House Painting Cost in Philadelphia (2026)
Average cost in Philadelphia
US$2,500 — US$15,500
US$3 — US$9 per sq ft
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedProfessional painting and application
50%
Premium paint, primer, and supplies
20%
Sanding, caulking, and plaster repair
15%
Contractor management and insurance
10%
Historic district and lead safety fees
5%
Sales Tax at 6%
📋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 Cost
InteractiveEstimated Cost
US$3,888 — US$5,832
Based on 8 sources and market data for Philadelphia. Actual costs may vary depending on specific project requirements.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
US$6,140
Today
US$6,397
House Painting in Philadelphia is ↑ 4.2% compared to roughly a year ago — about US$258 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 Philadelphia
Verified providersGroovy Hues Painting of Philadelphia
2424 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA
941 reviews
Enhanced Property Appearance Painting & Renovation
3362 Edgemont St, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA
205 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
Yes. Homes in Philadelphia's certified historic districts require Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) approval. Specialized mineral silicate or historic-grade paints can increase material costs by 20-30%, and the permit process adds roughly $350 to $1,000 in administrative overhead.
For homes built before 1978, EPA RRP certification is required. Lead containment and HEPA vacuuming typically add $8 to $15 per square foot in affected zones, often resulting in a $1,000 to $3,500 surcharge for a standard row house project.
The average cost for a full exterior on a standard 1,300 sq ft row house is approximately $2,531 to $4,500, while a full interior typically ranges from $1,600 to $3,800 depending on ceiling height and trim complexity.
Yes. If scaffolding must be placed on a public sidewalk, a Streets Department right-of-way permit is required, which typically costs between $150 and $500 depending on the duration and location.
📊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: 2 weeks 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.