Exterior painting costs depend on home size, siding material, stories, and surface condition. In the US, expect $1.50–$4.00 per square foot of paintable surface, or $3,000–$8,000 for a typical single-story home and $5,000–$12,000+ for two stories. In Poland expect PLN 20–55/m² and in the Netherlands €20–€45/m².
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Average costs by home size
- Small home (under 1,000 sq ft): $1,500–$4,000
- Average single-story (1,000–1,500 sq ft): $3,000–$6,000
- Average two-story (1,500–2,500 sq ft): $5,000–$10,000
- Large home (2,500+ sq ft): $8,000–$15,000+
- Trim only (whole house): $1,000–$3,500
- Front door and shutters: $200–$600
- Deck or fence staining: $500–$3,000
- Power washing (pre-paint): $200–$500
What affects the cost?
- Home size and height — two-story homes cost 40–60% more than single-story due to scaffolding, ladders, and safety time
- Siding material — smooth siding (vinyl, aluminum) paints fast; wood clapboard needs more prep; stucco and brick absorb more paint
- Surface condition — peeling, cracking, or bare wood requires scraping, sanding, and priming before painting, which can add $1,000–$3,000
- Number of colors — a two-tone scheme (body + trim) is standard; three or more colors adds 15–25%
- Lead paint — homes built before 1978 may have lead paint that requires certified abatement, adding $2,000–$5,000+
- Weather and season — exterior painting requires dry weather above 50°F; limited seasonal windows raise prices
- Paint quality — premium exterior paints last 10–15 years vs 5–7 for budget options
Costs by country
Costs in the United States
US exterior painters charge $1.50–$4.00 per square foot of paintable surface. Most homes have 1.5–2x the floor area in paintable exterior surface. A 1,500 sq ft single-story home with moderate prep costs $3,000–$6,000. Two-story homes run $5,000–$12,000. In coastal and high-cost-of-living areas, add 20–40%.
Exterior paint jobs should include power washing, scraping loose paint, caulking gaps, priming bare spots, and two coats of finish. Beware of quotes that skip prep — a paint job on poorly prepared surfaces fails within 2–3 years. The best time to paint exteriors is late spring through early fall when temperatures are consistently between 50°F and 85°F with low humidity.
How to save
- Paint on schedule — repainting before the old coat fails completely reduces prep work by 30–50%
- Handle power washing yourself — rent a pressure washer for $50–$100/day and save $200–$500
- Limit colors — one body color with white trim is the fastest and cheapest scheme
- Bundle with neighbors — painters offer discounts when doing multiple houses in one trip (common in NL row houses)
- Use quality paint — spending $20 extra per gallon on premium paint extends the life by 3–5 years, saving money long-term
- Schedule in fall — late September and October are slower for painters; negotiate 10–15% off
Frequently asked questions
How much does exterior painting cost?
Exterior painting runs $2–$6 per square foot in the US, or $3,000–$8,000 for an average 2,000 sq ft home. Stucco and brick cost more than wood siding. Two-story homes cost 30–50% more due to scaffolding and ladder work. Premium paints with 15–25 year warranties run 20–40% more than standard.
How long does exterior paint last?
Quality exterior paint lasts 7–15 years on most surfaces, depending on climate. Coastal and high-UV areas (Florida, California) get 5–8 years. Northern climates with less UV but more freeze-thaw get 8–12 years. Stucco repaints last 10–15 years; wood needs repainting every 5–10.
When is the best season for exterior painting?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal. Need: dry weather, temperatures 50°F–85°F (10°C–30°C), low humidity, no rain forecast for 24 hours. Avoid summer heat (paint dries too fast and bubbles), winter cold (paint won't bond), and direct rain or dew.
Do I need to power wash before painting?
Yes — power washing is mandatory before exterior painting and should be included in any quote. It removes dirt, mildew, and loose paint that prevent proper adhesion. Skipping it causes paint to fail within 1–3 years. Allow 2–3 days for siding to fully dry after washing before painting.
Learn about the trade
How to become a professional painter: training, certifications like EPA RRP, salary expectations, and career paths in the US, Poland, and the Netherlands.
How to become a painter