How much does a exterior painting cost in Tempe, AZ?

The average exterior painting in Tempe, AZ costs $5,689 in 2026. Costs range from $1,896 for a basic project to $17,066 for a high-end renovation. Tempe is 5% less expensive than the national average of $6,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Tempe?

The average contractor labor rate in Tempe, AZ is $28.28/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 $4,551 in Tempe.

Are materials more expensive in Tempe?

Tempe has a material cost index of 97 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 3% less than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $1,138.

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

A exterior painting usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Tempe, AZ. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Tempe (when required) is $1,479.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Tempe?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 55% ROI nationally. In Tempe, where the median home price is $421,717, this project costs about 1.3% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Tempe, AZ — Costs $1,896 to $17,066

What does exterior painting cost in Tempe? Average $5,689, ranging $1,896–$17,066. Labor runs $28.28/hr locally — 5% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Tempe, AZ Market

-5% vs national

Labor Rate

$28.28/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$1,479

Median Home Price

$421,717

Tempe is a mid-sized city in Arizona with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. Tempe offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Tempe is valued at $421,717, putting this project at about 1.3% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 55% ROI.

Low Estimate

$1,896

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,689

National: $6,000

High End

$17,066

National: $18,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $2

Duration: 3-7 days

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 55%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Tempe

Adjusted for Tempe's labor rate ($28.28/hr) and material costs (index 97).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Tempe

$5,689

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$4,551

At Tempe's average rate of $28.28/hr (6% below national avg)

Materials (20%)$1,138

Material cost index 97 (3% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Tempe

Metric	Tempe	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$5,689	$6,000
Median Home Price	$421,717	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.3%	1.7%
Estimated ROI	55%	55%
Median Household Income	$76,353	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Tempe

1Local labor rates ($28.28/hr in Tempe)
2Material cost index (97 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 Tempe, AZ

Solar Panel Installation

$24,079

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$19,099

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$19,154

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$17,165

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$191,267

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$143,450

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$86,070

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$76,616

MediumROI 60%

Exterior Painting in Other Arizona Cities

Phoenix, AZ

$6,265

+10%Pop. 1,608,139

Tucson, AZ

$5,868

+3%Pop. 542,629

Mesa, AZ

$6,032

+6%Pop. 504,258

Chandler, AZ

$6,257

+10%Pop. 275,987

Gilbert, AZ

$8,490

+49%Pop. 267,918

Glendale, AZ

$5,566

-2%Pop. 248,325

Scottsdale, AZ

$6,670

+17%Pop. 241,361

Peoria, AZ

$5,786

+2%Pop. 190,985

Planning a Exterior Painting in Tempe

A exterior painting typically doesn't require a permit in Tempe, 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 Tempe, skilled contractors charge an average of $28.28/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Tempe household earning $76,353/year, this project at $5,689 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.

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