How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost in Chicago, IL?
Chicago pricing is 15% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and Chicago's finance-manufacturing-logistics economy.See our methodology
Exterior House Painting Pricing in Chicago, IL
In Chicago, exterior house painting costs are 15% above the national average, reflecting the city's finance-manufacturing-logistics-driven economy. The union-heavy labor market means you have decent options when shopping for quotes. Most residents with a population base of 2.7M find the pricing competitive relative to the local cost of living.
Local climate plays a direct role in exterior house painting costs here. Brutal winters create seasonal demand spikes for heating and snow-related services; summer is peak for outdoor projects.
Market-specific factors matter in Chicago: strong union presence means higher labor rates but consistent quality; city permit process can add 2-4 weeks.
Chicago has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your exterior house painting project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.
Chicago vs National Average
What Affects Exterior House Painting Cost in Chicago?
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
Chicago Market Conditions
strong union presence means higher labor rates but consistent quality; city permit process can add 2-4 weeks
Local Climate Impact
brutal winters create seasonal demand spikes for heating and snow-related services; summer is peak for outdoor projects
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Top-Rated Exterior House Painting Pros in Chicago, IL
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Tips to Save on Exterior House Painting in Chicago
- 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
- 5.Chicago has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 Exterior House Painting in Chicago Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,395 | — |
| 2021 | $4,580 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $4,878 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $5,015 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $5,175 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Exterior House Painting in Chicago
Recent Reports
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.
Why does exterior house painting cost different in Chicago than other cities?
Chicago's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the finance-manufacturing-logistics economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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