Exterior painting is one of the best investments you can make in your Phoenix home when done right. Understanding costs helps you budget appropriately and evaluate contractors fairly. Here is our comprehensive guide to exterior painting costs in the Phoenix area for 2026.

Average Exterior Painting Costs in Phoenix

By Home Size

Prices have shifted slightly due to material inflation in 2025. These estimates include body, trim, and standard preparation for homes in average condition:

Home Size (sq ft)	Approximate Cost
1,000 - 1,500	$3,200 - $5,800
1,500 - 2,000	$4,800 - $7,900
2,000 - 2,500	$6,400 - $10,200
2,500 - 3,000	$8,000 - $12,800
3,000 - 4,000	$10,500 - $16,500
4,000+	$15,000+

By Square Foot

Professional exterior painting typically runs within these ranges based on the complexity of the surface.

Body only: $1.60 - $2.75 per sq ft
Body + trim: $2.75 - $4.25 per sq ft
Complete exterior (body, trim, details): $3.75 - $5.80 per sq ft

Note: Square footage is painted surface area, not floor plan size. A two-story home has roughly double the painted surface of a same-footprint single story.

Factors That Significantly Impact Cost

1. Surface Condition

The biggest variable in exterior painting cost is preparation needs. We find that the harsh Arizona sun often degrades stucco faster than homeowners realize.

Good Condition:

Minimal touch-ups needed
No structural repairs
Standard cleaning
Adds: No additional cost

Fair Condition:

Some caulking needed
Minor stucco patching (hairline cracks)
Moderate cleaning
Adds: 10-20% to base cost

Poor Condition:

Significant stucco repair (delamination)
Wood rot replacement on fascia boards
Heavy cleaning or mold treatment
Multiple cracks to fill
Adds: 25-50% to base cost

2. Home Height and Accessibility

Single Story:

Standard ladders sufficient
Base pricing applies

Two Story:

Scaffolding or extension equipment needed
More difficult access
Adds: 30-50% to base cost

Three Story or Complex:

Specialized equipment required (boom lifts)
Safety considerations
Adds: 50-75% to base cost

3. Architectural Details

Simple ranch-style homes cost less than architecturally complex homes. A property in Gilbert with intricate pop-outs will naturally require more labor hours than a flat-faced build.

Multiple trim colors
Decorative elements (corbels, shutters)
Many windows and doors
Columns or stonework to work around
Adds: 15-40% for high detail

4. Stucco vs. Other Siding

Stucco (Most Common in Phoenix): Most homes in the Valley use a sand or smooth stucco finish.

Textured surface requires more paint (back-rolling is essential)
May need crack repair
Standard pricing applies

Wood Siding:

May need sanding and scraping
Potential rot repair (common near rooflines)
Add 10-20%

Block or CMU:

Porous surface absorbs more paint
Typically requires more coats to seal properly
Add 15-25%

5. Paint Quality

Standard Paint:

Good quality, 5-7 year expected life
Included in base pricing

Premium Paint (Dunn-Edwards Evershield, SW Duration): We strongly advise using formulas designed for high heat and UV exposure.

Superior UV protection (resists fading)
8-12 year expected life
Adds $600-$1,800 for typical home

Specialty Coatings:

Elastomeric for waterproofing and crack coverage
Heat-reflective formulas
Adds $1,200-$3,500+

6. Color Changes

Same or Similar Colors:

Good coverage in 2 coats
Standard pricing

Light to Dark:

May need primer
Extra coats possible for rich coverage
Adds 10-20%

Dark to Light:

Definitely needs primer
Often 3+ coats required
Adds 20-35%

What Should Be Included

Standard Inclusions

We include these steps in every base estimate to ensure longevity.

Pressure washing and cleaning
Trenching (pulling dirt back from the foundation)
Minor caulking
Basic prep and masking
Two coats of quality paint
Cleanup

Items Often Extra

Specific repairs usually fall outside the standard scope.

Significant stucco repair (large patches)
Wood rot replacement
Detailed masking for complex areas
Moving heavy items away from house
Garage door painting

Getting Accurate Estimates

Always Get On-Site Estimates

Online calculators cannot see the cracks in your stucco. A physical inspection allows the contractor to spot issues like stem wall deterioration before the project starts.

Actual surface condition
Access challenges
Preparation needs
Architectural complexity

Get Multiple Estimates

We recommend 3 estimates to ensure you are getting fair market value.

Compare scope of work
Understand preparation differences
Evaluate communication and professionalism

What to Ask Every Contractor

What preparation is included specifically for stucco cracks?
What paint brand and product will you use (ensure it is UV rated)?
How many coats will be applied?
What is the warranty coverage?
Are you licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)?
Can I see references from recent jobs?

Red Flags in Estimates

Significantly Low Prices

Below-market prices often mean corners are being cut. Quality acrylic latex paint costs money, and skilled labor in Phoenix is in high demand.

Skipped preparation
Cheap paint (low solids content)
Inexperienced crew
Single coat application
No warranty

No Written Contract

Always get detailed written estimates. A verbal agreement offers zero protection if the paint starts peeling in six months.

Exact scope of work
Paint specifications (brand and line)
Timeline
Payment terms
Warranty terms

Large Upfront Payments

Legitimate contractors do not need 50% or more upfront. Standard terms in our industry usually follow a milestone structure.

10-30% deposit
Progress payments if applicable
Final payment upon completion

The True Value Calculation

Cost vs. Value

Exterior painting typically returns 50-100% of cost in increased home value. This return is often higher if your current paint is faded or chalky.

Cost of Waiting

Delaying necessary painting leads to deeper damage.

More extensive prep work needed
Underlying damage (stucco delamination, wood rot)
More expensive project overall

The Quality Equation

Paying more for quality paint and thorough preparation protects your investment.

Longer-lasting results
Better protection against the sun
Lower lifetime cost

Our Transparent Approach

At John Claude Painting, we provide detailed estimates that show you exactly what is included. Our goal is to eliminate surprises before the brush ever touches the wall.

Itemized preparation work
Specific paint products
Clear timeline
Straightforward pricing
No hidden fees

We believe you deserve to understand what you are paying for and why. That has been our approach since 2005.

Ready for your free estimate? Contact us today to schedule your exterior painting consultation.

John Claude Painting

Exterior House Painting Cost in Phoenix: 2026 Complete Guide