Cheapest vs. Most Expensive Cities for House Painting (2026)
Where is house painting cheapest in the US? These rankings compare local cost factors across 100 cities to show the 10 most affordable metros and the 10 priciest — with realistic price ranges for 2026.
💚 10 Most Affordable Cities
- Kansas City, MO — $2,175 – $8,700 per project · guide →
- Indianapolis, IN — $2,200 – $8,800 per project · guide →
- Jackson, MS — $2,200 – $8,800 per project · guide →
- Birmingham, AL — $2,200 – $8,800 per project · guide →
- El Paso, TX — $2,200 – $8,800 per project · guide →
- Oklahoma City, OK — $2,225 – $8,900 per project · guide →
- Mobile, AL — $2,225 – $8,900 per project · guide →
- Memphis, TN — $2,225 – $8,900 per project · guide →
- Wichita, KS — $2,250 – $9,000 per project · guide →
- Chattanooga, TN — $2,250 – $9,000 per project · guide →
💰 10 Most Expensive Cities
- San Francisco, CA — $3,375 – $13,500 · guide →
- New York, NY — $3,250 – $13,000 · guide →
- San Jose, CA — $3,250 – $13,000 · guide →
- Honolulu, HI — $3,250 – $13,000 · guide →
- Los Angeles, CA — $3,200 – $12,800 · guide →
- Jersey City, NJ — $3,125 – $12,500 · guide →
- San Diego, CA — $3,050 – $12,200 · guide →
- Boston, MA — $3,050 – $12,200 · guide →
- Newark, NJ — $3,050 – $12,200 · guide →
- Washington, DC — $3,000 – $12,000 · guide →
Why Prices Vary So Much by City
Labor rates are the biggest driver — a roofer in San Francisco charges a very different hourly rate than one in Houston. Permit fees, material delivery distances, and local climate (hail zones, freeze-thaw cycles, humidity) all shift the final bill. Our cost factors capture those differences, so the ranges above reflect real market conditions rather than a national average.
Every metro links to its own detailed cost guide with material breakdowns, project-size pricing, hidden costs, and contractor tips. For an exact project estimate, try the Cost Calculator.