How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Exterior House Painting Include?
Exterior house painting includes power washing, scraping, priming, and painting all exterior surfaces. It protects your home from weather damage and dramatically improves curb appeal.
The national average cost for exterior house painting is $4,500 per project. Most homeowners pay between $2,500 and $8,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
House Size
1,500 sq ft: $2,500-$4,500. 2,500 sq ft: $4,000-$7,000. 3,500+ sq ft: $6,000-$10,000
Stories
Each additional story adds 20-40% due to ladder/scaffold needs
Surface Condition
Extensive scraping and priming can add $1,000-$3,000
Key Cost Factors
- ✓House size and stories
- ✓Surface condition
- ✓Siding material
- ✓Paint quality
- ✓Trim and detail work
- ✓Prep work needed
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Schedule in late summer or early fall for best conditions
- 2.Power wash yourself to reduce prep costs
- 3.Use quality paint — it lasts longer and saves money long-term
- 4.Get quotes from at least 3 painters
Exterior House Painting 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 | $2,050 | $3,690 | $6,560 |
| Alaska | $3,200 | $5,760 | $10,240 |
| Arizona | $2,375 | $4,275 | $7,600 |
| Arkansas | $2,000 | $3,600 | $6,400 |
| California | $3,375 | $6,075 | $10,800 |
| Colorado | $2,700 | $4,860 | $8,640 |
| Connecticut | $3,050 | $5,490 | $9,760 |
| Delaware | $2,625 | $4,725 | $8,400 |
| Florida | $2,450 | $4,410 | $7,840 |
| Georgia | $2,250 | $4,050 | $7,200 |
| Hawaii | $3,550 | $6,390 | $11,360 |
| Idaho | $2,300 | $4,140 | $7,360 |
| Illinois | $2,625 | $4,725 | $8,400 |
| Indiana | $2,200 | $3,960 | $7,040 |
| Iowa | $2,150 | $3,870 | $6,880 |
| Kansas | $2,125 | $3,825 | $6,800 |
| Kentucky | $2,100 | $3,780 | $6,720 |
| Louisiana | $2,175 | $3,915 | $6,960 |
| Maine | $2,550 | $4,590 | $8,160 |
| Maryland | $2,875 | $5,175 | $9,200 |
| Massachusetts | $3,250 | $5,850 | $10,400 |
| Michigan | $2,300 | $4,140 | $7,360 |
| Minnesota | $2,550 | $4,590 | $8,160 |
| Mississippi | $1,950 | $3,510 | $6,240 |
| Missouri | $2,175 | $3,915 | $6,960 |
| Montana | $2,375 | $4,275 | $7,600 |
| Nebraska | $2,200 | $3,960 | $7,040 |
| Nevada | $2,550 | $4,590 | $8,160 |
| New Hampshire | $2,800 | $5,040 | $8,960 |
| New Jersey | $3,125 | $5,625 | $10,000 |
| New Mexico | $2,250 | $4,050 | $7,200 |
| New York | $3,300 | $5,940 | $10,560 |
| North Carolina | $2,250 | $4,050 | $7,200 |
| North Dakota | $2,250 | $4,050 | $7,200 |
| Ohio | $2,250 | $4,050 | $7,200 |
| Oklahoma | $2,075 | $3,735 | $6,640 |
| Oregon | $2,750 | $4,950 | $8,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,550 | $4,590 | $8,160 |
| Rhode Island | $2,875 | $5,175 | $9,200 |
| South Carolina | $2,175 | $3,915 | $6,960 |
| South Dakota | $2,125 | $3,825 | $6,800 |
| Tennessee | $2,150 | $3,870 | $6,880 |
| Texas | $2,325 | $4,185 | $7,440 |
| Utah | $2,375 | $4,275 | $7,600 |
| Vermont | $2,700 | $4,860 | $8,640 |
| Virginia | $2,625 | $4,725 | $8,400 |
| Washington | $2,875 | $5,175 | $9,200 |
| West Virginia | $2,000 | $3,600 | $6,400 |
| Wisconsin | $2,350 | $4,230 | $7,520 |
| Wyoming | $2,300 | $4,140 | $7,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does exterior paint last?
Quality exterior paint lasts 7-10 years on wood, 10-15 years on stucco, and 15+ years on brick.
What's the best time to paint a house exterior?
Late spring through early fall, when temperatures are consistently between 50-85°F with low humidity.