How Much Does It Cost to Paint Exterior of House? (2026)
The average cost to paint the exterior of a house is about $1.50 to $4 per square foot of surface, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average two-story home. Painting a 3,000 square foot house exterior typically runs $6,000 to $13,000. Prep work, number of stories, and siding type drive project costs, while quality exterior paint and proper prep make the job last 7–10 years.
A fresh exterior paint job is one of the best returns on investment for curb appeal and protection from the elements. But exterior painting costs more than interior work because of prep, height, and the durable paint required.
This guide breaks down exterior painting costs in 2026 by home size and siding, explains what's included, and shows how to estimate the paint you'll need.
Key takeaways
- Exterior painting costs about $1.50–$4 per square foot of surface.
- An average two-story home runs $3,000–$10,000.
- Prep (scraping, sanding, priming) is much of the labor.
- Number of stories and siding texture raise the price.
- Quality paint and prep make it last 7–10 years.
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Exterior painting cost by home size
| Home size | Stories | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 ft² | 1 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,500 ft² | 1–2 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| 2,500 ft² | 2 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| 3,000 ft² | 2 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
What drives exterior house painting costs
Two homes of the same size can have very different project costs. The average cost to paint the exterior of a house climbs with anything that adds labor, prep, or paint. Understanding these factors helps you read a quote and spot where the money goes.
Height is the biggest single factor: a three-story or steeply pitched home needs scaffolding and slows the crew, while a single-story ranch is fast and cheap to reach. Heavy prep — scraping failed paint, repairing wood, or priming bare masonry — can rival the painting itself. Color changes that need extra coats, and premium paints rated for 10+ years, also raise the total.
- Stories and access — scaffolding and ladders add labor.
- Prep condition — scraping, sanding, and priming weathered surfaces.
- Number of coats — dark-to-light changes often need three.
- Paint grade — premium exterior paint costs more but lasts longer.
- Trim and detail — shutters, railings, and multi-color schemes add hours.
Cost by siding type
Texture and material affect how much paint and labor a surface needs.
| Siding | Cost per ft² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1.50 – $3.00 | Smooth, fast |
| Wood | $2.00 – $4.00 | More prep, absorbs paint |
| Stucco | $2.00 – $4.00 | Textured, more paint |
| Brick | $2.50 – $4.50 | Porous, needs primer |
What's included
- Power washing the surface
- Scraping and sanding loose paint
- Priming bare or repaired areas
- Caulking gaps and trim
- Two coats of exterior paint
How much exterior paint do you need?
Exterior paint covers about 300–400 sq ft per gallon (less on rough surfaces). Estimate your wall area, subtract openings, multiply by coats, and divide by 350. Use our paint calculator as an exterior house painting cost estimator — it turns your wall area into gallons and a materials cost in seconds.