How Much Does Car Paint Job Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Car Paint Job Include?
A car paint job can range from a basic single-coat respray to a full showroom-quality multi-stage paint job with extensive prep work.
The national average cost for car paint job is $2,000 per vehicle. Most homeowners pay between $500 and $5,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Quality
Basic respray: $500-$1,500. Mid-range: $1,500-$3,000. High-quality: $3,000-$5,000. Custom/show: $5,000-$20,000+
Prep
Extensive sanding, dent repair, and rust treatment can add $500-$2,000
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Quality level
- ✓Vehicle size
- ✓Color change vs same color
- ✓Body repair needed
- ✓Clear coat type
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Budget chains like Maaco offer basic jobs starting around $500
- 2.Same-color resprays cost less than color changes
- 3.Fix dents and rust before painting for the best result
- 4.Consider a wrap instead of paint for a temporary color change ($2,500-$5,000)
Car Paint Job Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $410 | $1,640 | $4,100 |
| Alaska | $640 | $2,560 | $6,400 |
| Arizona | $475 | $1,900 | $4,750 |
| Arkansas | $400 | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| California | $675 | $2,700 | $6,750 |
| Colorado | $540 | $2,160 | $5,400 |
| Connecticut | $610 | $2,440 | $6,100 |
| Delaware | $525 | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| Florida | $490 | $1,960 | $4,900 |
| Georgia | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Hawaii | $710 | $2,840 | $7,100 |
| Idaho | $460 | $1,840 | $4,600 |
| Illinois | $525 | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| Indiana | $440 | $1,760 | $4,400 |
| Iowa | $430 | $1,720 | $4,300 |
| Kansas | $425 | $1,700 | $4,250 |
| Kentucky | $420 | $1,680 | $4,200 |
| Louisiana | $435 | $1,740 | $4,350 |
| Maine | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| Maryland | $575 | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| Massachusetts | $650 | $2,600 | $6,500 |
| Michigan | $460 | $1,840 | $4,600 |
| Minnesota | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| Mississippi | $390 | $1,560 | $3,900 |
| Missouri | $435 | $1,740 | $4,350 |
| Montana | $475 | $1,900 | $4,750 |
| Nebraska | $440 | $1,760 | $4,400 |
| Nevada | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| New Hampshire | $560 | $2,240 | $5,600 |
| New Jersey | $625 | $2,500 | $6,250 |
| New Mexico | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| New York | $660 | $2,640 | $6,600 |
| North Carolina | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| North Dakota | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Ohio | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Oklahoma | $415 | $1,660 | $4,150 |
| Oregon | $550 | $2,200 | $5,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| Rhode Island | $575 | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| South Carolina | $435 | $1,740 | $4,350 |
| South Dakota | $425 | $1,700 | $4,250 |
| Tennessee | $430 | $1,720 | $4,300 |
| Texas | $465 | $1,860 | $4,650 |
| Utah | $475 | $1,900 | $4,750 |
| Vermont | $540 | $2,160 | $5,400 |
| Virginia | $525 | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| Washington | $575 | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| West Virginia | $400 | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| Wisconsin | $470 | $1,880 | $4,700 |
| Wyoming | $460 | $1,840 | $4,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a paint job take?
Basic: 2-3 days. Quality: 1-2 weeks. Custom/show: 2-4+ weeks.
Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car?
A quality wrap ($2,500-$5,000) is often cheaper than a quality paint job and is removable. But wraps only last 5-7 years vs paint lasting 10-15+ years.