Watching your home’s paint chip or get old can be stressful, as it will completely change the beauty and look of your exterior. However, there are many options available to choose from and repaint your house exterior to give your home a fresh new look. But the question is, exactly how much does it Cost To Paint Exterior Of House.
Well, the average cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. However, many key factors like your home’s size, number of stories, repairs required, and number of coats needed depend on the overall cost. On average, it may cost between $500 and $12,000 to repaint your house’s exterior. Today, I’ll share with you all the details that you should know when starting your house exterior paint budget, as well as key elements that impact its final price.
Cost To Paint Exterior Of House In 2025
If your home’s exterior needs a fresh coat of paint, it’s better to start by setting a budget, as many homeowners wonder if it’s worth the investment and don’t know where to begin. To do this, you’ll have to know the estimated cost of exterior painting. For this, you may get multiple quotes from different contractors to compare, but there will be a huge difference in their pricing. So, let’s explore the true cost of exterior painting in 2025.
1. Average Cost To Paint Exterior Of House By Number Of Stories
House painting cost varies as per the number of stories in your home due to more surface area to paint, more labor, and other special equipment like ladders or scaffolding. In other words, a one-story home is typically the least expensive to paint, while two- and three-story homes cost more.
On average, a single-story home costs between $1,500 to $3,500, a two-story home costs between $3,000 – $6,200, and a three-story home costs between $4,500 – $10,000 for exterior painting.
| Number of Stories | Average Cost to Paint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Story | $1,500 - $3,500 | Includes exterior walls and trim; single-level homes. |
| 2 Stories | $3,000 - $6,200 | Higher costs due to increased surface area and ladder work. |
| 3 Stories | $4,500 - $10,000 | Requires specialized equipment for height; larger homes. |
| 4+ Stories | $8,000 - $15,000 | Even higher costs due to greater height and surface area; may require scaffolding or lifts. |
2. Average Cost To Paint Exterior Of House By Square Foot
Painting a house exterior costs between $1,728 to $17,120 for 800 to over 3,500 square feet. The per square foot painting costs between $1.5 to $4.5, depending on your paint quality and type. Larger homes need more paint and labor. Your home’s exterior surface area is roughly the same as your home’s square footage.
Please note that it’s not just about square footage, but also about other complex features and factors like house design complexity, trim work, types of surfaces, and the number of doors and windows that affect the overall painting cost.
| Square Footage | Average Cost to Paint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 800 sq ft | $1,728 - $3,424 | Small homes, cottages, or townhouses. |
| 800 - 1,500 sq ft | $1,728 - $6,420 | Small to medium homes or bungalows. |
| 1,500 - 2,000 sq ft | $3,240 - $8,560 | Average family homes, often single-story. |
| 2,000 - 2,500 sq ft | $4,320 - $10,700 | Larger family homes, often two-story. |
| 2,500 - 3,000 sq ft | $5,400 - $12,840 | Spacious homes, often multi-story. |
| 3,000 - 3,500 sq ft | $6,480 - $14,980 | Large homes, often three-story. |
| Over 3,500 sq ft | $7,560 - $17,120 | Mansion-sized or luxury homes. |
3. Average Cost To Paint Exterior Of House By Siding Material
The type of siding material on your home affects painting costs due to varying labor and tool requirements because different materials require different prep work and approaches. It’s better to calculate costs by siding type rather than just using square footage to enhance accuracy.
