Painting a house exterior in Southern California typically costs $3,000 to $10,000+. A single-story home with sound stucco usually runs $3,000 to $6,000, a two-story home $6,000 to $10,000, and larger homes needing stucco repair, trim replacement or a full color change can go past $10,000.
A single-story exterior at $3,000 to $6,000 typically includes power washing, minor crack and caulk repair, spot priming, and two coats on the stucco or siding body, with trim, fascia, eaves and doors in an accent color. A two-story home at $6,000 to $10,000 gets the same prep and two-coat system, plus ladders or lifts for the upper walls, second-story trim and window surrounds. Homes in rough shape, or with an elastomeric coating and detailed shutters and gates, run $10,000+.
Surface condition matters more than most homeowners expect. Peeling paint, chalky walls, cracked stucco and dry-rotted wood all need repair and priming before the first coat, and that prep is what makes a paint job last. Stucco absorbs more paint than smooth siding, and a big color change can mean an extra coat or tinted primer. Tight side yards, slopes and heavy landscaping slow setup, and every window trim, gate and accent color is cut in by hand.
Premium 100% acrylic and elastomeric products cost more per gallon but hold color and resist UV fading longer, so they usually pay off over the life of the job. If your home was built before 1978, painted surfaces may need testing before any sanding or scraping. Every painting project is priced from a written estimate after a free in-home visit, which includes a complimentary color consultation so you can settle on colors before the schedule is set.
Answered by Legacy Construction & Design · CA License #790442 · October 2026