Cost to Exterior House Painting in Los Angeles, CA
$2,430–$10,125 in Los Angeles
35% above the national average · 1.35x cost multiplier
In Los Angeles, a exterior house painting runs $2,430 to $10,125 on average — about 35% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The West Coast market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Los Angeles
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $1 | $3 | $7 |
| Materials | $675 | $1,620 | $3,375 |
| Labor | $1,620 | $4,320 | $7,830 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $2,295+35% vs. national avg | $6,075+35% vs. national avg | $11,475+35% vs. national avg |
Budget
Single-story home under 1,500 sq ft, basic acrylic latex paint, one coat over existing color, minimal prep
Mid-Range
Two-story home 1,500-2,500 sq ft, quality acrylic latex, two coats, primer on bare spots, full prep and caulking
Premium
Large or multi-story home, premium paint, complete scraping and sanding, primer coat, two finish coats, trim and accent colors
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Los Angeles may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Latex (Standard) | $25-$40/gallon | Most homes, budget to mid-range projectsEasy cleanup, low odor, flexible in temperature changes, good durability |
| Acrylic Latex (Premium) | $50-$85/gallon | Long-term homes where you want 10+ years between paint jobsSuperior adhesion, fade resistance, 10-15 year lifespan, better coverage |
| Elastomeric Paint | $40-$70/gallon | Stucco, concrete block, and masonry exteriors with minor crackingBridges hairline cracks, waterproof, excellent for stucco and masonry |
| Oil-Based/Alkyd Paint | $30-$60/gallon | Bare wood trim, areas needing maximum adhesion, repainting over old oil paintExtremely hard finish, excellent adhesion to bare wood, self-leveling |
| Exterior Stain (Semi-Transparent) | $30-$55/gallon | Cedar, redwood, and other natural wood siding where grain is desiredShows natural wood grain, penetrates into wood, easier maintenance recoats |
Other Projects in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Estimate
Typical Range
$2,430–$10,125
vs. National Average
35% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.35x
Cost Per sq ft
$1–$7
Estimates apply Los Angeles's 1.35x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →