You're standing at the curb, squinting at your house. The siding looks tired. Maybe it’s that specific shade of "early 2000s beige" that has finally overstayed its welcome, or perhaps the paint is actually flaking off in sheets like a bad sunburn. You know it needs a refresh. But then the big question hits: how much is this actually going to set you back?
The average cost to paint outside of house projects in 2026 is a moving target. Honestly, if you search for a quick number, you’ll see ranges that make no sense. One site says $2,000, another says $12,000. Why the massive gap? Because your house isn’t a flat piece of paper. It’s a 3D puzzle of siding types, height, and—most importantly—how much "pre-work" it needs before a brush even touches the wall.
The Real Numbers for 2026
If you want the "straight talk" version, most homeowners are cutting checks between $3,200 and $8,000 for a standard 2,000-square-foot home this year.
That’s the sweet spot.
But "average" is a dangerous word in home improvement. A tiny 1,000-square-foot bungalow might only cost you $1,500 to $4,000, while a sprawling three-story Victorian with intricate trim can easily blast past $12,000.
Labor is the elephant in the room. In 2026, you aren't just paying for paint; you're paying for the specialized labor of people willing to climb 30-foot ladders in the sun. Expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $4.30 per square foot when hiring pros.
Breaking it down by house size
- Small (1,000–1,500 sq ft): $2,200 – $4,200
- Medium (1,500–2,500 sq ft): $3,200 – $8,000
- Large (2,500–3,500 sq ft): $4,500 – $10,500
- Estate (3,500+ sq ft): $6,000 – $20,000+
Why Your Siding Changes Everything
You can't treat brick like vinyl. Well, you can, but it’ll look terrible and peel in six months. The material on the outside of your home dictates the prep, the primer, and the volume of paint required.
Brick is a sponge. If you’re painting a brick house, prepare to pay a premium. It’s porous. It drinks paint. You’ll likely need a high-quality masonry primer first, and the labor is more intense because of the mortar lines. Expect to pay $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot for brick.
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Wood is a diva.
Wood siding requires more prep than anything else. You’ve got to scrape the old stuff, sand it down, and maybe replace some rotting boards. If you ignore the prep, the new paint won't stick. Most pros charge $1.75 to $5.00 per square foot for wood, depending on how much "surgical" repair work is needed.
Vinyl and Aluminum are the "easy" wins.
These are usually the cheapest to paint, often landing in the $1.50 to $4.50 range. You just need a good power wash and "vinyl-safe" paint that won't warp the siding when the sun hits it.
Stucco is the wildcard.
It’s textured, which means you need more paint to cover the "nooks and crannies." If it’s cracked, those cracks need to be filled with elastomeric patches first. Pricing for stucco usually hovers around $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot.
The "Hidden" Costs Nobody Mentions
Everyone focuses on the walls. But the walls are only part of the story.
Take trim, soffits, and fascia. If you want these a different color than the main body—which you probably do—the price goes up. Detailed trim work is slow. It’s all brush and roller work, no spraying. This can add $500 to $2,000 to your total.
Then there’s the prep work.
A "cheap" quote often skips the prep. But a pro who knows what they're doing will spend 60% of their time cleaning, scraping, and caulking.
- Power washing: $200 – $500
- Lead paint testing/removal: If your house was built before 1978, this is a massive factor. Lead abatement can cost $8 to $17 per square foot—a budget killer.
- Shutter and Door painting: Usually $100 to $300 per item.
Material Costs: Sherwin-Williams vs. Benjamin Moore
In early 2026, paint prices have stabilized slightly, but "premium" still means premium.
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If you go to a big-box store and buy the cheapest bucket, you’ll be repainting in three years. High-end lines like Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Regal Select are favorites among pros for a reason: they last.
- Standard Paint: $40 – $90 per gallon.
- Premium/Eco-friendly: $70 – $110 per gallon.
- Primer: $20 – $40 per gallon.
For a 2,000-square-foot house, you’re looking at 15 to 25 gallons of paint. That's a $1,000 to $2,500 bill just for the liquid in the buckets.
Can You Actually DIY This?
Sorta. But it’s a grind.
If you have a single-story ranch with vinyl siding, you could probably do it yourself for $800 to $2,500 in materials and tool rentals. You’ll save thousands in labor.
However, if you have a two-story home, you’re dealing with heavy ladders or scaffolding. You’re also dealing with the "stop-start" marks that happen when a DIYer doesn't know how to keep a "wet edge." Most people spend 40 to 100 hours on an exterior paint job. Ask yourself: is your two-week vacation worth spending on a ladder?
Geography Matters (A Lot)
Where you live is a huge variable. If you’re in a high-cost area like New York, California, or Massachusetts, add 20–30% to the national averages. Labor rates in these hubs can hit $75 to $100 per hour per painter.
Conversely, in the Midwest or the South, you might find total project costs closer to the lower end of the spectrum. According to 2025/2026 regional data, the Northeast remains the most expensive region for exterior work, while the Rocky Mountains and Southeast offer more competitive pricing.
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Expert Tips for Saving Money
Don't just pick the lowest bid. That’s how you get a "tailgate warranty" (the warranty expires as soon as the painter’s truck leaves your driveway).
1. Paint in the "Off-Season"
Most people want their house painted in May or June. If you book for late autumn or even a dry spell in late winter (if your climate allows), you can often negotiate a 10% to 15% discount.
2. Do the "Ground Work" Yourself
Tell the painter you’ll handle the power washing and the shrub trimming. Clearing a three-foot path around the perimeter of your house saves the crew hours of frustration and saves you money.
3. Choose "Same-ish" Colors
If you’re going from light yellow to dark navy, you’ll need three coats. If you stay within the same color family, two coats—or even one heavy coat of premium "one-coat" paint—might suffice.
4. Bundle Your Projects
If you need the deck stained or the fence painted, ask for a package deal. It’s easier for a crew to stay on-site for ten days than to pack up and go to three different houses.
Actionable Next Steps
Ready to pull the trigger? Start here:
- Get three written quotes. Ensure they include a detailed breakdown of prep work (scraping, priming, caulking).
- Check for insurance. If a painter falls off a ladder on your property and doesn't have workers' comp, you are the one in trouble.
- Verify the paint brand. Don't let a contractor say "I use good stuff." Ask for the specific product name (e.g., "Sherwin-Williams Duration").
- Walk the perimeter. Identify any rotted wood or cracked stucco now so it doesn't become a "change order" mid-project that blows your budget.
Painting the exterior is the single best way to protect your biggest investment. While the average cost to paint outside of house projects might feel like a gut punch, it's significantly cheaper than replacing all your siding because of water damage five years from now.