# How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House? By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2022-06-09 > If your home’s exterior could use a facelift, the first step might be a fresh coat of paint. Here’s how to estimate what a new paint job will cost, and tips to save. ## Key Takeaways A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a home's appearance — and protect it from the elements. So how much does it cost to paint a house? The national average for an exterior paint job is **$3,177**, with most homeowners spending between **$1,819 and $4,551**, according to [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/painting/paint-a-home-exterior/). Interior painting averages around **$3,842** nationally, though both numbers shift significantly based on your home's size, condition, siding material, and local labor rates. Whether you're freshening up a dated exterior before listing or repainting every room after a move-in, this guide breaks down the real costs — room by room, square foot by square foot — so you can budget with confidence. If you're weighing a paint job against other upgrades, our guide to [improvements that increase home value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/improvements-that-increase-home-value) can help you prioritize. [Get your offer](#) ## How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior? Exterior house painting cost depends heavily on your home's square footage, the number of stories, and the condition of the existing surface. For a rough planning number, expect to pay **$1.50 to $4.00 per square foot** of paintable exterior surface area. Here's what that looks like for different home sizes: Two-story homes can cost up to **50% more** than comparable single-story homes, mainly because of the equipment, safety measures, and time required to work at height. ### Real-World Example Consider a homeowner with a 2,200-square-foot, two-story wood-sided home preparing to sell. The existing paint is peeling in several areas and the trim shows signs of weather damage. A professional crew quotes $7,200 for two coats of premium exterior paint, which includes power washing, scraping, priming bare spots, and painting all trim and fascia. That price lands squarely within the typical range for a project of this scope — and [choosing the right colors](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/paint-colors-that-boost-home-value) could help recoup the investment at sale. ### What About Multi-Coat Projects? Many exterior repaints require two coats for full coverage and durability, especially when changing colors or painting over weathered surfaces. Here's how coat count affects pricing for larger homes: These ranges assume professional labor and mid- to high-quality paint. Budget paint and a single coat can bring costs down, but the finish typically won't last as long. ## How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Interior? Interior painting averages **$3,842 nationally**, according to CertaPro data reported by [Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-paint-interior-and-exterior.htm). Most homeowners can expect to pay **$2 to $6 per square foot** based on total home footprint — though the actual cost depends on room count, ceiling height, wall condition, and the amount of prep work involved. Interior projects generally cost more per square foot than exteriors because they involve more detailed work: cutting in around trim, covering floors and furniture, taping edges, and painting doors, closets, and ceilings. Rooms with vaulted ceilings, heavy crown molding, or textured walls add to the total. If you're painting before a sale, focus on high-impact areas first. Our guide on [things to repair before selling a house](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/things-to-repair-before-selling-a-house) covers which updates buyers actually notice. ## Key Factors That Affect House Painting Cost No two painting projects cost the same. Here are the variables that move the needle most. ### Home Size and Square Footage This is the single biggest cost driver. More square footage means more paint, more labor hours, and more prep. Painters typically estimate based on paintable surface area (walls and trim), not floor area — so homes with high ceilings or lots of windows will see different numbers than you might expect. ### Number of Stories Height adds complexity, risk, and time. Professional painters often apply height premiums: These premiums account for scaffolding, extension ladders, and the slower pace of working at elevation. A three-story Victorian with ornate trim at the roofline will cost substantially more per square foot than a ranch-style home with the same total wall area. ### Siding Material Different surfaces absorb paint differently and require different prep. Rough or porous materials like brick and stucco soak up more paint; smooth surfaces like vinyl and aluminum require less but may need special primers for adhesion. ### Paint Quality Paint costs range from **$20 to $80+ per gallon**, and the difference matters. Budget paints ($20–$30/gallon) may need three coats and fade faster. Premium paints ($50–$80/gallon) often cover in one to two coats, resist UV damage, and last years longer — reducing the long-term cost per year of protection. A typical exterior paint job uses 10 to 15 gallons for a single-story home and 20 to 30+ gallons for a two-story home. At $50 per gallon, that's $500 to $1,500 just in materials — a meaningful portion of the total budget. ### Labor