How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost in Seattle, WA?
Seattle pricing is 30% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, oceanic climate conditions, and Seattle's tech-aerospace-trade economy.See our methodology
Exterior House Painting Pricing in Seattle, WA
Seattle is a high-cost market where exterior house painting runs about 30% above the national average. The city's tech-aerospace-trade economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 735K, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in exterior house painting costs here. Persistent rain creates moisture management challenges for roofing, siding, and foundations; mild temperatures reduce HVAC extremes.
Market-specific factors matter in Seattle: tech economy drives premium pricing; green building requirements may add cost; high minimum wage affects labor rates.
Seattle has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your exterior house painting project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
Seattle vs National Average
What Affects Exterior House Painting Cost in Seattle?
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
Seattle Market Conditions
tech economy drives premium pricing; green building requirements may add cost; high minimum wage affects labor rates
Local Climate Impact
persistent rain creates moisture management challenges for roofing, siding, and foundations; mild temperatures reduce HVAC extremes
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Tips to Save on Exterior House Painting in Seattle
- 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.In Seattle, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
📈 Exterior House Painting in Seattle Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,969 | — |
| 2021 | $5,178 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $5,515 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $5,669 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $5,850 | +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 Seattle
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 Seattle than other cities?
Seattle's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the tech-aerospace-trade economy, oceanic climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The expensive labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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