How much does a exterior painting cost in Racine, WI?

The average exterior painting in Racine, WI costs $5,155 in 2026. Costs range from $1,718 for a basic project to $15,466 for a high-end renovation. Racine is 14% less expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Racine?

The average contractor labor rate in Racine, WI is $25.77/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 $4,124 in Racine.

Are materials more expensive in Racine?

Racine has a material cost index of 86 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 14% less than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,031.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Racine, WI. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Racine (when required) is $693.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Racine?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Racine, where the median home price is $189,085, this project costs about 2.7% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Racine, WI — Costs $1,718 to $15,466

What does exterior painting cost in Racine? Average $5,155, ranging $1,718–$15,466. Labor runs $25.77/hr locally — 14% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Racine, WI Market

-14% vs national

Labor Rate

$25.77/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$693

Median Home Price

$189,085

In a smaller market like Racine, Wisconsin, the pool of contractors specializing in exterior painting may be more limited. Getting 3+ quotes is especially important to ensure fair pricing. Racine offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $189,085, homeowners in Racine should weigh the project cost (2.7% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,718

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,155

National: $6,000

High End

$15,466

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Racine

Adjusted for Racine's labor rate ($25.77/hr) and material costs (index 86).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Racine

$5,155

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$4,124

At Racine's average rate of $25.77/hr (14% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,031

Material cost index 86 (14% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Racine

Metric	Racine	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$5,155	$6,000
Median Home Price	$189,085	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.7%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$41,603	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Racine

1Local labor rates ($25.77/hr in Racine)
2Material cost index (86 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 Racine, WI

Solar Panel Installation

$21,494

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$17,189

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$17,191

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$15,469

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$171,900

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$128,925

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$77,355

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$68,764

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Wisconsin Cities

Milwaukee, WI

$7,006

+36%Pop. 577,222

Madison, WI

$6,332

+23%Pop. 269,840

Green Bay, WI

$6,222

+21%Pop. 107,395

Kenosha, WI

$6,029

+17%Pop. 99,889

Appleton, WI

$5,614

+9%Pop. 75,644

Waukesha, WI

$7,438

+44%Pop. 72,489

Eau Claire, WI

$5,970

+16%Pop. 70,478

Oshkosh, WI

$5,478

+6%Pop. 66,778

Planning a Exterior Painting in Racine

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Racine, 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 Racine, skilled contractors charge an average of $25.77/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

In Racine, where the median household income is $41,603, a $5,155 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in Wisconsin.

Exterior Painting — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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