How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior? (2026)
Updated
Painting a house exterior costs about $1.50 to $4 per square foot of surface, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average two-story home. Prep work, number of stories, and siding type drive the price. Quality exterior paint and proper prep are what 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.
Skip the math
Get instant numbers with the Paint Calculator.
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 |
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. Our paint calculator gives the gallons and cost.