Exterior Painting Cost Calculator: State-by-State Cost Guide (2026)
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Looking for accurate exterior painting cost estimates? Enter your zip code above to get instant pricing based on your specific project details, including materials, dimensions, and location.
Nationally, exterior painting projects cost between $2,352 and $7,060, with a mid-range average of $4,086. However, costs vary significantly from state to state due to differences in labor markets, material availability, building codes, and permit requirements. Our calculator accounts for all of these variables using 2026 cost data specific to each state.
Whether you are planning a straightforward project or a more involved one, understanding the cost drivers helps you budget realistically and evaluate contractor quotes with confidence. Below, you will find a breakdown by state, a national cost comparison table, and links to detailed state-specific calculators with full cost breakdowns.
National Exterior Painting Cost Overview
Low End
$2,352
Mid Range
$4,086
High End
$7,060
Cost by Paint Quality (National Average)
| Paint Quality | Avg. Material / sq ft | Avg. Labor / sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $0.79 | $0.93 |
| Premium | $1.31 | $1.48 |
| Designer | $2.24 | $2.47 |
Exterior Painting Costs by State
Costs for exterior painting projects vary widely across the United States. States with higher costs of living, stricter building codes, and higher demand for skilled labor tend to have higher project costs. Below are the five most and least expensive states based on mid-range project estimates.
5 Most Affordable States
5 Most Expensive States
What Drives Exterior Painting Costs?
Several factors determine the final cost of any exterior painting project. Understanding these helps you interpret quotes and make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget.
Number of Stories
Choose from 3 options, from 1 Story to 3 Stories. Each tier carries different cost implications for both materials and labor.
Paint Quality
Choose from 3 options, from Standard to Designer. Each tier carries different cost implications for both materials and labor.
Surface Condition
Choose from 3 options, from Good (minimal prep) to Bare (full prep required). Each tier carries different cost implications for both materials and labor.
Location
Your state and local market affect labor rates, material transport costs, permit requirements, and building code compliance costs. Our calculator uses state-specific data to reflect these differences.
Permits and Inspections
Permit costs range from $0 to over $500 depending on the state and municipality. Some areas also require inspections at multiple stages, which can influence scheduling and overall project timelines.
Exterior Painting Cost Calculator by State
Select your state to get a detailed cost estimate with local rates:
| State | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Alaska | $3,500 | $6,000 | $10,500 |
| Arizona | $2,200 | $3,800 | $6,500 |
| Arkansas | $1,800 | $3,200 | $5,500 |
| California | $3,800 | $6,500 | $11,500 |
| Colorado | $2,400 | $4,200 | $7,200 |
| Connecticut | $3,000 | $5,200 | $9,000 |
| Delaware | $2,300 | $4,000 | $6,800 |
| Florida | $2,400 | $4,200 | $7,200 |
| Georgia | $2,100 | $3,600 | $6,200 |
| Hawaii | $3,900 | $6,800 | $12,000 |
| Idaho | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Illinois | $2,700 | $4,600 | $8,000 |
| Indiana | $2,100 | $3,600 | $6,200 |
| Iowa | $1,900 | $3,300 | $5,700 |
| Kansas | $1,900 | $3,300 | $5,800 |
| Kentucky | $1,800 | $3,200 | $5,500 |
| Louisiana | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Maine | $2,400 | $4,200 | $7,200 |
| Maryland | $2,600 | $4,500 | $7,800 |
| Massachusetts | $3,200 | $5,500 | $9,500 |
| Michigan | $2,200 | $3,900 | $6,700 |
| Minnesota | $2,400 | $4,100 | $7,100 |
| Mississippi | $1,700 | $3,000 | $5,200 |
| Missouri | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Montana | $2,200 | $3,800 | $6,500 |
| Nebraska | $1,900 | $3,300 | $5,800 |
| Nevada | $2,400 | $4,200 | $7,200 |
| New Hampshire | $2,600 | $4,500 | $7,800 |
| New Jersey | $3,000 | $5,200 | $9,000 |
| New Mexico | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| New York | $3,600 | $6,200 | $10,800 |
| North Carolina | $2,100 | $3,600 | $6,200 |
| North Dakota | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Ohio | $2,200 | $3,900 | $6,700 |
| Oklahoma | $1,800 | $3,200 | $5,500 |
| Oregon | $2,500 | $4,300 | $7,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,500 | $4,300 | $7,500 |
| Rhode Island | $2,800 | $4,900 | $8,500 |
| South Carolina | $1,900 | $3,400 | $5,800 |
| South Dakota | $1,900 | $3,300 | $5,700 |
| Tennessee | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 |
| Texas | $2,200 | $3,900 | $6,700 |
| Utah | $2,200 | $3,800 | $6,500 |
| Vermont | $2,400 | $4,200 | $7,200 |
| Virginia | $2,400 | $4,100 | $7,100 |
| Washington | $2,700 | $4,600 | $8,000 |
| West Virginia | $1,700 | $2,900 | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin | $2,200 | $3,900 | $6,700 |
| Wyoming | $2,100 | $3,600 | $6,200 |
More Home Improvement Cost Calculators
Planning additional projects? Our other free calculators use the same state-specific pricing data: