How much does a exterior painting cost in Portland, OR?

The average exterior painting in Portland, OR costs $8,482 in 2026. Costs range from $2,827 for a basic project to $25,447 for a high-end renovation. Portland is 41% more expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Portland?

The average contractor labor rate in Portland, OR is $43.64/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 $6,786 in Portland.

Are materials more expensive in Portland?

Portland has a material cost index of 125 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 25% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,696.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Portland, OR. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Portland (when required) is $2,239.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Portland?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Portland, where the median home price is $499,459, 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 Portland, OR — Costs $2,827 to $25,447

What does exterior painting cost in Portland? Average $8,482, ranging $2,827–$25,447. Labor runs $43.64/hr locally — 41% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Portland, OR Market

+41% vs national

Labor Rate

$43.64/hr

Material Index

125

Avg Permit Cost

$2,239

Median Home Price

$499,459

As one of the largest metros in Oregon, Portland 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 41% above the national average, Portland is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Portland is valued at $499,459, putting this project at about 1.7% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$2,827

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$8,482

National: $6,000

High End

$25,447

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Portland

Adjusted for Portland's labor rate ($43.64/hr) and material costs (index 125).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Portland

$8,482

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$6,786

At Portland's average rate of $43.64/hr (45% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,696

Material cost index 125 (25% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Portland

Metric	Portland	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$8,482	$6,000
Median Home Price	$499,459	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.7%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$93,521	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Portland

1Local labor rates ($43.64/hr in Portland)
2Material cost index (125 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 Portland, OR

Solar Panel Installation

$32,529

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$27,251

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$26,842

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$24,710

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$270,467

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$202,850

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$121,710

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$107,368

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Oregon Cities

Eugene, OR

$6,842

-19%Pop. 176,654

Salem, OR

$7,242

-15%Pop. 175,535

Gresham, OR

$8,237

-3%Pop. 113,103

Hillsboro, OR

$6,984

-18%Pop. 106,447

Bend, OR

$7,686

-9%Pop. 102,059

Beaverton, OR

$8,051

-5%Pop. 99,037

Medford, OR

$7,870

-7%Pop. 85,395

Springfield, OR

$8,478

SamePop. 63,230

Planning a Exterior Painting in Portland

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Portland, 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 Portland, skilled contractors charge an average of $43.64/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $93,521, many Portland residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $8,482 represents 9% 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.

All Construction Costs in Portland

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Portland, OR.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

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

View All Project Costs