How much does a exterior painting cost in Dayton, OH?

The average exterior painting in Dayton, OH costs $5,606 in 2026. Costs range from $1,869 for a basic project to $16,817 for a high-end renovation. Dayton is 7% less expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Dayton?

The average contractor labor rate in Dayton, OH is $28.21/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 $4,485 in Dayton.

Are materials more expensive in Dayton?

Dayton has a material cost index of 91 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 9% less than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,121.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Dayton, OH. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Dayton (when required) is $962.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Dayton?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Dayton, where the median home price is $178,272, this project costs about 3.1% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Dayton, OH — Costs $1,869 to $16,817

What does exterior painting cost in Dayton? Average $5,606, ranging $1,869–$16,817. Labor runs $28.21/hr locally — 7% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Dayton, OH Market

-7% vs national

Labor Rate

$28.21/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$962

Median Home Price

$178,272

Dayton is a mid-sized city in Ohio with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. Dayton offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $178,272, homeowners in Dayton should weigh the project cost (3.1% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,869

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,606

National: $6,000

High End

$16,817

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Dayton

Adjusted for Dayton's labor rate ($28.21/hr) and material costs (index 91).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Dayton

$5,606

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$4,485

At Dayton's average rate of $28.21/hr (6% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,121

Material cost index 91 (9% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Dayton

Metric	Dayton	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$5,606	$6,000
Median Home Price	$178,272	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	3.1%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$59,480	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Dayton

1Local labor rates ($28.21/hr in Dayton)
2Material cost index (91 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 Dayton, OH

Solar Panel Installation

$22,940

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$18,534

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$18,473

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$16,708

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$185,033

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$138,775

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$83,265

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$73,892

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH

$6,387

+14%Pop. 905,748

Cleveland, OH

$6,132

+9%Pop. 372,624

Cincinnati, OH

$6,436

+15%Pop. 309,317

Toledo, OH

$6,143

+10%Pop. 270,871

Akron, OH

$6,118

+9%Pop. 190,469

Parma, OH

$5,575

-1%Pop. 81,601

Canton, OH

$4,935

-12%Pop. 70,458

Lorain, OH

$5,355

-4%Pop. 65,211

Planning a Exterior Painting in Dayton

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Dayton, 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 Dayton, skilled contractors charge an average of $28.21/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Dayton household earning $59,480/year, this project at $5,606 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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