How much does a exterior painting cost in Arlington, VA?

The average exterior painting in Arlington, VA costs $7,679 in 2026. Costs range from $3,072 for a basic project to $18,429 for a high-end renovation. Arlington is 54% more expensive than the national average of $5,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Arlington?

The average contractor labor rate in Arlington, VA is $49.95/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a exterior painting, labor typically accounts for 45% of the total cost, which is approximately $3,456 in Arlington.

Are materials more expensive in Arlington?

Arlington has a material cost index of 143 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 43% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 55% of the cost, approximately $4,223.

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

Yes, a exterior painting typically requires building permits in Arlington, VA. The average permit cost in Arlington is $2,406. Always confirm requirements with the Arlington building department before starting work.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Arlington?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 60% ROI nationally. In Arlington, where the median home price is $680,000, this project costs about 1.1% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Arlington, VA — Costs $3,072 to $18,429

What does exterior painting cost in Arlington? Average $7,679, ranging $3,072–$18,429. Labor runs $49.95/hr locally — 54% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Arlington, VA Market

+54% vs national

Labor Rate

$49.95/hr

Material Index

143

Avg Permit Cost

$2,406

Median Home Price

$680,000

Arlington is a mid-sized city in Virginia with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 54% above the national average, Arlington is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $680,000, this exterior painting represents just 1.1% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$3,072

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$7,679

National: $5,000

High End

$18,429

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$23

National: $15

Duration: 1-2 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Required

ROI: 60%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Arlington

Adjusted for Arlington's labor rate ($49.95/hr) and material costs (index 143).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Arlington

$7,679

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$3,456

At Arlington's average rate of $49.95/hr (67% above national avg)

Materials (55%)$4,223

Material cost index 143 (43% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Arlington

Metric	Arlington	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$7,679	$5,000
Median Home Price	$680,000	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.1%	1.4%
Estimated ROI	60%	60%
Median Household Income	$120,000	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Arlington

1Local labor rates ($49.95/hr in Arlington)
2Material cost index (143 vs national 100)
3Material quality
4Labor rates
5Project size

Popular Upgrades

Premium materials
Custom design

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Exterior Painting in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA

$5,479

-29%Pop. 459,470

Chesapeake, VA

$5,416

-29%Pop. 249,422

Norfolk, VA

$5,154

-33%Pop. 244,076

Richmond, VA

$5,428

-29%Pop. 226,610

Newport News, VA

$5,358

-30%Pop. 186,247

Alexandria, VA

$6,026

-22%Pop. 159,467

Hampton, VA

$5,919

-23%Pop. 137,148

Roanoke, VA

$5,489

-29%Pop. 100,011

Planning a Exterior Painting in Arlington

Building permits are typically required for a exterior painting in Arlington. The average permit fee in this area is $2,406, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 1-2 weeks from start to finish.

A exterior painting is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Arlington, skilled contractors charge an average of $49.95/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $120,000, many Arlington residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $7,679 represents 6% 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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