Costs Labor accounts for **60% to 80%** of a professional paint job. Rates vary widely by market: - **Per hour:** $25–$100 per painter - **Per square foot:** $1.00–$3.50/sq ft Urban areas with high costs of living (San Francisco, New York, Boston) skew toward the top of these ranges. Rural areas and smaller metros tend to fall near the bottom. Seasonal demand also plays a role — summer and early fall are peak painting season in most of the country, and you may pay a premium for scheduling during those months. ### Prep Work Prep is where many homeowners get surprised by the final bill. Minor prep — power washing, light sanding, caulking gaps — is typically included in standard quotes. But if your home needs significant work, costs climb: - **Lead paint testing and removal:** $8–$17 per square foot (homes built before 1978) - **Extensive scraping and sanding:** adds 20–50% to labor - **Wood rot repair:** varies widely, but $200–$1,000+ per affected area - **Primer for bare or stained surfaces:** $15–$40/gallon, plus labor If you're dealing with deferred maintenance, it may be worth addressing repairs first. Our [home maintenance checklist](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/home-maintenance-checklist) can help you identify what needs attention. ### Location and Climate Geography affects both labor rates and how often you'll need to repaint. Homes in the Sun Belt may need repainting every 5 to 7 years due to intense UV exposure, while homes in moderate climates can go 7 to 10 years between jobs. Coastal homes face salt air and moisture that accelerate peeling and fading. ### Permits Some municipalities require permits for exterior painting, especially in historic districts or when using scaffolding on public sidewalks. Where required, expect to pay **$200 to $300**. Your painting contractor should know local requirements. ## Exterior Painting Cost by Siding Type Siding material significantly affects both the per-square-foot cost and the total paint required. Here's how common materials compare: Wood and cedar siding tend to fall at the higher end because they often require more prep — scraping old paint, sanding rough grain, and applying primer to bare spots. Stone is the most expensive due to its irregular surface, which demands more paint per square foot and slower brush work. If you're considering other exterior upgrades alongside a paint job, our guide on [home improvements that actually increase property value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/home-improvements-that-actually-increase-property-value) can help you plan the full scope. ## Additional Exterior Painting Costs Beyond the walls, several common add-ons can affect your total house painting cost: Many contractors include basic trim painting in their whole-house quotes, but specialty items like shutters, garage doors, and decks are often priced separately. Ask for an itemized estimate so you know exactly what's covered. ## How to Save Money on House Painting A professional paint job is a real investment — but there are practical ways to keep costs manageable without cutting corners that matter. ### Get Multiple Quotes Request at least three written estimates from licensed, insured painters. Compare not just the bottom-line number, but what's included: number of coats, paint brand, prep scope, and warranty. The cheapest bid isn't always the best value if it skips critical prep or uses low-quality paint. ### Time It Right Schedule your project during the off-season (late fall or winter in warmer climates; early spring in northern states). Many painters offer **10% to 20% discounts** during slower months to keep crews busy. ### Do Your Own Prep If you're comfortable with a pressure washer and a scraper, handling prep work yourself can save hundreds. Power washing, removing shutters, clearing landscaping from walls, and taping off windows are all tasks most homeowners can manage safely at ground level. ### Choose Paint Strategically Mid-range paint ($35–$50/gallon) from reputable brands often delivers 90% of the performance of top-shelf options at a meaningful savings. Ask your painter which brands they trust — they'll know what covers well and lasts in your local climate. ### Bundle Projects If you're already planning other home improvements, bundling them with a paint job can reduce total costs. A contractor already on-site with scaffolding may offer a discount to handle gutter replacement, minor wood repairs, or window caulking at the same time. Explore [ways to finance your home renovation](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/eight-ways-to-finance-your-home-renovation-project) if you're tackling several projects at once. ## DIY vs. Professional House Painting Painting a room yourself can cost as little as **$200 to $500 in materials** — a fraction of the professional price. But the math changes quickly for larger or more complex projects. **DIY makes sense when:** - You're painting one or two rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings - Walls are in good condition with minimal prep needed - You have the time, tools, and patience for clean lines **Hire a professional when:** - You're painting the full exterior, especially multi-story homes - There's significant prep work (peeling paint, wood repair, lead abatement) - You want a durable finish with a warranty - Time is a factor — pros can finish in days what might take you weeks Exterior painting involves ladders, scaffolding, and working in weather-dependent conditions. Safety risk alone makes