You may choose wood and vinyl siding for easier painting. Stucco and brick painting are typically the most costly among other siding types.
| Siding Type | Average Cost to Paint (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1.50 - $4.00 | Smooth surface; requires vinyl-safe paint to prevent overheating. Minimal prep unless staining or fading present. |
| Wood | $1.50 - $5.00 | May need primer or stripping; higher costs for weathered or peeling surfaces. Susceptible to moisture damage. |
| Brick | $2.00 - $5.00 | Porous; requires specialized paint and more coats. Prep includes cleaning and sealing cracks. Higher labor for detailed designs. |
| Stucco | $2.00 - $6.00 | Textured surface; needs priming and specialized elastomeric paint. Higher costs for repairs or cracks. |
| Aluminum/Steel | $1.50 - $4.50 | Requires rust-resistant primer; costs increase with rust removal or sanding. Durable but prone to fading. |
| Fiber Cement | $1.00 - $4.00 | Smooth and durable; similar to vinyl but may need less frequent repainting. Prep is minimal unless damaged. |
4. Average Cost To Paint Exterior Of House By Project
Painting cost greatly depends on your project type. For example, pool deck painting costs between $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot, while eaves cost between $4.00 to $14.00 per linear foot. You can also use masonry paint on wood for an attractive look
| Project Type | Average Cost to Paint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full House Exterior | $1.50 - $5.00 per sq ft | Includes siding, prep (cleaning, sanding), and two coats. Costs vary by home size, siding type, and stories (50% increase per story). |
| Exterior Trim | $1.00 - $4.00 per linear ft | Hand-painted; costs increase with intricate designs or wrapped trim. Requires precision for clean lines. |
| Front Door | $100 - $400 per door | Includes prep and painting; higher costs for detailed designs or premium paint. Single or double doors affect price. |
| Garage Door | $100 - $680 per door | Varies by size (single vs. double) and material (metal, wood). Prep includes cleaning and priming. |
| Deck | $2.00 - $5.00 per sq ft | Includes cleaning, sanding, and staining/painting. Costs rise with repairs or premium stain. |
| Fence | $1.00 - $3.00 per sq ft | Varies by height, length, and material (wood, vinyl). Includes both sides; staining may cost less. |
| Metal Roof | $1.50 - $4.00 per sq ft | Requires rust-resistant paint and primer. Costs increase with roof slope or complex designs. Safety equipment adds to labor. |
| Gutters | $1.00 - $3.50 per linear ft | Includes cleaning and painting; costs vary by material (aluminum, vinyl) and height. Acrylic or latex paint recommended. |
| Porch | $2.00 - $5.00 per sq ft | Includes railings, posts, and floor. Costs rise with intricate designs or repairs. Similar to deck painting. |
| Shutters | $40 - $150 per shutter | Varies by style (louvered, board and batten) and material (wood, composite). Prep includes cleaning and sanding. |
| Eaves | $4.00 - $14.00 per linear ft | Includes soffits and fascias; costs rise with height, complex designs, or lead paint removal. Often bundled with full exterior. |
| Fascias and Soffits | $2.00 - $7.00 per linear ft | Prep includes scraping and priming. Costs increase with height or repairs. Acrylic paint recommended for durability. |
Factors Impacting Cost Of House Exterior Painting
Apart from your house size, number of stories, siding material, and project type, there are some other key factors that contribute to the overall house exterior painting expense.
1. Paint Quality
You may save some by using low-quality paint on your house exterior, but you’ll soon have to repaint it. So, good-quality paint is worth the investment. Consider budget-friendly or premium brands like Sherwin-Williams’s evergreen fog sw 9130 for better results. You can also choose the sage green color for a fresh look. High-quality paint may cost more upfront, but it’ll last longer and look better.
| Paint Quality | Average Cost to Paint (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $1.50 - $2.50 | Basic paint ($20-$30/gal). Less durable; may need more coats, frequent repainting. |
| Mid-Range | $2.00 - $3.50 | Quality paint ($30-$50/gal). Good durability; fewer coats. Brands like Behr, Valspar. |
| Premium | $3.00 - $5.00 | High-end paint ($50-$100/gal). Best durability, coverage. Brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore. |
2. Paint Type
The three main types of exterior paints are mostly used, which are latex, acrylic, and oil-based, ranging between $2.00 to $5.50 per square foot. All of them affect the price and quality of the job. However, the siding material, climate, and your home’s surface determine which paint type is best.
