House Painting Cost in Los Angeles (2026)
Average cost in Los Angeles
$4,500 – $25,000
$4 – $7 per sq ft
In Los Angeles, the average is $10,701 and most projects cost between $4,500 and $25,000, or about $4 – $7 per sq ft. Prices are before tax and based on 9 sources.
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedLicensed painters at $60-$90/hr
55%
Premium low-VOC paint and supplies
22%
Stucco patching, power washing, sanding
13%
Insurance, licensing, and contractor margin
10%
Sales Tax at 7.25%
📋What's Included
ScopeTypically Includes
- Interior or exterior paint (2 coats)
- Primer
- Surface preparation (sanding, patching)
- Trim painting
- Masking & protection
- Cleanup
Typically Excludes
- Wallpaper removal
- Extensive repairs (drywall, siding)
- Lead paint abatement
- Specialty finishes (faux, texture)
- Deck or fence staining
Based on painting a standard 1,500 sq ft home exterior or 3-4 rooms interior.
🧮Estimate your project
LiveYour estimate in Los Angeles
Likely range $4,815 – $23,542
- Labor55%$5,886
- Materials & Paint22%$2,354
- Preparation & Repair13%$1,391
- Overhead & Profit10%$1,070
Interior only
$10,701
Exterior only
$14,981
Interior + Exterior
$23,542
Calibrated to 9 researched sources for Los Angeles. Before tax. Real quotes vary with site conditions.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
$10,143
Today
$10,701
House Painting in Los Angeles is ↑ 5.5% compared to roughly a year ago — about $558 more on the average project.
Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.
🏢Top Painting Contractors in Los Angeles
Verified providersAll Los Angeles Painting Company, Inc.
907 Westwood Blvd #397, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
273 reviews
Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.
💬What People Actually Paid
Community❓Common Questions
Costs in LA are approximately 30-50% higher due to California's strict VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) regulations on paint, high local labor rates ($60-$90/hr), and the prevalence of stucco surfaces which require more intensive preparation.
Stucco, the most common surface in LA, often requires elastomeric coatings to prevent cracking. This specialized paint and the required heavy preparation can increase the cost per square foot by roughly 15% compared to wood or vinyl siding.
No, house painting is generally considered a cosmetic improvement and is exempt from building permits in the City of Los Angeles, provided no structural changes are made.
Due to intense UV exposure and high heat, exterior paint in Los Angeles typically lasts 6-8 years. Using premium UV-resistant paints is recommended to extend this interval and prevent premature fading.
📊Our Methodology
How we collect dataAggregated from 5+ verified web sources and cost databases
Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides
Government construction and labor statistics
Community-reported project costs and reviews
Last data collection: 1 months ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.
About this data
Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.
Spotted bad data? Let us know — we'll review and update.