professional help worthwhile for most homeowners. And a poorly executed paint job can actually hurt your home's value — the opposite of the goal if you're [preparing your house for sale](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-prepare-your-house-for-sale). ## Is Painting Your House Worth It Before Selling? Fresh paint consistently ranks among the highest-ROI home improvements. The national average for an exterior repaint is around $3,177, and sellers often recoup **50% to 70%** of that cost through a higher sale price — plus the intangible benefit of faster time on market. Curb appeal matters more than most sellers realize. A home with a clean, well-maintained exterior photographs better, attracts more showings, and signals to buyers that the property has been cared for. If you're weighing whether to invest in paint or other updates, our guide on [whether to make improvements before listing](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/should-you-make-home-improvements-before-listing) can help you decide. Interior painting matters too, especially in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and living rooms. Neutral, modern colors photograph well and help buyers envision their own furnishings in the space — a point our [real estate photography tips](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/real-estate-photography-tips-to-make-your-listing-stand-out) guide explores in more detail. ## How Long Does Exterior Paint Last? Exterior paint typically lasts **5 to 10 years**, depending on the siding material, paint quality, climate, and surface preparation. Here's a general breakdown by material: Homes in harsh climates — intense sun, heavy rain, freezing winters — fall toward the shorter end of these ranges. Premium paint and thorough prep push lifespans toward the longer end. Regular maintenance like washing the exterior annually and touching up chips promptly can extend any paint job's life by several years. Understanding your home's maintenance cycle is one of many [factors that influence home value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/factors-that-influence-home-value) over time. [Get your offer](#) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does it cost to paint a 1,500-square-foot house exterior? Expect to pay **$1,500 to $4,500** for a single-story home of this size, depending on siding type, paint quality, and local labor rates. ### How much does it cost to paint the interior of a 2,000-square-foot house? Interior painting for a 2,000-square-foot home typically costs **$4,000 to $8,500**, depending on room count, ceiling height, and how much prep is needed. ### How much does a gallon of exterior paint cover? One gallon of exterior paint covers approximately **250 to 400 square feet** on smooth surfaces. Rough or porous surfaces like stucco and brick absorb more, reducing coverage to 150–250 square feet per gallon. ### Should I paint my house before selling it? Yes, in most cases. A fresh exterior paint job can recoup 50–70% of its cost and significantly improves curb appeal. Focus on neutral, widely appealing colors. See our guide on [how to sell your house for the most money](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-sell-your-house-for-the-most-money). ### How long does it take to paint a house exterior? A professional crew can paint most single-story homes in **2 to 4 days**. Two-story and larger homes may take **4 to 7 days** or more, depending on prep requirements and weather. ### Do I need a permit to paint my house? Most residential paint jobs don't require a permit, but some municipalities require them for exterior work in historic districts or when scaffolding encroaches on public space. Permit costs average **$200 to $300** where required. ### How often should you repaint a house exterior? Every **5 to 10 years** on average. Wood siding may need repainting every 3–7 years, while fiber cement and brick can go 10–20 years between jobs. ### What's the best time of year to paint a house? Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions in most regions — dry weather, moderate temperatures (50°F–85°F), and low humidity. Avoid painting in direct intense sun or when rain is expected within 24 hours. ### Is it cheaper to paint or replace siding? Painting is significantly cheaper. An exterior paint job costs **$1,800 to $10,000** depending on size, while full siding replacement runs **$5,000 to $25,000+**. Painting is the better value if your existing siding is structurally sound. ### How much does it cost to paint just the trim on a house? Trim painting typically costs **$1 to $3 per linear foot**. For an average home with 200–300 linear feet of trim, expect to pay **$500 to $1,500**. ### Can I paint over lead paint? You can paint over intact lead paint that isn't peeling or flaking — this is called encapsulation. If the lead paint is deteriorating, it must be professionally removed at **$8 to $17 per square foot** before repainting. Homes built before 1978 should be tested. ### Does the color I choose affect the cost? Color itself doesn't change the price much, but a dramatic color change (dark to light or vice versa) may require an extra coat of primer and paint, adding **10–20%** to the total cost. *Last updated: March 2026. This article is for general informational purposes. Consult a licensed professional for advice specific to your situation.* --- *Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-a-house](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-to-paint-a-house)*