How much does a exterior painting cost in St. Louis, MO?

The average exterior painting in St. Louis, MO costs $5,027 in 2026. Costs range from $2,011 for a basic project to $12,065 for a high-end renovation. St. Louis is 1% more expensive than the national average of $5,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in St. Louis?

The average contractor labor rate in St. Louis, MO is $31.46/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 $2,262 in St. Louis.

Are materials more expensive in St. Louis?

St. Louis 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 55% of the cost, approximately $2,765.

Do I need a permit for a exterior painting in St. Louis?

Yes, a exterior painting typically requires building permits in St. Louis, MO. The average permit cost in St. Louis is $1,491. Always confirm requirements with the St. Louis building department before starting work.

Is a exterior painting a good investment in St. Louis?

A exterior painting provides an estimated 60% ROI nationally. In St. Louis, where the median home price is $238,249, this project costs about 2.1% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Exterior Painting in St. Louis, MO — Costs $2,011 to $12,065

What does exterior painting cost in St. Louis? Average $5,027, ranging $2,011–$12,065. Labor runs $31.46/hr locally — 1% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

St. Louis, MO Market

+1% vs national

Labor Rate

$31.46/hr

Material Index

Avg Permit Cost

$1,491

Median Home Price

$238,249

St. Louis is a mid-sized city in Missouri with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a exterior painting, which helps keep pricing competitive. Costs in St. Louis run slightly above the national average, though the gap is modest enough that smart material choices and timing can close it. At a median home price of $238,249, homeowners in St. Louis should weigh the project cost (2.1% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$2,011

National: $2,000

Mid-Range

$5,027

National: $5,000

High End

$12,065

National: $12,000

Per Sq Ft

$15

National: $15

Duration: 1-2 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Required

ROI: 60%

Exterior Painting Cost Calculator for St. Louis

Adjusted for St. Louis's labor rate ($31.46/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 St. Louis

$5,027

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$2,262

At St. Louis's average rate of $31.46/hr (5% above national avg)

Materials (55%)$2,765

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

Exterior Painting vs. Home Value in St. Louis

Metric	St. Louis	National Avg
Exterior Painting (Mid-Range)	$5,027	$5,000
Median Home Price	$238,249	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	2.1%	1.4%
Estimated ROI	60%	60%
Median Household Income	$50,044	$75,000

What Affects the Price in St. Louis

1Local labor rates ($31.46/hr in St. Louis)
2Material cost index (97 vs national 100)
3Material quality
4Labor rates
5Project size

Popular Upgrades

Premium materials
Custom design

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Exterior Painting in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO

$5,172

+3%Pop. 508,090

Springfield, MO

$4,520

-10%Pop. 169,176

Columbia, MO

$4,561

-9%Pop. 126,254

Independence, MO

$5,344

+6%Pop. 123,011

Lee's Summit, MO

$5,703

+13%Pop. 101,108

OFallon, MO

$5,352

+6%Pop. 91,316

St. Joseph, MO

$5,449

+8%Pop. 72,473

St. Charles, MO

$5,175

+3%Pop. 70,719

Planning a Exterior Painting in St. Louis

Building permits are typically required for a exterior painting in St. Louis. The average permit fee in this area is $1,491, 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 St. Louis, skilled contractors charge an average of $31.46/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median St. Louis household earning $50,044/year, this project at $5,027 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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