How much does a exterior painting cost in Dallas, TX?

The average exterior painting in Dallas, TX costs $7,137 in 2026. Costs range from $2,379 for a basic project to $21,410 for a high-end renovation. Dallas is 19% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Dallas?

The average contractor labor rate in Dallas, TX is $36.28/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 $5,710 in Dallas.

Are materials more expensive in Dallas?

Dallas has a material cost index of 111 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 11% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,427.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Dallas, TX. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Dallas (when required) is $1,076.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Dallas?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Dallas, where the median home price is $244,274, this project costs about 2.9% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Dallas, TX — Costs $2,379 to $21,410

What does exterior painting cost in Dallas? Average $7,137, ranging $2,379–$21,410. Labor runs $36.28/hr locally — 19% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Dallas, TX Market

+19% vs national

Labor Rate

$36.28/hr

Material Index

111

Avg Permit Cost

$1,076

Median Home Price

$244,274

As one of the largest metros in Texas, Dallas 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 19% above the national average, Dallas is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. At a median home price of $244,274, homeowners in Dallas should weigh the project cost (2.9% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$2,379

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$7,137

National: $6,000

High End

$21,410

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Dallas

Adjusted for Dallas's labor rate ($36.28/hr) and material costs (index 111).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Dallas

$7,137

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$5,710

At Dallas's average rate of $36.28/hr (21% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,427

Material cost index 111 (11% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Dallas

Metric	Dallas	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$7,137	$6,000
Median Home Price	$244,274	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.9%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$61,964	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Dallas

1Local labor rates ($36.28/hr in Dallas)
2Material cost index (111 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 Dallas, TX

Solar Panel Installation

$28,371

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$23,293

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$23,094

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$21,053

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$231,933

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$173,950

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$104,370

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$92,376

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Texas Cities

Houston, TX

$7,018

-2%Pop. 2,304,580

San Antonio, TX

$6,162

-14%Pop. 1,547,253

Austin, TX

$6,239

-13%Pop. 978,908

Fort Worth, TX

$6,666

-7%Pop. 918,915

El Paso, TX

$5,612

-21%Pop. 678,815

Arlington, TX

$5,254

-26%Pop. 394,266

Corpus Christi, TX

$5,822

-18%Pop. 317,863

Plano, TX

$5,410

-24%Pop. 288,061

Planning a Exterior Painting in Dallas

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Dallas, 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 Dallas, skilled contractors charge an average of $36.28/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Dallas household earning $61,964/year, this project at $7,137 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.

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