How Much Does Exterior house painting Cost?
Exterior house painting typically costs $2500 to $6000 as a national estimate. Exterior painting depends on house size, siding condition, height, and how much scraping and repair is needed.
National estimate from the HandymanQuote price book · Prices reviewed August 30, 2026
National average range — your local pro sets their own price after reviewing your details.
Exterior house painting price ranges
Estimated tiers within the national range. Your local pro sets the actual price.
Basic
$2500 – $3550
Straightforward job, easy access, standard materials, nothing unexpected behind the surface.
Standard
$3550 – $5125
The most common outcome: typical scope, mid-grade materials, a little prep or adjustment along the way.
Extensive
$5125 – $6000+
Larger scope, premium materials, difficult access, or repairs needed before the main work can start.
Estimated time on site
About 3 days – 7 days for a standard job.
Estimated labor vs. materials
Roughly 75% labor and 25% materials for this type of work.
What affects the cost of exterior house painting?
Square footage and stories
Wall area and height drive both material and the amount of ladder or staging work required.
Surface prep
Scraping, sanding, washing, caulking and priming bare spots is usually more hours than the painting itself.
Siding type and condition
Rough cedar and stucco absorb far more paint than smooth siding, and rotted boards need repair before coating.
Local labor rates
Rates vary market to market. Your quote reflects what the pro in your ZIP actually charges — not a national guess.
What's typically included?
- Washing exterior surfaces
- Scraping and sanding peeling paint
- Caulking and priming
- Painting siding and trim
Scope varies by pro — confirm what your quote covers.
What can increase the price?
- Multi-story homes
- Peeling or failing paint
- Wood rot repair
- Multiple trim colors
What can lower the price?
- Single-story homes
- Siding in good condition
- One body and trim color
When should you hire a professional?
Ladder work, surface prep, and weather timing make exterior painting a pro job. Poor prep leads to peeling within a few seasons.
DIY vs. hiring a pro: the full guideExterior house painting cost FAQs
How much does exterior house painting cost?
Our national estimate for exterior house painting is $2500 to $6000. This is a planning range from the HandymanQuote national price book, not a guaranteed quote or an average of completed jobs. Enter your ZIP for an estimate based on local contractor pricing where available.
Is pressure washing included?
Surface washing is often part of prep. Confirm with your pro.
When is the best time to paint outside?
Dry weather with mild temperatures, following the paint manufacturer's limits.
What if there's rotted wood?
Rot should be repaired before painting. See the exterior trim repair guide.
How we estimate exterior house painting prices
The $2500–$6000 range is a national estimate from the HandymanQuote price book, reviewed August 30, 2026. It is not an average of completed jobs and not a guaranteed quote. The tiers, time on site, and labor split are estimates derived from that range. When you enter your ZIP code and project details, you get an estimate based on local contractor pricing where a vetted pro serves your area, or the national estimate where one doesn't yet.
Ready for your real price?
National ranges help you plan. Your ZIP and project details determine the exact quote.
Get your exterior house painting quote from a local proRelated cost guides
Find a local handyman
Get an estimate for your exterior house painting project
Enter your ZIP and project details to see your price in seconds. One vetted local handyman. No spam calls.
Get an instant estimate