ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: Exterior painting ranges from roughly $600 to $7,700 for most homes, averaging about $3,178. Labor typically runs $1-$3.50 per square foot, or $25-$100 per hour per painter.
Cost by Number of Stories
| Stories | Typical Paintable Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| One | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Two | 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $3,000-$6,200 |
| Three | 2,500-3,000 sq ft | $4,500-$10,000+ |
Cost by Siding Material
| Siding | Per Sq Ft | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $1-$3 | $700-$3,000 |
| Vinyl | $1.25-$3 | $600-$3,500 |
| Metal / aluminum | $1.50-$2.50 | $400-$3,500 |
| Concrete / fiber cement | $1-$3.50 | $500-$3,000 |
| Stucco | $1.50-$4 | $1,400-$6,000 |
| Brick | $1.50-$4.50 | $3,500-$10,000 |
Prep Work and Extras
- Pressure washing — usually included, sometimes a separate line item
- Scraping and paint stripping — $0.50-$2 per sq ft where old paint is failing
- Primer — $15-$80 per gallon; needed on bare wood and some color changes
- Wood repair — rotted trim or siding replaced before painting
- Permits — around $200-$300 where required
- Lead-safe practices — required for pre-1978 homes under EPA rules, which can add cost
How to Save
- Book early in the season or during slower months where weather allows.
- Handle simple prep yourself, like trimming shrubs and clearing the perimeter.
- Keep the same color to reduce coats and primer.
- Compare at least three itemized quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth paying for premium exterior paint?
Often yes — premium paints tend to hold color and resist cracking longer, which can stretch the time between repaints.
Does painting a house add value?
Fresh exterior paint improves curb appeal and can help a home sell, particularly if the old paint was visibly peeling or dated.
🔎 How we research: The ServiCover Editorial Team compiles prices and guidance from published 2026 cost guides, manufacturer information and industry sources. Prices are national ranges and vary by location, home and provider, so always compare written quotes. We don't perform the work ourselves, and we may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners — see our Advertiser Disclosure.