How much does a exterior painting cost in Cary, NC?

The average exterior painting in Cary, NC costs $5,066 in 2026. Costs range from $1,689 for a basic project to $15,197 for a high-end renovation. Cary is 16% less expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cary?

The average contractor labor rate in Cary, NC is $25.06/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 $4,053 in Cary.

Are materials more expensive in Cary?

Cary has a material cost index of 88 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 12% less than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,013.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Cary, NC. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Cary (when required) is $724.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Cary?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Cary, where the median home price is $244,467, this project costs about 2.1% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Cary, NC — Costs $1,689 to $15,197

What does exterior painting cost in Cary? Average $5,066, ranging $1,689–$15,197. Labor runs $25.06/hr locally — 16% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cary, NC Market

-16% vs national

Labor Rate

$25.06/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$724

Median Home Price

$244,467

Cary is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. Cary is well below the national average for renovation costs, making it a favorable market for homeowners considering a exterior painting. At a median home price of $244,467, homeowners in Cary should weigh the project cost (2.1% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,689

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,066

National: $6,000

High End

$15,197

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Cary

Adjusted for Cary's labor rate ($25.06/hr) and material costs (index 88).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Cary

$5,066

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$4,053

At Cary's average rate of $25.06/hr (16% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,013

Material cost index 88 (12% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Cary

Metric	Cary	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$5,066	$6,000
Median Home Price	$244,467	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.1%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$50,933	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cary

1Local labor rates ($25.06/hr in Cary)
2Material cost index (88 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 Cary, NC

Solar Panel Installation

$21,721

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$17,109

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$17,198

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$15,358

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$171,533

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$128,650

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$77,190

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$68,792

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC

$5,938

+17%Pop. 874,579

Raleigh, NC

$5,859

+16%Pop. 467,665

Greensboro, NC

$5,775

+14%Pop. 299,035

Durham, NC

$5,262

+4%Pop. 283,506

Winston-Salem, NC

$5,099

+1%Pop. 249,545

Fayetteville, NC

$5,819

+15%Pop. 208,501

Wilmington, NC

$5,340

+5%Pop. 122,162

High Point, NC

$7,319

+44%Pop. 112,791

Planning a Exterior Painting in Cary

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Cary, 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 Cary, skilled contractors charge an average of $25.06/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Cary household earning $50,933/year, this project at $5,066 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

Exterior Painting — National Guide

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

All Construction Costs in Cary

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Cary, NC.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

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

View All Project Costs