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

The average exterior painting in Cambridge, MA costs $10,418 in 2026. Costs range from $3,473 for a basic project to $31,253 for a high-end renovation. Cambridge is 74% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cambridge?

The average contractor labor rate in Cambridge, MA is $54.31/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 $8,334 in Cambridge.

Are materials more expensive in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a material cost index of 144 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 44% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $2,084.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Cambridge, MA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Cambridge (when required) is $3,017.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Cambridge?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Cambridge, where the median home price is $607,888, this project costs about 1.7% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Cambridge, MA — Costs $3,473 to $31,253

What does exterior painting cost in Cambridge? Average $10,418, ranging $3,473–$31,253. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 74% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+74% vs national

Labor Rate

$54.31/hr

Material Index

144

Avg Permit Cost

$3,017

Median Home Price

$607,888

Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 74% above the national average, Cambridge 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 $607,888, this exterior painting represents just 1.7% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$3,473

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$10,418

National: $6,000

High End

$31,253

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Cambridge

Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Cambridge

$10,418

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$8,334

At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$2,084

Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Cambridge

Metric	Cambridge	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$10,418	$6,000
Median Home Price	$607,888	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.7%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$98,948	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cambridge

1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
2Material cost index (144 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 Cambridge, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$38,315

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$32,874

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$32,133

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$29,920

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$325,033

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$243,775

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$146,265

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$128,532

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$10,342

-1%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$8,874

-15%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$8,375

-20%Pop. 155,929

Lowell, MA

$8,517

-18%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$8,318

-20%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$9,527

-9%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 Cambridge

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $10,418 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.

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