How much does a exterior painting cost in Denver, CO?

The average exterior painting in Denver, CO costs $7,562 in 2026. Costs range from $2,521 for a basic project to $22,687 for a high-end renovation. Denver is 26% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Denver?

The average contractor labor rate in Denver, CO is $38.49/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 $6,050 in Denver.

Are materials more expensive in Denver?

Denver has a material cost index of 117 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 17% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,512.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Denver, CO. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Denver (when required) is $2,288.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Denver?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Denver, where the median home price is $482,996, this project costs about 1.6% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Denver, CO — Costs $2,521 to $22,687

What does exterior painting cost in Denver? Average $7,562, ranging $2,521–$22,687. Labor runs $38.49/hr locally — 26% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Denver, CO Market

+26% vs national

Labor Rate

$38.49/hr

Material Index

117

Avg Permit Cost

$2,288

Median Home Price

$482,996

As one of the largest metros in Colorado, Denver 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 26% above the national average, Denver is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Denver is valued at $482,996, putting this project at about 1.6% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$2,521

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$7,562

National: $6,000

High End

$22,687

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Denver

Adjusted for Denver's labor rate ($38.49/hr) and material costs (index 117).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Denver

$7,562

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$6,050

At Denver's average rate of $38.49/hr (28% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,512

Material cost index 117 (17% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Denver

Metric	Denver	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$7,562	$6,000
Median Home Price	$482,996	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.6%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$76,237	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Denver

1Local labor rates ($38.49/hr in Denver)
2Material cost index (117 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 Denver, CO

Solar Panel Installation

$29,956

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$24,643

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$24,417

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$22,280

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$245,300

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$183,975

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$110,385

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$97,668

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Colorado Cities

Colorado Springs, CO

$6,471

-14%Pop. 478,961

Aurora, CO

$6,566

-13%Pop. 386,261

Fort Collins, CO

$6,174

-18%Pop. 169,810

Lakewood, CO

$7,141

-6%Pop. 155,984

Thornton, CO

$6,538

-14%Pop. 141,867

Arvada, CO

$8,102

+7%Pop. 124,402

Westminster, CO

$8,018

+6%Pop. 116,317

Pueblo, CO

$6,037

-20%Pop. 111,876

Planning a Exterior Painting in Denver

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Denver, 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 Denver, skilled contractors charge an average of $38.49/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Denver household earning $76,237/year, this project at $7,562 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 Denver

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Denver, CO.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

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

View All Project Costs