How Much Does It Cost To Paint a House Exterior in 2025?
A fresh coat of exterior paint does more than just improve curb appeal. It protects your home from weather damage, extends siding life, and adds real estate value. In 2025, exterior painting is one of the best upgrades homeowners can make.
But how much does it cost to paint a house exterior? That depends on many factors like the size of your home, the type of siding, and whether you’re hiring a professional.
On average, painting the exterior of a house costs between $2,500 and $8,000 depending on size, materials, and labor.
This guide will walk you through real-world pricing, explain what affects costs, and help you decide what makes sense for your home.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide was sourced from Angi.
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Square Foot
Exterior house painting cost is usually calculated by square footage. The larger your home, the more surface area to prep and paint, and the more gallons of paint needed.
House Size (sq ft) | Average Cost Range |
1,000 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
1,500 | $2,000 – $5,500 |
2,000 | $2,500 – $7,000 |
2,500 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
3,000+ | $3,500 – $10,000+ |
The cost to paint the exterior of a home typically ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot in 2025.
The cost of exterior painting also depends on the number of coats, paint quality, and how much prep work is needed.
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Number of Stories
Taller homes take longer and cost more to paint. Painters need special equipment like scaffolding or lifts to reach upper levels.
- Single-story home: $1,500 – $5,000
- Two-story home: $2,500 – $7,500
- Three-story home: $4,000 – $10,000+
As the stories increase, expect higher labor and setup fees. Safety gear and access time raise the total cost of exterior painting.
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Siding
The type of siding you have affects the cost, paint type, and method used.
- Vinyl: $1.25 – $3.00/sq ft. Easy to paint but may need a primer.
- Wood: $1.50 – $4.00/sq ft. Needs extra prep and sealing.
- Stucco: $2.00 – $5.00/sq ft. Soaks up paint; needs thick coats.
- Brick: $2.50 – $6.00/sq ft. Requires breathable paint.
- Fiber cement: $1.80 – $4.50/sq ft. Durable but prep-heavy.
Painting stucco can cost more due to its textured surface and paint absorption.
Cost To Paint House Exterior by Project Type
Your painting project type also affects pricing:
- New construction: May be cheaper as there is no old paint to remove.
- Repainting: Costs more if scraping, sanding, and patching are needed.
- Full restoration: Involves carpentry, repairs, and priming. Higher cost.
Project Type | Average Cost |
New Home | $1.20 – $3.00/sq ft |
Repaint | $1.50 – $4.00/sq ft |
Restoration | $2.50 – $5.50/sq ft |
Labor Costs
Labor makes up the largest portion of exterior painting costs.
In 2025, professional painters charge between $25 and $75 per hour depending on location and expertise.
Most exterior painting jobs include:
- Power washing
- Surface repairs
- Caulking and priming
- Paint application
- Clean up
Hiring a painting company or crew may cost more upfront but usually delivers better results and saves time.
Factors Affecting Paint Cost
Here are some of the biggest factors influencing the cost of exterior painting:
- Paint quality and brand: Premium paint lasts longer but costs more.
- Surface condition: Damaged or dirty surfaces need more prep.
- Weather: Rain or heat delays can stretch out labor time.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas may need lifts or scaffolding.
- Location: Prices vary by region. Urban areas cost more than rural ones.
Other factors include paint colors (dark or bold shades may need more coats) and the square footage per gallon of paint, which affects material use.
Additional Cost Considerations
Some hidden costs can sneak into your total exterior paint cost:
- Permit fees (in some cities)
- Rot or wood repair
- Power washing (if not included)
- Primers and sealers
- Eco-friendly or low-VOC paints
- Cleanup and waste disposal
Always get a detailed estimate to understand what your painting contractor includes.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Costs
![How Much Does It Cost To Paint a House Exterior? [2025]](https://sdcustompainting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Do-It-Yourself-DIY-Painting-Costs-1-768x431.webp)
Thinking about doing it yourself? DIY painting can save money but takes time and skill.
DIY Costs to Expect:
- Paint: $25 – $70 per gallon
- Tools: $200 – $500 (brushes, rollers, ladders, sprayer)
- Time: 40 – 100+ hours
Cost Type | DIY Estimate |
Materials | $500 – $1,000 |
Equipment Rental | $100 – $300 |
Total DIY Cost | $600 – $1,500+ |
But mistakes like wrong paint choice, poor prep, or weather issues can end up costing more to fix.
How To Save on Exterior House Painting Costs
Here are smart ways to cut down your exterior painting cost:
- Get multiple quotes from exterior house painters near San Diego.
- Schedule your project in fall or early spring.
- Buy paint in bulk and during sales.
- Combine siding and trim painting together.
- Do minor prep work yourself.
- Ask about loyalty discounts or coupons.
Homeowners can save up to 20% on painting costs by prepping surfaces themselves.
Our Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to paint a house exterior in 2025?
You can expect to pay between $2,500 and $8,000 depending on your home’s size, siding, and the painting company you choose.
Professional painters bring quality, speed, and lasting results. While DIY may be cheaper, it’s labor-intensive and risky.
Looking for reliable Exterior Painting Services in Spring Valley, CA? Reach out to San Diego Custom Painting today for a custom quote you can trust.
FAQs About Exterior House Painting Costs
How much should it cost to paint the exterior of a 2000 square foot house?
Expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,000 depending on siding, prep needs, and the type of paint used. Higher-quality paints and detailed prep increase costs.
How much do painters charge in PA?
In Pennsylvania, exterior house painting rates typically range from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the region and scope of work.
How much to paint a 1500 sq ft house exterior labor?
Labor alone for a 1,500 sq ft house is usually $1,200 to $2,500, based on prep, accessibility, and hourly painter rates.
How much do painters charge in MN?
In Minnesota, exterior painting costs average $1.75 to $4.00 per sq ft, with pricing affected by climate, siding type, and project size.
Why is hiring painters so expensive?
Professional painting includes materials, labor, equipment, insurance, and expertise. You’re paying for safety, durability, and peace of mind.