Exterior Painting Cost in Salt Lake City

For most homeowners in the Salt Lake City area, exterior painting costs typically land between $3,500 and $6,500 for a standard single‑family home with about 1,600–1,700 square feet of paintable exterior surface.

Here’s how that usually breaks down locally:

Exterior Painting Cost Per Square Foot

Many painters price exteriors using a per‑square‑foot model.

In Salt Lake City, exterior painting cost per square foot typically ranges from $2 to $4, depending on complexity.

Important note – this is based on paintable surface area, not your home’s interior square footage.

Painters calculate this by:

• Measuring the perimeter of the home

• Multiplying by wall height (usually 8–10 feet per story)

• Subtracting windows and doors

A 2,000 sq ft home often has 1,500–1,700 sq ft of paintable exterior, not the full footprint.

Cost by Home Type & Complexity

Single‑Story Homes

Single‑story homes are the most affordable to paint.

• $2.00–$2.50 per sq ft is common

• Easy ground access

• Less equipment and faster application

For a 1,700 sq ft exterior, that’s roughly $3,400–$4,250.

Two‑Story Homes

Two‑story homes add labor and safety requirements.

• $2.50–$3.50 per sq ft is typical

• Ladders or lifts increase labor time by 20–30%

Expect totals around $4,250–$5,950 for average homes.

Complex or Architectural Homes

Homes with steep slopes, heavy trim, textured surfaces, or mixed materials cost more.

• $3.50–$4.50+ per sq ft is common

• Extra masking, cutting‑in, and multiple coats

Totals often exceed $6,000–$7,500+.

How Siding Material Changes Exterior Painting Cost

Prep Work: The Hidden Cost That Makes or Breaks the Job

Prep is where good paint jobs last and bad ones fail.

Standard Prep (Usually Included)

Most quotes include:

• Pressure washing

• Light scraping and sanding

• Spot priming bare areas

• Masking windows and landscaping

Extensive Prep (Often Extra)

Older or weathered homes need more work.

• Heavy peeling paint removal: $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft

• Full priming: $0.40–$0.80 per sq ft

• Large‑scale sanding or coating removal

This alone can add $500–$2,000 to a project.

Repairs That Increase Exterior Painting Cost

Painting can’t hide structural problems.

Peeling Paint

If 20–50% of surfaces are peeling, expect:

• 20–40 extra labor hours

• $500–$2,000 added cost

Wood Rot

Rot requires removal and replacement.

• Small areas: $200–$800

• Widespread damage: $2,000+

Cracks & Siding Damage

• Caulking and patching: $300–$1,500

• Stucco patching: $5–$12 per sq ft

Paint Quality, Longevity & Long‑Term Cost

Not all paint performs the same in Utah’s sun.

• Economy paint ($20–$30/gal): 3–5 years

• Mid‑range paint ($30–$50/gal): 5–7 years

• Premium paint ($50–$80/gal): 8–10+ years

Premium paint costs more upfront but often cuts repaint cycles in half, saving $2,000–$5,000 over time.

High‑End vs Low‑End Exterior Painting Projects

Smart Ways to Save on Exterior Painting

You can save money without hurting the result.

Safe ways to save:

• Supply your own mid‑range paint (save $500–$1,000)

• Schedule off‑season work (late fall or early spring)

• Clear landscaping yourself

Never cut corners on:

• Prep work

• Paint quality

• Licensed, insured labor

How to Compare Exterior Painting Quotes Correctly

Always compare scope, not just price.

A solid quote should include:

• Prep details

• Number of coats

• Paint brand and type

• Labor and materials

• Timeline and warranty

If one bid is 20–30% lower, it’s usually skipping something important.