How much does a exterior painting cost in Racine, WI?

The average exterior painting in Racine, WI costs $4,298 in 2026. Costs range from $1,719 for a basic project to $10,315 for a high-end renovation. Racine is 14% less expensive than the national average of $5,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Racine?

The average contractor labor rate in Racine, WI is $25.77/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 $1,934 in Racine.

Are materials more expensive in Racine?

Racine has a material cost index of 86 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 14% less than the national average. For a exterior painting, materials account for 55% of the cost, approximately $2,364.

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

Yes, a exterior painting typically requires building permits in Racine, WI. The average permit cost in Racine is $693. Always confirm requirements with the Racine building department before starting work.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in Racine?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 60% ROI nationally. In Racine, where the median home price is $189,085, this project costs about 2.3% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in Racine, WI — Costs $1,719 to $10,315

What does exterior painting cost in Racine? Average $4,298, ranging $1,719–$10,315. Labor runs $25.77/hr locally — 14% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Racine, WI Market

-14% vs national

Labor Rate

$25.77/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$693

Median Home Price

$189,085

In a smaller market like Racine, Wisconsin, the pool of contractors specializing in exterior painting may be more limited. Getting 3+ quotes is especially important to ensure fair pricing. Racine offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. At a median home price of $189,085, homeowners in Racine should weigh the project cost (2.3% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$1,719

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$4,298

National: $5,000

High End

$10,315

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$13

National: $15

Duration: 1-2 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Required

ROI: 60%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for Racine

Adjusted for Racine's labor rate ($25.77/hr) and material costs (index 86).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Racine

$4,298

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$1,934

At Racine's average rate of $25.77/hr (14% below national avg)

Materials (55%)$2,364

Material cost index 86 (14% below national baseline of 100)

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in Racine

Metric	Racine	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$4,298	$5,000
Median Home Price	$189,085	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.3%	1.4%
Estimated ROI	60%	60%
Median Household Income	$41,603	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Racine

1Local labor rates ($25.77/hr in Racine)
2Material cost index (86 vs national 100)
3Material quality
4Labor rates
5Project size

Popular Upgrades

Premium materials
Custom design

Other Projects in Racine, WI

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Exterior Painting in Other Wisconsin Cities

Milwaukee, WI

$5,603

+30%Pop. 577,222

Madison, WI

$5,134

+19%Pop. 269,840

Green Bay, WI

$5,061

+18%Pop. 107,395

Kenosha, WI

$4,926

+15%Pop. 99,889

Appleton, WI

$4,622

+8%Pop. 75,644

Waukesha, WI

$5,477

+27%Pop. 72,489

Eau Claire, WI

$4,877

+13%Pop. 70,478

Oshkosh, WI

$4,537

+6%Pop. 66,778

Planning a Exterior Painting in Racine

Building permits are typically required for a exterior painting in Racine. The average permit fee in this area is $693, 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 Racine, skilled contractors charge an average of $25.77/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

In Racine, where the median household income is $41,603, a $4,298 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in Wisconsin.

Exterior Painting — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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