You may choose latex paint, which is easy to apply and works great for wood and vinyl, lasting 5 to 10 years. Acrylic is ideal for stucco and brick and is UV-resistant, lasting 7 to 12 years. Oil-based paints are the best for metal due to their smooth finish. Waterproof elastomeric paint can also be considered for stucco and masonry.
| Paint Type | Average Cost to Paint (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Latex | $1.50 - $3.00 | Water-based; easy to apply, clean. Good for wood, vinyl. Lasts 5–10 years. |
| Acrylic | $2.00 - $4.00 | Durable, UV-resistant. Ideal for brick, stucco. Lasts 7–12 years. |
| Oil-Based | $2.50 - $4.50 | Smooth finish; good for metal, wood. Longer drying, VOCs. Lasts 5–10 years. |
| Elastomeric | $3.00 - $5.50 | Thick, waterproof; best for stucco, masonry. Needs precision. Lasts 10–15 years. |
3. Paint Finish
Paints are available in different finishes or sheens and prices due to elements like durability, gloss level, and coverage. The right finish can make a big difference in the final result, adding to the overall painting cost. Keep in mind that the higher sheen or gloss paints typically cost more than the lower sheen ones due to their composition.
These paint finishes range between $1.50 to $5. You may choose any paint finish according to your requirements and budget as per the table below.
| Paint Finish | Average Cost to Paint (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | $1.50 - $2.80 | Matte, non-reflective. Hides imperfections; less durable. Good for brick, stucco. |
| Eggshell | $1.80 - $3.20 | Slight sheen, easy to clean. Suits wood, vinyl. Lasts 5–8 years. |
| Satin | $2.00 - $3.50 | Low-gloss, durable. Good for wood, aluminum. Lasts 7–10 years. |
| Semi-Gloss | $2.50 - $4.00 | Shiny, moisture-resistant. Ideal for trim, doors. Lasts 8–12 years. |
| High-Gloss | $3.00 - $5.00 | Very shiny, durable. Best for metal, trim. Needs skilled application. |
4. Number of Coats
If you want a long-lasting finish, consider increasing the number of coats, which also increases the house painting cost. Adding another coat will cost you around 25 to 35% to the total cost.
5. Preparation Work
Your existing home exterior painting condition matters a lot if you’re looking for what is the average cost to paint exterior of house. Prep work is a mandatory and time-consuming step that can take around a week or more, depending on the home’s size and condition.
The prep stage has five tasks, which include power washing, scraping off peeling paint, priming, minor repairs, and caulking. The amount of prep required costs $0.2 to $1.50 per square foot, which directly impacts the final cost.
| Preparation Task | Average Cost (per sq ft or flat rate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power Washing | $0.20 - $0.50 per sq ft | Removes dirt, mold. Essential for paint adhesion. Takes 1–2 hours for 2,000 sq ft. |
| Scraping/Sanding | $0.58 - $0.93 per sq ft | Removes peeling paint. Smooths surfaces. Labor-intensive for wood siding. |
| Priming | $0.50 - $1.50 per sq ft | Ensures adhesion, color uniformity. Needed for bare wood, metal, or color changes. |
| Minor Repairs | $500 - $2,000 flat rate | Fixes cracks, holes, or rotted wood. Costs vary by damage extent. |
| Caulking | $0.30 - $0.70 per sq ft | Seals gaps around windows, doors. Prevents water damage. Labor-intensive. |
6. Labor
It’s better to hire professional exterior painters, ranging between $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot or $24 to $95 per hour, depending on factors like location, season, and specific situation. This is the biggest expense for painting your house exterior, costing 50 to 70% of the total project cost.
