000 2,500 12 – 20 $360 – $1,600
3,500 3,000 16 – 24 $480 – $1,920

*Average cost for two coats of acrylic or latex paint, excluding primer.

  • Primer costs $20 to $50 per gallon and covers 200 to 300 square feet. Primer is required on most bare surfaces and recommended on all surfaces for the best results.
  • Two coats do not always require double the paint because the second coat often uses less paint.
  • Porous and textured surfaces like brick, stucco, and concrete require more paint.
  • Estimate one gallon of trim paint for every 6 to 8 gallons of exterior paint.

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Cost to paint siding outside of house

The average cost to paint siding is $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot, depending on the home's exterior size and material type. Painting exterior siding adds curb appeal and increases its lifespan.

Cost to paint siding
Type Cost per square foot 2,000 SF house
Aluminum or metal siding $1.00 – $4.00 $1,700 – $6,800
Brick exterior $1.50 – $4.50 $2,600 – $7,700
Concrete siding $1.00 – $3.50 $1,700 – $6,000
Exterior foundation $1.00 – $4.00 $200 – $1,100
Stucco exterior $1.00 – $5.50 $1,700 – $9,400
Vinyl siding $1.00 – $3.00 $1,700 – $5,100
Wood siding $1.00 – $4.00 $1,700 – $6,800

*Average cost to paint a 2,000 square foot, 1-story house.

In comparison, siding replacement costs $3 to $11 per square foot when panels are too worn to paint.

Cost to paint a stucco house exterior

Painting a stucco house costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot or $1,700 to $9,400 on average. The rougher the stucco texture, the more surface area and paint required.

Two-story house with stucco siding repainted
Two-story house with stucco siding repainted

Cost to paint vinyl siding

Painting vinyl siding costs $1 to $3 per square foot or $1,700 to $5,100 for a 2,000 SF home. Painting vinyl siding refreshes worn siding's appearance. Vinyl siding typically lasts up to 25 years or more but may fade sooner with extreme weather or sun exposure.

Replacing vinyl siding costs $3 to $11 per square foot for siding too worn or damaged to paint.

Contractor painting vinyl siding house dark blue
Contractor painting vinyl siding house dark blue

Cost to paint wood siding

Painting wood siding costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $1,700 to $6,800 on average. Repainting wood siding typically falls at the lower end of the price range because only spot priming is required. Wood siding may need a complete primer coat if the new color is lighter than the existing one.

Painting a brick house exterior

Painting a brick house costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot or $2,600 to $7,700 for a 2,000 SF home. Mineral-based paints cost the most but last the longest and maintain the brick's breathability to prevent deterioration. Painting raw brick requires a primer coat.

  • Brick staining costs $1 to $4 per square foot and changes the brick's color with dye while allowing it to remain breathable.
  • The cost to brick a house is $8 to $18 per square foot for siding too damaged for painting.

Two-story brick house painted eggshell white
Two-story brick house painted eggshell white

House painters cost for concrete siding

Painting concrete siding costs $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot or $1,700 to $6,000 on average. Concrete or fiber cement siding is porous and absorbent, requiring a sealant, primer, and multiple coats for complete coverage. Old paint may need removing for new paint to adhere correctly.

Painting aluminum and metal siding

Painting aluminum siding costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $1,500 to $7,000 on average. Prep work is typically required to remove the chalky powder residue before painting. Painting metal siding revives its appearance and hides minor cosmetic imperfections.

Aluminum siding exterior house painted grey
Aluminum siding exterior house painted grey

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Cost to repaint a house by type

Repainting a mobile home or townhouse costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $750 to $4,300 on average. Repainting costs more if the existing surface is in poor condition, and additional repairs and prep work are required.

Cost to repaint a house by type
House type Average cost
Mobile home $750 – $4,200
Townhouse $1,000 – $4,300
Standard house $1,700 – $6,800

Cost to repaint a townhouse

Painting a townhouse costs $1,000 to $4,300 on average, depending on the size, siding type, and the number of stories. Painting a townhouse only includes the front and back walls because most townhomes share one or both sidewalls with neighboring units.

Cost to paint exterior of mobile home

Painting a mobile home exterior costs $750 to $4,200 on average. DIY painting a mobile home costs $250 to $750, depending on the size, siding condition, and paint type.

Exterior painting cost estimates

Exterior wall painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, with a minimum of $250 to $500. When estimating an exterior painting project, be sure to include the doors, foundation, garage, shutters, trim, or other home features:

Exterior painting cost estimates
Item Average cost
Deck, patio, or porch $2 – $5 per square foot
Eaves, fascia, and soffit $2 – $6 per linear foot
Exterior door $100 – $225 per door
Exterior shutters $60 – $150 per pair
Exterior trim $1 – $4 per linear foot
Exterior wall $1 – $4 per square foot
Detached garage + door $350 – $2,800
Garage door $100 – $680
Foundation $200 – $1,100
Gutters and downspouts $100 – $900
Window frame $45 – $150 per window
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Cost to paint a garage

Painting a one-car detached garage costs $350 to $1,900, including the garage door. Painting a two-car detached garage costs $600 to $2,800, including the garage door. House painting estimates typically include the outer walls of a garage.

