How much does exterior house painting cost?

Exterior painting for an average 1,500–2,000 sq ft home costs $3,000–$8,000 in 2026. Larger homes or those requiring extensive prep (scraping, power washing, priming) can run $8,000–$15,000+. Two-story homes cost more due to ladder and scaffolding requirements.

How often should you repaint the exterior of a house?

Most homes need exterior repainting every 7–10 years. Wood siding needs paint every 5–7 years. Stucco lasts 5–10 years. Aluminum and vinyl siding can go 10–15 years between paintings. Harsh sun, humidity, and salt air accelerate fading and peeling.

Is it cheaper to paint yourself or hire a contractor?

DIY painting saves 60–70% on interior work. However, exterior painting on a two-story home involves real safety risks and proper prep is critical for lasting results. For interiors with normal ceiling heights, DIY is very manageable. For exteriors, multi-story homes, or homes needing significant prep, professional painting typically delivers better durability and a cleaner result.

Interior & Exterior Painting Cost 2026

Q: How much does it cost to paint a room?

Professional interior room painting costs $300–$900 per average room (12×12 ft) in 2026, including labor and materials. Larger rooms, high ceilings, or extensive prep (patching, priming) add cost. Painting a whole interior of a 2,000 sq ft home typically runs $4,000–$9,000.

Updated May 2026 · Based on US regional contractor pricing data

Quick Answer: $300–$900/room interior · $3,000–$12,000 exterior Professional painting costs vary by surface area, prep work needed, and number of stories. Get a free AI estimate based on your specific home and local market.

Interior Painting Cost by Room

Room Type	Avg Size	Low	Mid	High
Bedroom	12×12 ft	$280	$500	$850
Living / Family Room	16×20 ft	$450	$800	$1,400
Kitchen	10×12 ft	$200	$400	$700
Bathroom	5×8 ft	$150	$300	$500
Hallway / Stairwell	varies	$300	$600	$1,200
Whole Interior (2,000 sq ft)	—	$3,500	$6,000	$10,000

Exterior Painting Cost by Home Size

Home Size	Stories	Low	Mid	High
1,000 sq ft	1	$2,000	$3,500	$5,500
1,500 sq ft	1	$2,800	$4,500	$7,000
2,000 sq ft	2	$4,000	$6,500	$10,000
2,500 sq ft	2	$5,000	$8,000	$13,000
3,000+ sq ft	2–3	$6,500	$10,500	$16,000+

What Affects Painting Cost

Prep work

Scraping peeling paint, patching holes, sanding, and priming can double labor time. Older homes with lead paint require special handling under EPA RRP rules, adding $500–$2,000+ in compliance costs.

Number of colors and coats

Going from a dark to light color (or vice versa) typically requires an extra coat, adding 20–30% to material cost. Accent walls and trim in different colors add labor time.

Ceiling height

Standard 8–9 ft ceilings are included in room pricing. Vaulted or cathedral ceilings (12+ ft) add $150–$400 per room due to specialized equipment and extra safety setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to paint a room?

A professional painter charges $300–$900 for a standard bedroom (roughly 400 sq ft of wall surface). This includes labor and materials for two coats of paint.

How long does interior painting take?

A single room takes 4–8 hours. A whole-home interior (4–5 bedrooms, living areas) takes 3–5 days for a professional crew.

How often should I repaint the exterior?

Every 7–10 years for most siding types. Wood siding needs attention every 5–7 years. Signs it's time: fading, peeling, cracking, or chalking when you run your hand across the surface.

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