Exterior Painting in Philadelphia, PA — Costs $2,791 to $25,123
What does exterior painting cost in Philadelphia? Average $8,374, ranging $2,791–$25,123. Labor runs $42.89/hr locally — 40% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Philadelphia, PA Market
+40% vs nationalLabor Rate
$42.89/hr
Material Index
126
Avg Permit Cost
$2,967
Median Home Price
$407,994
As one of the largest metros in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 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 40% above the national average, Philadelphia is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Philadelphia is valued at $407,994, putting this project at about 2.1% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.
Low Estimate
$2,791
National: $2,000
Mid-Range
$8,374
National: $6,000
High End
$25,123
National: $18,000
Per Sq Ft
$3
National: $2
Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Philadelphia
Adjusted for Philadelphia's labor rate ($42.89/hr) and material costs (index 126).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Philadelphia
$8,374
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Philadelphia market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Philadelphia's average rate of $42.89/hr (43% above national avg)
Material cost index 126 (26% above national baseline of 100)
Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Philadelphia
| Metric | Philadelphia | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Painting (Mid-Range) | $8,374 | $6,000 |
| Median Home Price | $407,994 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 2.1% | 1.7% |
| Estimated ROI | 55% | 55% |
| Median Household Income | $85,450 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Philadelphia
- 1Local labor rates ($42.89/hr in Philadelphia)
- 2Material cost index (126 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 Philadelphia, PA
Solar Panel Installation
$32,560
Deck Addition
$27,066
Outdoor Kitchen Installation
$26,727
Roof Replacement
$24,512
Second Story Addition
$268,967
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$201,725
Room Addition
$121,035
Home Addition
$106,908
Exterior Painting in Other Pennsylvania Cities
Planning a Exterior Painting in Philadelphia
A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, skilled contractors charge an average of $42.89/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
With a median household income of $85,450, many Philadelphia residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $8,374 represents 10% of the typical household's annual income.
Exterior Painting — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
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