Painting exterior trim, fascia, soffit, and eaves

Painting exterior trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot. Painting eaves, fascia, and soffit costs $2 to $6 per linear foot. Trim painting may not be included in house painting estimates.

Cost to paint shutters and windows

Painting exterior shutters costs $60 to $150 per pair. Painting an exterior window costs $40 to $150 per window. The price depends on window and shutter size, material, and location.

Deck, patio, and porch staining or painting

Painting a deck, front porch, or patio costs $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the size, material, layout, and condition.

  • Staining a deck costs $450 to $1,000 on average.
  • Deck painting costs $600 to $2,000 on average.
  • Painting a patio costs $300 to $1,000 on average.
  • Painting a front porch costs $200 to $750 on average, plus $20 to $100 per column.

Painting exterior doors

Painting an exterior door costs $100 to $225 on average. Painters charge $150 to $300 to paint a front door and the exterior frame.

Cost to paint exterior foundation

Painting an exterior foundation costs $200 to $1,100 on average. Concrete foundations are porous and should be sealed and primed before painting with paint formulated explicitly for concrete.

Cost to paint gutters and downspouts

Painting gutters costs $1 to $4 per linear foot or $100 to $900 for an average home. Gutter and downspout painting is not always included in an exterior house painting estimate.

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DIY cost to paint a house exterior

The cost to paint a house exterior yourself is $400 to $1,800 for supplies, equipment, and paint for a 1,500 square foot home, including renting a paint sprayer for up to 5 days.

Costs to paint a house yourself
Item Average cost (each)
Brushes $2 – $15
Buckets (5-gallon) $6 – $8
Caulk (10 oz. tub) $6 – $9
Ladder $80 – $300
Painter's tape $3 – $10
Paint trays $2 – $5
­­Paint roller kit $10 – $25
Plastic drop cloths $5 – $30
Sandpaper $5 – $15
Scrapers $6 – $20
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) $5 – $12
Paint sprayer / power roller rental (per day) $30 – $50
Scaffolding rental (per day) $50 – $100
Exterior paint (per gallon) $30 – $150
Primer (per gallon) $20 – $50

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to paint a house?

Painting a house takes 4 to 5 days on average, including cleaning, preparation, and painting. Painting time depends on the home and crew size, weather, and prep work required. Smaller homes may take 1 to 2 days. Larger houses or homes needing repairs may take 7 to 10 days.

How often should you paint your house?

A house exterior should be painted every 5 to 10 years on average. Exterior paint may last up to 20 years or as little as 3 years, depending on the location, climate, siding type, and paint type and quality. Southern- and southwestern-facing walls wear faster due to increased sun exposure.

How often to paint a house
Siding type Repainting schedule (years)
Aluminum 5 – 10
Brick 3 – 20
Cement fiberboard 10 – 15
Stucco 5 – 7
Vinyl 2 – 10
Wood 3 – 7

When is the best time of year to paint a house exterior?

Late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to paint a house exterior. Painting in the fall or early winter is ideal in southern states that stay warm year-round. Optimal painting weather is warm and dry.

Painting contractors in colder regions often offer discounts in late fall or early winter.

How much does it cost to paint an exterior commercial building?

Painting a commercial building's exterior costs $1 to $6 per square foot. Exterior commercial painting may require additional equipment and special scaffolding, depending on the building size and number of stories.

How much does it cost to test and remove lead paint?

Houses built before 1978 may require lead paint testing and removal.

  • Lead paint inspections cost $300 to $600.
  • EPA-approved lead paint testing kits cost $10 to $40.
  • Removing lead paint costs $8 to $15 per square foot.

What is the difference between interior and exterior paint prices?

Interior paint prices are $15 to $50 per gallon. Exterior paint costs $30 to $80 per gallon and is formulated to withstand weather exposure, and resist dirt, moisture, and UV rays.

How to prep for an exterior house painting job?

Follow these steps to prepare the exterior and create an ideal surface for a long-lasting paint job:

  1. Cover surrounding plants and water features with drop cloths. Remove them daily to prevent damaging the plants.
  2. Hand clean or pressure wash all paintable surfaces.
  3. Scrape off loose and flaking paint and fill any holes or dents with caulk.
  4. Repair and sand any damaged siding.
  5. Remove old caulk from windows and door trim and replace with paintable exterior caulk.
  6. Allow all surfaces to dry.
  7. Prime bare areas or the entire surface if needed.
  8. Allow each coat to dry before painting the next coat.
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Getting house painting quotes

Before hiring painters near you, remember to:

  • Get at least three estimates to compare.
  • Look for licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with experience painting your home's siding type.
  • Ask for references or a portfolio of past projects.
  • Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
  • Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
  • Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask exterior painters

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
  • What house painting experience do you have?
  • Do you have a portfolio of your previous jobs?
  • Do you use subcontractors?
  • How many painters will be working on the project?
  • How long will the project take?
  • Do you spray, brush and roll, or both?
  • What brand and type of paint do you recommend for my house, and why?
  • How many coats will my house need?
  • Is a primer required?
  • What finish do you recommend for my house?
  • Do you recommend painting the gutters and downspouts?
  • How will you protect the area before painting?
  • How long until the paint is dry?
  • How long should the paint job last?
  • Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
  • What is and is not included in the estimate?
  • What additional costs should I expect?
  • Do you need a permit to paint my house?

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