Cost to Paint House Exterior

The cost to paint house exterior can look straightforward at first, then turn surprisingly complex once estimates start coming in. One contractor quotes by square foot. Another focuses on prep work. A third asks about siding type, trim, and number of stories. That is why homeowners often struggle to compare bids with confidence. In most national pricing guides, exterior painting lands around $1,800 to $4,500 overall, with many pros also pricing the work at roughly $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot, though actual totals can move well above or below that depending on size, condition, layout, and materials.

What is the average cost to paint house exterior?

For a typical professional repaint, many homeowners end up somewhere in the low-to-mid thousands. Current national estimates from major home-improvement cost guides place the average exterior paint job around $3,177, with common ranges near $1,819 to $4,551. Those same sources also place labor-and-material pricing around $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot for many standard projects.

That said, averages only get you so far. A small ranch in good condition is not priced the same way as a tall two-story house with peeling trim, weather damage, and difficult access. Exterior painting is one of those projects where the details drive the invoice.

What affects the cost to paint house exterior most?

Home size

Size is the first major pricing lever. More paintable surface means more labor, more materials, and more setup time. Many contractors use square footage as a baseline because it gives them a simple starting point for estimating. Angi’s current guides, for example, show a direct relationship between house size and final cost, with larger homes moving steadily upward in price.

Number of stories

A one-story home is cheaper to access than a two- or three-story home. Extra height often means ladders, scaffolding, longer labor hours, and more safety precautions. That added complexity can raise pricing significantly. Angi notes that hard-to-reach areas and additional stories can materially increase costs.

Surface condition and prep work

Prep is where many quotes separate. If the old paint is chalking, peeling, or flaking, the painter may need to scrape, sand, patch, caulk, prime, or power wash before the first finish coat goes on. That work is not cosmetic padding. It is what helps the new paint bond properly and last longer.

When prep is extensive, the final bill often rises faster than homeowners expect. Major cost guides specifically call out paint stripping, washing, and other prep tasks as budget drivers.

Siding material

Not all exteriors paint the same way.

• Vinyl siding can be relatively straightforward, but product choice matters.
• Wood siding often needs more maintenance and prep.
• Stucco usually absorbs more paint and takes more time because of its texture.
• Brick can cost more when special coatings, primers, or masonry prep are needed.

Recent cost references note that brick and stucco generally require more prep and labor than vinyl, which often pushes pricing higher.

Cost to paint house exterior by square foot

Square-foot pricing is useful because it lets homeowners benchmark quotes quickly. A common national range is about $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot for professional exterior painting, though premium projects, difficult surfaces, and regional labor differences can push costs higher.

Here is a simple way to think about it:

Small home

A modest exterior with minimal prep may land toward the lower end of the range.

Mid-size home

A standard single-family home often lands near the middle, especially if the siding is in fair condition and the architecture is uncomplicated.

Large or complex home

A larger exterior, multiple stories, decorative trim, or extensive prep can push the cost well above average.

The key point is this: square-foot pricing is a framework, not a guarantee. Contractors are still pricing labor risk, access difficulty, and surface condition.

Labor vs materials: where does the money go?

In most exterior painting projects, labor is the dominant cost component. Materials matter, especially if you choose premium exterior paints and primers, but labor usually does the heavy lifting in the budget because surface prep, masking, ladder work, detail painting, and cleanup take time. Home-improvement pricing guides also note that exterior projects often require $600 to $1,200 in supplies, depending on surface type and job size.

This matters when comparing bids. A low estimate is not always a bargain. Sometimes it simply includes less prep, thinner coating assumptions, or fewer painted surfaces.

Does DIY exterior painting save money?

It can, but only when you price your own time, tools, and risk honestly.

DIY reduces labor cost, which is the largest part of the project. On paper, that can look attractive. But exterior painting is not a quick weekend refresh when the house is large, tall, or weathered. Homeowners may need sprayers, ladders, drop cloths, cleaners, patch materials, caulk, primer, and multiple gallons of quality paint. The job also requires patience, dry weather, and careful prep.

DIY tends to make the most sense when:

• the home is smaller
• the exterior is in decent condition
• access is safe and manageable
• the homeowner already has some tools and experience

For larger or taller homes, professional labor often earns its price simply through efficiency, safety, and finish quality.

Hidden costs homeowners often miss

A quote can look reasonable until the exclusions start showing up. Common add-on costs include:

Pressure washing

Some painters include it. Others bill it separately.

Scraping and repairs

Rotten trim boards, failed caulking, and damaged siding can add both carpentry and painting cost.

Primer and extra coats

Darker color changes, raw surfaces, or poor old coatings may require more product than expected.

Trim, shutters, doors, and detached structures

Not every quote includes garages, porches, railings, sheds, or fences.

Regional labor differences

Paint pricing is national in theory, but labor is local in reality. Markets with higher wages and stronger contractor demand can push estimates upward.

How to get a more accurate exterior painting estimate

The best estimate is specific. Not vague. Not rushed.

Ask contractors to clarify:

• What surfaces are included
• whether prep work is included
• How many coats are included
• whether primer is included
• What paint grade is being used
• whether trim, doors, and shutters are separate
• What warranty, if any, is provided

A detailed estimate makes comparison easier and protects you from the classic low-bid problem: the contractor who wins on price by leaving key tasks out.

How to budget smarter for exterior painting

A smarter budget starts with priorities.

If the house is in good condition and you want a refresh, your project may stay close to standard market pricing. If the exterior has peeling paint, cracked caulk, weather damage, or high-access areas, the realistic budget should leave room for prep and repair.

A practical homeowner rule is to budget for three layers of cost:

1. the repaint itself
2. prep and surface correction
3. a small contingency for surprises

That approach usually produces fewer unpleasant conversations once work begins.

Key Takeaways

• The cost to paint house exterior often falls around $1,800 to $4,500, with many projects priced near $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
• House size, number of stories, siding type, and prep work have the biggest effect on total price.
• Stucco and brick often cost more to paint than simpler siding surfaces because they usually need more prep and labor.
• Labor usually makes up the largest share of the bill.
• A low quote is not always a better quote.
• Detailed estimates are easier to compare and less likely to lead to surprise charges.

FAQ Section – People Also Ask

How much does it cost to paint a 2,000 square foot house exterior?

For many standard projects, current pricing guides suggest a rough range in the mid-thousands, often influenced by prep work, number of stories, and siding type. Per-square-foot pricing is usually a better benchmark than one flat national number.

Is it cheaper to paint a house yourself?

Usually, yes on direct cash cost, because you remove labor. But DIY still requires materials, equipment, time, and safe access. The savings narrow quickly on large or complex homes.

What is included in an exterior paint estimate?

That varies by contractor. Some include washing, scraping, caulking, primer, and trim. Others price those separately. Always ask for line-item detail.

Does stucco cost more to paint than vinyl siding?

Often, yes. Stucco typically needs more paint and more labor because of its texture and prep demands.

Why do exterior painting quotes vary so much?

Because contractors are pricing different assumptions about prep, paint quality, surface condition, access difficulty, and included scope.

How often should you repaint a house exterior?

That depends on climate, siding type, paint quality, sun exposure, and prior prep quality. There is no single schedule that fits every home.

Is pressure washing included before painting?

Sometimes. Some painters include it in prep, while others list it separately. It should always be clarified in writing before work begins.