| Labor Task | Average Labor Cost (per hour or per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Work | $0.50 - $2.00 per sq ft or $24 - $95 per hour | Includes power washing, scraping, sanding, priming, caulking. 60–80% of labor costs. Takes 1–2 days for 2,000 sq ft. |
| Painting | $1.00 - $3.50 per sq ft or $24 - $95 per hour | Applying 1–2 coats of paint. Varies by siding type, stories. Takes 1–3 days for 2,000 sq ft. |
| Cleanup | $50 - $200 flat rate or $24 - $95 per hour | Removing debris, cleaning tools, site restoration. Takes 2–4 hours for 2,000 sq ft. |
7. Site Location
The cost to paint exterior of house can vary depending on location and weather. Regions with a high cost of living or urban areas have higher painting costs for labor and materials, compared to rural areas. Harsh weather can make the paint fade faster, meaning you’ll need to repaint more often and spend more on maintenance.
Budget Friendly Tips To Save on Exterior House Painting Costs
Below are some important tips for how to save on exterior home painting.
- Get multiple quotes from professionals to compare prices.
- Do prep work yourself, like trimming, sanding, patching, cleaning, moving furniture, removing fixtures, vines, and trimming bushes for easy access, and repairing siding, to reduce labor costs.
- Repaint before the old paint fades or wears out for less work.
- Choose lighter colors to reduce fading.
- Plan to paint during the off-season, like in winter, late fall, or early spring, for lower rates and discounts.
- Only paint what’s necessary and skip areas that look good.
- Choose high-quality paint for durability and skilled professionals with liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Do regular inspections and cleaning to extend the paint job’s life while maintaining painted surfaces.
- Use the same or similar color schemes to reduce the number of coats, especially for windows, gutters, soffits, fascia, siding, and doors, and to save money.
Whether you’re hiring professionals or doing it yourself, these strategies can help you achieve professional results while keeping costs down. Additionally, it’s better to do a landscaping makeover after completing the paint on the exterior.
Can I Paint the Exterior of My House Myself?
Please keep in mind that painting your home’s exterior yourself might seem cost-effective, but it can be tough, time-consuming, and even dangerous. If you’re not experienced, it’s better to hire a professional painter who can ensure a high-quality finish, save you time, and increase your home’s value.
However, if you’re an experienced DIYer, you may paint your house’s exterior yourself but just incur the costs of necessary supplies, potential outcome, and your time. It may cost you $100 to $700 for items like brushes, paint trays, drop cloths, painter’s tape, rollers, sandpaper, and scrapers, excluding ladder, primer, and paint sprayer charges.
How Many Gallons Of Paint Do You Need To Paint A House Exterior?
The amount of paint needed for a house exterior varies by size and surface type. A 1,000-1,500 sq ft home typically requires 4-8 gallons, while a larger home of 1,500-2,000 sq ft needs 8-12 gallons. Surface texture also plays a role, with rough surfaces like stucco requiring more paint and smooth surfaces needing less.
Bottom Line
If you want to make your house look shiny and stand out by painting it, consider hiring a professional painter for a consistent finish, to work efficiently, and handle prep and cleanup. The cost to paint exterior of house ranges between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on your required paint and home size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Single-Story Home?
On average, painting a single-story home may cost you between $1,500 – $3,500, depending on elements like paint quality, design complexity, type of chosen paint, location, and type of finish.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Two-Story Home?
Double-story homes cost between $3,000 – $6,200, depending on factors like paint type, quality, prep work, and labor costs.
When is the Best Time to Paint Your House Exterior?
Paint your house exterior in late spring, early summer, or early fall when the weather is mild and dry. Avoid extreme heat, cold, or rain, and choose 3 to 4 dry days in a row for the best results.
How Often Should You Repaint Your House Exterior?
You should repaint your house every 5 to 10 years rather than doing it every year, as it depends on some factors like climate, siding type, and the quality of the previous paint job. These elements affect how long the paint lasts.
Is it Worth Repainting My Home’s Exterior?
Repainting your home’s exterior boosts its value, especially if you’re selling. Just pick neutral colors like grey, white, or beige for a great look.