How much does a exterior painting cost in Cary, NC?

The average exterior painting in Cary, NC costs $4,300 in 2026. Costs range from $1,720 for a basic project to $10,319 for a high-end renovation. Cary is 14% less expensive than the national average of $5,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cary?

The average contractor labor rate in Cary, NC is $25.06/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 $1,935 in Cary.

Are materials more expensive in Cary?

Cary has a material cost index of 88 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 12% less than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 55% of the cost, approximately $2,365.

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

Yes, a exterior painting typically requires building permits in Cary, NC. The average permit cost in Cary is $724. Always confirm requirements with the Cary building department before starting work.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Cary?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 60% ROI nationally. In Cary, where the median home price is $244,467, this project costs about 1.8% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Cary, NC — Costs $1,720 to $10,319

What does exterior painting cost in Cary? Average $4,300, ranging $1,720–$10,319. Labor runs $25.06/hr locally — 14% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cary, NC Market

-14% vs national

Labor Rate

$25.06/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$724

Median Home Price

$244,467

Cary 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. Cary offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $244,467, homeowners in Cary should weigh the project cost (1.8% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,720

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$4,300

National: $5,000

High End

$10,319

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$13

National: $15

Duration: 1-2 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Required

ROI: 60%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Cary

Adjusted for Cary's labor rate ($25.06/hr) and material costs (index 88).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Cary

$4,300

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$1,935

At Cary's average rate of $25.06/hr (16% below national avg)

Materials (55%)$2,365

Material cost index 88 (12% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Cary

Metric	Cary	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$4,300	$5,000
Median Home Price	$244,467	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.8%	1.4%
Estimated ROI	60%	60%
Median Household Income	$50,933	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cary

1Local labor rates ($25.06/hr in Cary)
2Material cost index (88 vs national 100)
3Material quality
4Labor rates
5Project size

Popular Upgrades

Premium materials
Custom design

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Exterior Painting in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC

$4,906

+14%Pop. 874,579

Raleigh, NC

$4,847

+13%Pop. 467,665

Greensboro, NC

$4,785

+11%Pop. 299,035

Durham, NC

$4,436

+3%Pop. 283,506

Winston-Salem, NC

$4,315

SamePop. 249,545

Fayetteville, NC

$4,828

+12%Pop. 208,501

Wilmington, NC

$4,494

+5%Pop. 122,162

High Point, NC

$5,290

+23%Pop. 112,791

Planning a Exterior Painting in Cary

Building permits are typically required for a exterior painting in Cary. The average permit fee in this area is $724, 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 Cary, skilled contractors charge an average of $25.06/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Cary household earning $50,933/year, this project at $4,300 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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