Exterior Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to paint the exterior of your home based on size, stories, and paint quality.
A exterior house painting costs $1,800 to $7,500, with a national average of $4,500. Use the calculator below to estimate your cost by size, quality tier, and location.
Last updated: March 25, 2026
Exterior Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to paint the exterior of your home based on size, stories, and paint quality.
Estimated Total
$5,170
Itemized Breakdown
This calculator provides estimates based on national averages adjusted for your region. Actual costs may vary significantly based on specific project conditions, contractor availability, material prices, and local market factors. Always get at least 3 quotes from licensed, insured contractors before starting your project.
Want the full picture?
Read our complete Exterior House Painting cost guide with material comparisons, contractor tips, savings strategies, and regional pricing data.
Quick Cost Reference
Cost by Tier
Single-story home under 1,500 sq ft, basic acrylic latex paint, one coat over existing color, minimal prep
Two-story home 1,500-2,500 sq ft, quality acrylic latex, two coats, primer on bare spots, full prep and caulking
Large or multi-story home, premium paint, complete scraping and sanding, primer coat, two finish coats, trim and accent colors
How This Calculator Works
This exterior painting cost calculator estimates your total project cost from four inputs: project size, quality tier, the options you select, and your location. It combines material and labor rates for your chosen tier, adds typical permit costs, then applies a regional cost multiplier so the estimate reflects pricing in your state.
Estimates use 2026 cost data cross-referenced from multiple industry sources. Treat the result as a planning range, not a quote. Your final price depends on your specific scope, material choices, and local contractor availability, so collect at least three itemized bids before you set a budget.
What Affects Your Exterior House Painting Cost
Home Size and Stories
$800 - $5,000A 1,500 sq ft single-story home has roughly 1,000-1,200 sq ft of paintable exterior. A 2,500 sq ft two-story home has 1,800-2,500 sq ft of paintable surface. Two-story and three-story homes cost more per square foot because of scaffolding, ladder work, and slower production. Expect to pay 20-40% more per square foot for each additional story.
Paint Quality
$200 - $1,500Builder-grade exterior paint costs $20-$30 per gallon. Mid-range options like Behr Premium or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint run $35-$55 per gallon. Premium lines like Duration, Emerald, or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior cost $60-$85 per gallon. A typical home uses 10-20 gallons. Better paint lasts 10-15 years versus 5-7 for budget paint.
Prep Work Required
$0 - $3,000Light prep (power washing, minor scraping) adds little to the cost. Extensive peeling, cracking, or chalking requires heavy scraping, sanding, and spot priming - adding $500-$2,000 in labor. Lead paint abatement on pre-1978 homes adds $1,000-$3,000 or more and requires certified contractors.
Trim, Doors, and Accent Colors
$300 - $1,500Many quotes cover body paint only. Painting trim, fascia, soffits, shutters, doors, and window frames adds time and cost. Trim painting typically adds $300-$800. Multiple accent colors add $200-$500 because of extra masking and brush work. Ask whether trim is included in every quote you get.
Siding Material
Varies by surface typeSmooth surfaces like vinyl or aluminum siding paint quickly. Wood clapboard and shingles absorb more paint and require more prep. Stucco and brick are porous and may need special primers and extra coats. Textured surfaces can use 20-30% more paint than smooth ones, adding $200-$600 in material costs alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a exterior house painting cost?
A exterior house painting costs $1,800 to $7,500 for a typical project, with a national average of $4,500. Budget projects start around $1,200, and premium work can reach $12,000. Use the calculator above for an estimate matched to your size, quality tier, and state.
How does this exterior house painting cost calculator work?
It combines 2026 material and labor rates for your selected quality tier, adds typical permit costs and any options you choose, then applies a cost multiplier for your state. Adjust the inputs to see your estimate update instantly.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. This exterior house painting cost calculator is free, requires no signup, and returns instant estimates.
Does the estimate include labor and permits?
Yes. Each estimate combines material and labor costs for your chosen quality tier plus typical permit fees. Your final price still depends on your specific scope and local contractor rates, so collect itemized quotes before budgeting.
How can I lower my exterior house painting cost?
Paint in the off-season (late fall or early spring) when painters are less busy and may discount 10-20% Do the prep work yourself (washing, scraping, caulking) and hire pros just for the painting - saves $500-$1,500
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