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

The average exterior painting in Lowell, MA costs $8,517 in 2026. Costs range from $2,839 for a basic project to $25,550 for a high-end renovation. Lowell is 42% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Lowell?

The average contractor labor rate in Lowell, MA is $43.63/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 $6,814 in Lowell.

Are materials more expensive in Lowell?

Lowell has a material cost index of 128 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 28% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,703.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Lowell, MA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Lowell (when required) is $1,917.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Lowell?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Lowell, where the median home price is $498,596, 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 Lowell, MA — Costs $2,839 to $25,550

What does exterior painting cost in Lowell? Average $8,517, ranging $2,839–$25,550. Labor runs $43.63/hr locally — 42% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Lowell, MA Market

+42% vs national

Labor Rate

$43.63/hr

Material Index

128

Avg Permit Cost

$1,917

Median Home Price

$498,596

Lowell 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 42% above the national average, Lowell is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Lowell is valued at $498,596, putting this project at about 1.7% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$2,839

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$8,517

National: $6,000

High End

$25,550

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Lowell

Adjusted for Lowell's labor rate ($43.63/hr) and material costs (index 128).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Lowell

$8,517

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$6,814

At Lowell's average rate of $43.63/hr (45% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,703

Material cost index 128 (28% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Lowell

Metric	Lowell	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$8,517	$6,000
Median Home Price	$498,596	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.7%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$78,569	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Lowell

1Local labor rates ($43.63/hr in Lowell)
2Material cost index (128 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 Lowell, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$33,090

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$27,518

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$27,169

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$24,923

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$273,433

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$205,075

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$123,045

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$108,676

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$10,342

+21%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$8,874

+4%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$8,375

-2%Pop. 155,929

Cambridge, MA

$10,418

+22%Pop. 118,403

Brockton, MA

$8,318

-2%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$9,527

+12%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$8,842

+4%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$8,511

SamePop. 99,989

Planning a Exterior Painting in Lowell

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Lowell, 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 Lowell, skilled contractors charge an average of $43.63/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Lowell household earning $78,569/year, this project at $8,517 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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