How much does exterior painting cost in New York, NY?

Most New York homeowners spend between $4,250 – $12,800 on exterior painting, with an average around $8,500. Local labor prices 42% above the national average, so New York quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is exterior painting more or less expensive in New York than elsewhere?

NYC labor, permitting and logistics make it the most expensive market in the country. Freeze-thaw, coastal storms and dense construction access all add cost.

Do I need a permit for exterior painting in New York, New York?

DOB permits, filings and licensed-contractor requirements apply to nearly all work. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in New York?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured New York contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the New York City market.

How much does exterior painting cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $9,000, with a national average near $6,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per square foot?

Installed pricing usually runs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-square foot price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Exterior Painting/New York, NY

New York City · New York

Exterior Painting cost in New York, NY

New York homeowners typically pay $4,250 – $12,800 for exterior painting. Local labor and materials price 42% above the national average.

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New York average

$8,500

Typical low

$4,250

Typical high

$12,800

Per square foot

$2 – $6

Sample ZIP

10001

What drives New York pricing

Local labor

NYC labor, permitting and logistics make it the most expensive market in the country.

Permits & code

DOB permits, filings and licensed-contractor requirements apply to nearly all work.

Climate & conditions

Freeze-thaw, coastal storms and dense construction access all add cost.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Home exterior area (sq ft)2,000 square feet

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$5,016 – $6,878

Most homeowners pay around $5,947

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in New York

Installed New York pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Builder-grade paint	$3 – $4	—	—
Standard 100% acrylic	$4 – $5	—	—
Premium 25-year paint	$5 – $6	—	—
Elastomeric / specialty coating	$6 – $9	—	—

Where the money goes in New York

A typical $8,500 New York project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $38
Materials0.38% · $32
Permits & inspections0.05% · $4
Overhead & profit0.12% · $10

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on New York quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Trim and shutters

$570 – $2,150

Wood repair and replacement

$425 – $4,250

Pressure washing

$285 – $850

Lead-safe prep (pre-1978 homes)

$1,150 – $4,950

Ways to save in New York

Repaint the same color to avoid a second coat.
Do prep work like scraping and washing yourself.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

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Exterior Painting cost near New York

Exterior Painting cost in Brooklyn, NY

$4,130 – $12,439

Exterior Painting cost in Queens, NY

$3,981 – $11,989

Exterior Painting cost in Bronx, NY

$3,921 – $11,808

Exterior Painting cost in Staten Island, NY

$3,891 – $11,718

Exterior Painting cost in Yonkers, NY

$3,861 – $11,628

Exterior Painting cost in Long Island, NY

$3,891 – $11,718

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$2,130 – $5,680

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$12,070 – $48,280

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$25,560 – $134,900

HVAC Replacement in New York

$7,810 – $25,560

Deck Building in New York

$6,248 – $17,040

Window Replacement in New York

$639 – $2,130

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