How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior in 2026?

Cost by home size and stories

Painters price by paintable surface, which is the area of your siding, not your floor area. The more wall there is, and the higher it goes, the more you pay.

Source: Angi, Oct 2026. NerdWallet reports the same ranges, Feb 2026.

Height matters almost as much as size. Angi says a two-story home can cost up to 50% more than a one-story home of similar style.

Source: Angi, Oct 2026.

Painters also add height surcharges. Angi lists about 30% extra for work above 8 ft, 60% above 13 ft, 90% above 17 ft and 120% above 19 ft.

Cost per square foot by siding material

The national range is about $1.50 to $4 per sq ft. Rough or porous surfaces soak up more paint and take longer, so they sit at the top of the range.

Source: Angi, Oct 2026.

Brick and stucco have the highest totals in Angi’s data. Inch Calculator notes that vinyl needs both primer and paint, and that wood and cedar shakes may need extra coats.

Labor vs paint: where the money goes

Labor is the biggest part of the bill. Angi puts painter labor at $1 to $3.50 per sq ft, or $25 to $100 per hour for each painter. On 2,000 sq ft of siding, that is roughly $2,000 to $7,000 in labor alone (our calculation).

Paint is the smaller piece:

Source: Angi, Oct 2026.

Inch Calculator estimates a 2,000 sq ft home needs about 8 gallons of paint and 8 of primer, or about $640 at $40 a gallon, before trim. It suggests buying 10% to 20% extra.

Prep work and extra costs

Quotes vary most on prep. A good painter cleans, scrapes, repairs and caulks before the first coat, and those steps are often what make paint last.

Source: Angi, Oct 2026.

Hidden problems cost more. Angi lists mold remediation at $1,100 to $3,400 and termite damage repair at $250 to $3,000 or more. If siding is badly damaged, compare the repair quote against new siding, and check the rest of the shell too, since a roof replacement cost is a far bigger bill to plan for.

Where you live also matters. Angi’s regional averages run from about $2,300 in the Plains states to $4,800 in New England.

DIY vs hiring a pro

Doing it yourself costs about $500 to $1,000 in supplies, according to Angi, compared with the $3,178 average for a pro. That is a saving of roughly $2,200 to $2,700 on an average job (our calculation). A pressure washer, if you need to buy one, runs $100 to $1,000.

The trade-off is time and risk. Exterior work means ladders, days of prep and good weather. NerdWallet suggests leaving multi-story homes to professionals, and Angi notes pros often include a warranty. A one-story home with sound siding is the best DIY candidate.

How often to repaint, and how to pay less

Most homes need repainting every 6 to 10 years, and wood siding every 3 to 7 years, says Angi. Spread over 6 to 10 years, the average $3,178 job works out to about $320 to $530 per year (our calculation). Like a new water heater, it is a predictable expense you can save for in advance.

1. Get at least three itemized quotes. Ask each painter to list prep, number of coats, products and cleanup so you compare the same job.
2. Do the easy prep yourself. NerdWallet notes that clearing the work area and trimming shrubs can cut labor time.
3. Don’t skimp on paint. Premium paint costs more per gallon, but it can cover better and last longer, so you may repaint less often.
4. Ask about off-peak timing. NerdWallet says hiring in a slower season may lower the price, though cold weather can slow the work.
5. Bundle jobs. Angi suggests asking for a discount if you add interior rooms to the same contract.
6. Keep up small repairs. Fixing caulk and damaged boards early keeps prep costs down next time.

If a repaint is coming up within a few years, a dedicated savings goal or your emergency fund can keep it off a credit card.

See how we research every number on our method page, or browse more home and repair costs.