How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
Exterior house painting runs $2,500 for a small single-story 1,200 sqft home, $4,800 for a typical 1,800–2,400 sqft two-story repaint, and $9,500+ for large multi-color jobs or full prep with extensive carpentry repair.
Quick price points (2026)
| Scope | Cost | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Low | $2,500 | whole house |
| Typical | $4,800 | whole house |
| High | $9,500 | whole house |
How to budget for this project
- Get 3 quotes
Get itemized quotes from at least three licensed contractors in your area.
- Adjust for your region
Compare the same scope and account for regional labor and permitting.
- Add 10–15% contingency
Hidden conditions, code upgrades and permit fees can increase the original quote.
- Plan the cash, not the financing
Build the replacement cost into the home's repair plan before the work becomes an emergency.