Painting · Costs, budgets and timelines · Updated November 2026
Exterior House Painting Cost by Home Size and Surface
Exterior painting is priced by the area of wall to be painted, not the home's floor area. Painting typically runs $1.50–$4 per square foot, plus $0.50–$2.50 per square foot for preparation. The national average job is about $3,178.
Budget by paintable surface
| Paintable surface | Painting only ($1.50–$4/sq. ft.) | With prep (adds $0.50–$2.50/sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $2,250–$6,000 | $3,000–$9,750 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $3,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$13,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $3,750–$10,000 | $5,000–$16,250 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $5,250–$14,000 | $7,000–$22,750 |
Rates from our painting cost guide, multiplied by area.
Estimating your paintable surface
- Measure the perimeter of the house.
- Multiply by the wall height (about 9–10 ft. per story is a common rough figure).
- Add gable triangles: half the base times the height.
- Subtract large openings like garage doors if they will not be painted.
Our measurement guide walks through it. A painter will measure for the quote.
What changes the price
- Stories: two- and three-story homes need taller ladders, scaffolding or lifts.
- Surface: wood siding needs more prep than vinyl; stucco and brick use more paint and different products.
- Prep and repairs: scraping, sanding, replacing rotted boards and caulking. Homes built before 1978 need lead-safe practices.
- Trim, shutters, doors and decks: often priced separately.
- Number of colors and coats.
Compare quotes on
- Paint brand and product line, and number of coats
- Exactly what prep is included
- Wood repair pricing
- Whether trim, doors and gutters are included
- Workmanship warranty
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our painting cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.