Exterior Painting Cost Calculator: State-by-State Cost Guide (2026)
Exterior Painting Cost Estimate
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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 costs range from $1,397 to $7,807, with a typical cost of $3,931. Costs vary significantly from state to state due to differences in labor markets, material availability, building codes, and permit requirements.
National Exterior Painting Cost Overview
Low End
$1,397
Mid Range
$3,931
High End
$7,807
Exterior Painting Costs by State
Costs 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.
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.
Paint Type
Choose from 2 options, from Latex (Standard) to Oil-Based (Premium). 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.
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.
Exterior Painting Cost Calculator by State
Select your state to get a detailed cost estimate with local rates:
| State | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,267 | $3,572 | $7,125 |
| Alaska | $1,649 | $4,621 | $9,106 |
| Arizona | $1,381 | $3,886 | $7,721 |
| Arkansas | $1,206 | $3,405 | $6,810 |
| California | $1,575 | $4,425 | $8,763 |
| Colorado | $1,418 | $3,988 | $7,916 |
| Connecticut | $1,467 | $4,119 | $8,153 |
| Delaware | $1,425 | $4,004 | $7,934 |
| District of Columbia | $1,589 | $4,462 | $8,831 |
| Florida | $1,306 | $3,683 | $7,349 |
| Georgia | $1,329 | $3,745 | $7,460 |
| Hawaii | $1,704 | $4,780 | $9,437 |
| Idaho | $1,305 | $3,676 | $7,324 |
| Illinois | $1,659 | $4,643 | $9,134 |
| Indiana | $1,421 | $3,989 | $7,897 |
| Iowa | $1,365 | $3,841 | $7,631 |
| Kansas | $1,300 | $3,666 | $7,308 |
| Kentucky | $1,327 | $3,736 | $7,425 |
| Louisiana | $1,228 | $3,465 | $6,918 |
| Maine | $1,461 | $4,102 | $8,121 |
| Maryland | $1,480 | $4,161 | $8,257 |
| Massachusetts | $1,501 | $4,213 | $8,334 |
| Michigan | $1,403 | $3,941 | $7,810 |
| Minnesota | $1,537 | $4,313 | $8,531 |
| Mississippi | $1,236 | $3,488 | $6,970 |
| Missouri | $1,450 | $4,070 | $8,056 |
| Montana | $1,370 | $3,853 | $7,651 |
| Nebraska | $1,266 | $3,573 | $7,138 |
| Nevada | $1,443 | $4,052 | $8,020 |
| New Hampshire | $1,412 | $3,974 | $7,895 |
| New Jersey | $1,622 | $4,550 | $8,988 |
| New Mexico | $1,309 | $3,690 | $7,358 |
| New York | $1,537 | $4,319 | $8,560 |
| North Carolina | $1,296 | $3,654 | $7,288 |
| North Dakota | $1,438 | $4,039 | $7,996 |
| Ohio | $1,420 | $3,986 | $7,883 |
| Oklahoma | $1,278 | $3,600 | $7,168 |
| Oregon | $1,451 | $4,087 | $8,131 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,406 | $3,953 | $7,848 |
| Rhode Island | $1,464 | $4,111 | $8,136 |
| South Carolina | $1,256 | $3,546 | $7,084 |
| South Dakota | $1,305 | $3,679 | $7,337 |
| Tennessee | $1,234 | $3,481 | $6,956 |
| Texas | $1,274 | $3,597 | $7,191 |
| Utah | $1,284 | $3,618 | $7,210 |
| Vermont | $1,384 | $3,895 | $7,737 |
| Virginia | $1,314 | $3,709 | $7,416 |
| Washington | $1,556 | $4,374 | $8,670 |
| West Virginia | $1,280 | $3,609 | $7,198 |
| Wisconsin | $1,366 | $3,839 | $7,614 |
| Wyoming | $1,308 | $3,688 | $7,353 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does exterior painting cost in the United States?
What factors affect exterior painting costs in the United States?
How long does exterior painting take?
How this estimate was built
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), Craftsman National Estimator, NAHB permit data
Formula: (Labor + Materials) × Overhead × Regional Multiplier ± Range
Granularity: State-level averages; metro areas may vary 20–30%
Last updated: April 2026
Estimates are for budgeting purposes. Actual costs depend on project specifics, contractor, and local conditions. See our full methodology for details. Report an error.
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