Independent and unbiased 2026 pricing data
HouseProjectCalc

Painting

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior?

What drives exterior painting cost

The main factors are:

  • Home size and number of stories
  • Siding type and condition (prep is most of the labor)
  • Amount of trim, detail, and accent colors
  • Paint quality and number of coats

Prep is the real cost

Scraping, sanding, power washing, caulking, and priming take more time than the painting itself. A home with peeling paint or damaged siding costs more to prep than one in good shape.

Estimate it yourself

Tackling this project yourself?

Amazon picks · Sponsored

A contractor quote is mostly labor. If that estimate felt steep, here is the exact gear to tackle this job yourself. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer
Graco Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer

Budget: Under $500

Airless sprayer that covers siding and trim far faster than a brush.

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Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Paint, Quart
Rust-Oleum Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Paint, Quart

Budget: Under $25

Durable multi-surface paint for doors, trim, and exterior accents.

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Louisville 24 ft Fiberglass Extension Ladder
Louisville Ladder Louisville 24 ft Fiberglass Extension Ladder

Budget: Under $500

Type IA 300 lb fiberglass ladder for reaching second-story siding.

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Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer
Westinghouse Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer

Budget: Under $250

2500 PSI washer to clean siding before paint goes on.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should you repaint a house exterior?

Most exteriors need repainting every 7 to 10 years, sooner for wood and in harsh climates, longer for fiber cement and well-maintained surfaces.

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