Exterior Painting in Raleigh, NC — Costs $1,953 to $17,578

What does exterior painting cost in Raleigh? Average $5,859, ranging $1,953–$17,578. Labor runs $29.42/hr locally — 2% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Raleigh, NC Market

-2% vs national

Labor Rate

$29.42/hr

Material Index

96

Avg Permit Cost

$956

Median Home Price

$251,335

Raleigh is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. Raleigh offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Raleigh is valued at $251,335, putting this project at about 2.3% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$1,953

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,859

National: $6,000

High End

$17,578

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

$2

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days
DIY: Medium
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Raleigh

Adjusted for Raleigh's labor rate ($29.42/hr) and material costs (index 96).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Raleigh

$5,859

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$4,687

At Raleigh's average rate of $29.42/hr (2% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,172

Material cost index 96 (4% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Raleigh

MetricRaleighNational Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)$5,859$6,000
Median Home Price$251,335$350,000
Project as % of Home Value2.3%1.7%
Estimated ROI55%55%
Median Household Income$50,826$75,000

What Affects the Price in Raleigh

  • 1Local labor rates ($29.42/hr in Raleigh)
  • 2Material cost index (96 vs national 100)
  • 3Home size
  • 4Stories (height)
  • 5Surface prep needed
  • 6Paint quality

Popular Upgrades

  • Premium exterior paint (Sherwin-Williams)
  • Color consultation
  • Trim accent colors

Planning a Exterior Painting in Raleigh

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, skilled contractors charge an average of $29.42/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Raleigh household earning $50,826/year, this project at $5,859 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

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