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

Most St. Louis homeowners spend between $2,800 – $8,450 on exterior painting, with an average around $5,650. Local labor prices 6% below the national average, so St. Louis quotes tend to land at the lower end of national ranges.

Why is exterior painting more or less expensive in St. Louis than elsewhere?

Licensed trade labor in St. Louis runs about 94% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer. Missouri weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in St. Louis and why.

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

Most St. Louis, MO projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not. 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 St. Louis?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Missouri contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the St. Louis metro 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/St. Louis, MO

St. Louis metro · Missouri

Exterior Painting cost in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis homeowners typically pay $2,800 – $8,450 for exterior painting. Local labor and materials price 6% below the national average.

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St. Louis average

$5,650

Typical low

$2,800

Typical high

$8,450

Per square foot

$1 – $4

Sample ZIP

What drives St. Louis pricing

Local labor

Licensed trade labor in St. Louis runs about 94% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer.

Permits & code

Most St. Louis, MO projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not.

Climate & conditions

Missouri weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in St. Louis and why.

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

$3,325 – $4,560

Most homeowners pay around $3,943

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in St. Louis

Installed St. Louis pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Builder-grade paint	$2 – $2	—	—
Standard 100% acrylic	$2 – $3	—	—
Premium 25-year paint	$3 – $4	—	—
Elastomeric / specialty coating	$4 – $6	—	—

Where the money goes in St. Louis

A typical $5,650 St. Louis project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $25
Materials0.38% · $21
Permits & inspections0.05% · $3
Overhead & profit0.12% · $7

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on St. Louis quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Trim and shutters

$375 – $1,400

Wood repair and replacement

$280 – $2,800

Pressure washing

$190 – $565

Lead-safe prep (pre-1978 homes)

$750 – $3,300

Ways to save in St. Louis

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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More St. Louis research

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Deck Building in St. Louis

$4,136 – $11,280

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$423 – $1,410

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