How much does a exterior painting cost in Portland, OR?

The average exterior painting in Portland, OR costs $6,711 in 2026. Costs range from $2,684 for a basic project to $16,105 for a high-end renovation. Portland is 34% more expensive than the national average of $5,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Portland?

The average contractor labor rate in Portland, OR is $43.64/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 $3,020 in Portland.

Are materials more expensive in Portland?

Portland has a material cost index of 125 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 25% more than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 55% of the cost, approximately $3,691.

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

Yes, a exterior painting typically requires building permits in Portland, OR. The average permit cost in Portland is $2,239. Always confirm requirements with the Portland building department before starting work.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Portland?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 60% ROI nationally. In Portland, where the median home price is $499,459, 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 Portland, OR — Costs $2,684 to $16,105

What does exterior painting cost in Portland? Average $6,711, ranging $2,684–$16,105. Labor runs $43.64/hr locally — 34% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Portland, OR Market

+34% vs national

Labor Rate

$43.64/hr

Material Index

125

Avg Permit Cost

$2,239

Median Home Price

$499,459

As one of the largest metros in Oregon, Portland has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 34% above the national average, Portland is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Portland is valued at $499,459, putting this project at about 1.3% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 60% ROI.

Low Estimate

$2,684

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$6,711

National: $5,000

High End

$16,105

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$20

National: $15

Duration: 1-2 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Required

ROI: 60%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Portland

Adjusted for Portland's labor rate ($43.64/hr) and material costs (index 125).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Portland

$6,711

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$3,020

At Portland's average rate of $43.64/hr (45% above national avg)

Materials (55%)$3,691

Material cost index 125 (25% above national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Portland

Metric	Portland	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$6,711	$5,000
Median Home Price	$499,459	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.3%	1.4%
Estimated ROI	60%	60%
Median Household Income	$93,521	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Portland

1Local labor rates ($43.64/hr in Portland)
2Material cost index (125 vs national 100)
3Material quality
4Labor rates
5Project size

Popular Upgrades

Premium materials
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Exterior Painting in Other Oregon Cities

Eugene, OR

$5,592

-17%Pop. 176,654

Salem, OR

$5,867

-13%Pop. 175,535

Gresham, OR

$6,267

-7%Pop. 113,103

Hillsboro, OR

$5,680

-15%Pop. 106,447

Bend, OR

$6,162

-8%Pop. 102,059

Beaverton, OR

$6,093

-9%Pop. 99,037

Medford, OR

$6,292

-6%Pop. 85,395

Springfield, OR

$6,599

-2%Pop. 63,230

Planning a Exterior Painting in Portland

Building permits are typically required for a exterior painting in Portland. The average permit fee in this area is $2,239, 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 Portland, skilled contractors charge an average of $43.64/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $93,521, many Portland residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $6,711 represents 7% 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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