How much does a exterior painting cost in Newark, NJ?

The average exterior painting in Newark, NJ costs $9,319 in 2026. Costs range from $3,106 for a basic project to $27,958 for a high-end renovation. Newark is 55% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Newark?

The average contractor labor rate in Newark, NJ is $48.12/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 $7,455 in Newark.

Are materials more expensive in Newark?

Newark has a material cost index of 135 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 35% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,864.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Newark, NJ. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Newark (when required) is $2,727.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Newark?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Newark, where the median home price is $448,605, 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 Newark, NJ — Costs $3,106 to $27,958

What does exterior painting cost in Newark? Average $9,319, ranging $3,106–$27,958. Labor runs $48.12/hr locally — 55% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Newark, NJ Market

+55% vs national

Labor Rate

$48.12/hr

Material Index

135

Avg Permit Cost

$2,727

Median Home Price

$448,605

Newark is a mid-sized city in New Jersey with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 55% above the national average, Newark is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Newark is valued at $448,605, putting this project at about 2.1% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$3,106

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$9,319

National: $6,000

High End

$27,958

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Newark

Adjusted for Newark's labor rate ($48.12/hr) and material costs (index 135).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Newark

$9,319

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$7,455

At Newark's average rate of $48.12/hr (60% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,864

Material cost index 135 (35% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Newark

Metric	Newark	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$9,319	$6,000
Median Home Price	$448,605	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.1%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$79,212	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Newark

1Local labor rates ($48.12/hr in Newark)
2Material cost index (135 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 Newark, NJ

Solar Panel Installation

$35,338

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$29,794

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$29,286

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$27,043

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$295,400

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$221,550

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$132,930

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$117,144

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ

$9,330

SamePop. 292,449

Paterson, NJ

$9,042

-3%Pop. 159,732

Elizabeth, NJ

$8,947

-4%Pop. 137,298

Edison, NJ

$8,510

-9%Pop. 107,588

Lakewood, NJ

$8,894

-5%Pop. 106,300

Woodbridge, NJ

$8,305

-11%Pop. 103,639

Toms River, NJ

$8,470

-9%Pop. 95,438

Trenton, NJ

$9,242

-1%Pop. 90,871

Planning a Exterior Painting in Newark

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Newark, 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 Newark, skilled contractors charge an average of $48.12/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Newark household earning $79,212/year, this project at $9,319 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 Newark

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