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

The average exterior painting in Boston, MA costs $10,342 in 2026. Costs range from $3,447 for a basic project to $31,025 for a high-end renovation. Boston is 72% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

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 painting, labor typically accounts for 80% of the total cost, which is approximately $8,274 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 painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $2,068.

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

A exterior 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 painting a good investment in Boston?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Boston, where the median home price is $512,971, this project costs about 2.0% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Boston, MA — Costs $3,447 to $31,025

What does exterior painting cost in Boston? Average $10,342, ranging $3,447–$31,025. Labor runs $53.91/hr locally — 72% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Boston, MA Market

+72% 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 72% 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 painting represents just 2.0% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$3,447

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$10,342

National: $6,000

High End

$31,025

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior 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

$10,342

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$8,274

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

Materials (20%)$2,068

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

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Boston

Metric	Boston	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$10,342	$6,000
Median Home Price	$512,971	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.0%	1.7%
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 (height)
5Surface prep needed
6Paint quality

Popular Upgrades

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

Other Projects in Boston, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$38,044

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$32,637

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$31,903

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$29,704

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$322,700

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$242,025

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$145,215

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$127,612

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Massachusetts Cities

Worcester, MA

$8,874

-14%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$8,375

-19%Pop. 155,929

Cambridge, MA

$10,418

+1%Pop. 118,403

Lowell, MA

$8,517

-18%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$8,318

-20%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$9,527

-8%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$8,842

-15%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$8,511

-18%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Exterior Painting in Boston

A exterior 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 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 $10,342 represents 11% 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.

All Construction Costs in Boston

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Boston, MA.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs