How much does a exterior house painting cost in Boston, MA?

The average exterior house painting in Boston, MA costs $11,295 in 2026. Costs range from $4,841 for a basic project to $24,203 for a high-end renovation. Boston is 61% more expensive than the national average of $7,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Boston?

The average contractor labor rate in Boston, MA is $53.91/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a exterior house painting, labor typically accounts for 50% of the total cost, which is approximately $5,648 in Boston.

Are materials more expensive in Boston?

Boston has a material cost index of 143 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 43% more than the national average. For a exterior house painting, materials account for 50% of the cost, approximately $5,648.

Do I need a permit for a exterior house painting in Boston?

A exterior house painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Boston, MA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Boston (when required) is $3,166.

Is a exterior house painting a good investment in Boston?

A exterior house painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Boston, where the median home price is $512,971, this project costs about 2.2% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior House Painting in Boston, MA — Costs $4,841 to $24,203

What does exterior house painting cost in Boston? Average $11,295, ranging $4,841–$24,203. Labor runs $53.91/hr locally — 61% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Boston, MA Market

+61% vs national

Labor Rate

$53.91/hr

Material Index

143

Avg Permit Cost

$3,166

Median Home Price

$512,971

As one of the largest metros in Massachusetts, Boston has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 61% above the national average, Boston is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $512,971, this exterior house painting represents just 2.2% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$4,841

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$11,295

National: $7,000

High End

$24,203

National: $15,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior House Painting Cost Calculator for Boston

Adjusted for Boston's labor rate ($53.91/hr) and material costs (index 143).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Boston

$10,843

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Boston market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (50%)$5,648

At Boston's average rate of $53.91/hr (80% above national avg)

Materials (50%)$5,648

Material cost index 143 (43% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior House Painting vs. Home Value in Boston

Metric	Boston	National Avg
Exterior House Painting (Mid-Range)	$11,295	$7,000
Median Home Price	$512,971	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.2%	2.0%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$92,000	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Boston

1Local labor rates ($53.91/hr in Boston)
2Material cost index (143 vs national 100)
3Home size
4Stories
5Paint quality
6Prep work

Popular Upgrades

Multi-color scheme
Elastomeric paint
Trim accent colors

Other Projects in Boston, MA

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$81,593

Professional OnlyROI 43%

Dormer Addition

$57,115

HardROI 65%

Porch Addition

$40,338

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Tile Roof Installation

$38,961

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Second Story Addition

$322,700

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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$242,025

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Room Addition

$145,215

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Home Addition

$127,612

MediumROI 60%

Exterior House Painting in Other Massachusetts Cities

Worcester, MA

$9,910

-12%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$9,441

-16%Pop. 155,929

Cambridge, MA

$11,376

+1%Pop. 118,403

Lowell, MA

$9,570

-15%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$9,399

-17%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$10,543

-7%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$9,886

-12%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$9,330

-17%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Exterior House Painting in Boston

A exterior house painting typically doesn't require a permit in Boston, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 3-7 days to complete.

A exterior house painting is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Boston, skilled contractors charge an average of $53.91/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $92,000, many Boston residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $11,295 represents 12% of the typical household's annual income.

Exterior House Painting — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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