How much does a exterior painting cost in Arlington, VA?

The average exterior painting in Arlington, VA costs $9,708 in 2026. Costs range from $3,236 for a basic project to $29,124 for a high-end renovation. Arlington is 62% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Arlington?

The average contractor labor rate in Arlington, VA is $49.95/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a exterior painting, labor typically accounts for 80% of the total cost, which is approximately $7,766 in Arlington.

Are materials more expensive in Arlington?

Arlington has a material cost index of 143 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 43% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,942.

Do I need a permit for a exterior painting in Arlington?

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Arlington, VA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Arlington (when required) is $2,406.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Arlington?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Arlington, where the median home price is $680,000, this project costs about 1.4% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Arlington, VA — Costs $3,236 to $29,124

What does exterior painting cost in Arlington? Average $9,708, ranging $3,236–$29,124. Labor runs $49.95/hr locally — 62% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Arlington, VA Market

+62% vs national

Labor Rate

$49.95/hr

Material Index

143

Avg Permit Cost

$2,406

Median Home Price

$680,000

Arlington is a mid-sized city in Virginia with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 62% above the national average, Arlington 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 $680,000, this exterior painting represents just 1.4% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$3,236

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$9,708

National: $6,000

High End

$29,124

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Arlington

Adjusted for Arlington's labor rate ($49.95/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 Arlington

$9,708

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$7,766

At Arlington's average rate of $49.95/hr (67% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,942

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

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Arlington

Metric	Arlington	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$9,708	$6,000
Median Home Price	$680,000	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.4%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$120,000	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Arlington

1Local labor rates ($49.95/hr in Arlington)
2Material cost index (143 vs national 100)
3Home size
4Stories (height)
5Surface prep needed
6Paint quality

Popular Upgrades

Premium exterior paint (Sherwin-Williams)
Color consultation
Trim accent colors

Other Projects in Arlington, VA

Solar Panel Installation

$37,219

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$31,185

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$30,715

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$28,278

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$309,500

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$232,125

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$139,275

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$122,860

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA

$6,695

-31%Pop. 459,470

Chesapeake, VA

$6,608

-32%Pop. 249,422

Norfolk, VA

$6,235

-36%Pop. 244,076

Richmond, VA

$6,632

-32%Pop. 226,610

Newport News, VA

$6,530

-33%Pop. 186,247

Alexandria, VA

$7,442

-23%Pop. 159,467

Hampton, VA

$7,307

-25%Pop. 137,148

Roanoke, VA

$6,716

-31%Pop. 100,011

Planning a Exterior Painting in Arlington

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Arlington, 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 painting is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Arlington, skilled contractors charge an average of $49.95/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $120,000, many Arlington residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $9,708 represents 8% of the typical household's annual income.

Exterior Painting — National Guide

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

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