How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior in 2025?

A fresh exterior paint job doesn’t just boost a home’s curb appeal; it’s also a key investment in long-term value. But how much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

The answer depends on everything from your location and siding material to whether you hire a pro or go the DIY route.

This guide will break down average costs, material and labor breakdowns, important factors, and tips for making the best decision for your home and budget.

Why Exterior Painting Matters (and What Impacts the Cost)

Painting your house exterior is one of the most visible upgrades you can give your property. Not only does it refresh your home’s appearance, but quality exterior paint also protects against weather, pests, and sun damage.

Because it’s such an involved project, it’s important to fully understand what drives the final bill.

Key factors affecting exterior painting cost include:

House size and height
Geographic location
Type of siding material
Paint quality and quantity
Labor and prep work required

Whether you want to plan a budget for an upcoming project or are just curious about what to expect, read on for a detailed, research-backed breakdown.

Average Costs to Paint a House Exterior

Across the U.S., the typical cost to paint a house exterior falls between $1,900 and $8,000, with national averages around $3,000–$4,000 (sources: The Spruce, House Beautiful, Forbes). Several variables affect your price range:

Single-story, 2,000 sq. ft. house: $2,000–$8,000 (including labor)
Northeast or West Coast: $8,000–$15,000 or more, due to higher local labor and living costs
Three-story homes or complex architecture (Victorians, turrets): Expect the higher end, or even double the price of similar single-story projects

Tip: Multi-story homes cost more due to extra safety precautions, scaffolding, and labor time.

Regional Cost Variations

Northeast & West Coast: $8,000–$15,000+ (due to higher cost of living)
Midwest & South: Lower labor rates; totals often fall closer to $2,000–$6,000 for average homes

How House Size Affects Painting Cost

One of the strongest cost indicators is home size. Larger homes require more paint, additional labor, and longer prep time.

Home Size (sq. ft)	Typical Cost Range
1,000	$1,000–$4,000
1,500	$1,500–$6,000
2,000	$2,000–$8,000
3,000	$3,000–$12,000

Single-story home: $1,800–$6,000
Three-story home: $5,000–$12,000

Higher homes increase price by 30–120% due to safety and complexity (The Spruce).

Material Costs for Exterior Painting

When it comes to paint itself, prices can vary based on brand, quality, and finish.

Paint Costs

Standard exterior acrylic/latex paint: $30–$80 per gallon
Mineral-based paint for brick: $100–$150 per gallon

The usual formula is one gallon covers 250–400 sq. ft. For a 2,000 sq. ft. house (assuming two coats), expect to need 10–16 gallons, setting your paint budget at $300–$1,300.

For the best results and durability, opt for higher-end formulas and always clarify with your painter what brand is included in the estimate.

Additional Supplies

Primer for proper adhesion, especially for big color changes or weathered surfaces
Brushes, rollers, drop cloths, tape, and caulk

DIY material costs (tools + paint) typically run $500–$2,400.

Understanding Labor Costs

Labor is usually the largest expense:

Labor Percentage: 70–80% of your total bill
Labor per Square Foot: $0.80–$2.80
Daily Rate per Painter: $200–$500

A professional crew often completes a job in 3–5 days (weather permitting).

Always check that estimates include licensed, insured workers and a clear outline of what’s included.

Prepping Your House: The “Hidden” Cost

Prep work is key to a beautiful, long-lasting paint job. It includes:

Deep cleaning via power washing ($50–$80 per hour)
Scraping and sanding old paint
Repairing damaged siding, trim, and caulking cracks ($0.46–$0.88 per linear foot)
Priming

Prep work typically costs $0.58–$0.93 per square foot. Be prepared for higher bills if you have extensive repairs, lead paint, or a weathered facade.

Solid prep will help paint last a decade or more, while poor prep can lead to peeling in just a few years.

Painting Costs by Siding Type

Not every exterior material is created equal when it comes to painting difficulty (and price):

Vinyl Siding

Cost (2-story home): $5,259–$8,388
Painting vinyl is about 10% cheaper than wood

Wood Siding

$1–$3 per sq. ft.
Naturally affordable and easy to refresh

Brick

$1.40–$4.20 per sq. ft. or $7,889–$12,583 for a whole home
More expensive due to the need for masonry primer and extra labor

Stucco

$1.50–$4 per sq. ft. or $6,428–$10,253 for a typical job
Texture requires special washing and careful detail

Aluminum/Steel/Metal

$1.50–$2.50 per sq. ft.
Slightly higher maintenance; must repaint every 5 years

Fiber Cement/Engineered Wood

$1–$3.20 per sq. ft.
Often pre-primed, making prep work faster

DIY vs. Professional Painting

DIY Painting

Pros

Save significantly on labor (up to 70%)
Full control over timing and materials

Cons

Time intensive (2–3 weeks vs. 3–5 days for pros)
Upfront tool costs ($300–$1,000 for supplies)
Risk of missed prep/poor technique affecting durability or causing drips

Hiring Professionals

Pros

High-quality, even finish
Warranties and insurance
Faster turnaround and safer work on tall/complex homes

Cons

Higher upfront cost
Booking availability may delay your project

DIY is best for single-story homes and experienced painters. Higher, older, or more detailed houses are best left to pros.

Other Important Factors That Affect Painting Costs

Number of stories: More scaffolding and equipment, higher prices
Siding condition: Repairs can add hundreds to the bill
Additional features: Painting trim, shutters, doors, garages, and porches costs extra ($1 to $6 per linear foot for trim)
Paint quality and color: Mid- to high-grade, UV-resistant paints last longer and look fresher over time
Project timing: High demand in spring and fall can push prices up; summer/winter scheduling may offer discounts

Exterior painting offers a strong return on investment: According to NAR, homeowners see an average 55% ROI and high “joy scores” from exterior paint upgrades.

Setting Your Budget and Planning Smart

Exterior painting is a major project, but when done right, it can transform your home and protect it for years to come. By factoring in the variables above, you can estimate a realistic budget and make informed choices about timing, materials, and pro selection.

Quick budget checklist for exterior painting:

Home size and number of stories
Local labor rates
Siding material and condition
Required repairs and prep work
Paint brand and coverage

If budget is a concern, get multiple estimates, ask detailed questions about materials and warranties, and clarify whether extra prep or repairs are included.

Invest in the Long-Term Value of Your Home

Refreshing your home’s exterior is a big decision, but it brings value far beyond its striking new look.

Take the time to understand the costs, weigh the pros and cons of DIY or hiring professionals, and plan for the season and prep work required.

With careful budgeting, high-quality materials, and skilled labor, your home will be protected and looking its best for years to come.

If you’re ready to take the next step, start by getting several quotes from local painting pros and reading customer reviews. Investing in prep and paint quality now will save you money and hassle down the line.