The cost to paint the exterior of a house in Maryland in 2025 generally ranges from $2.20 to $4.30 per square foot, with most Maryland-specific sources citing averages near $2.20 per square foot for standard professional jobs. That means for a typical 2,000-square-foot home, homeowners can expect to spend between $4,400 and $8,600. Final pricing depends on multiple factors, including prep work, the type of siding, number of stories, trim details, accessibility, and the quality of paint selected.
This upfront estimate provides a useful baseline, but understanding the underlying cost drivers can help Maryland homeowners budget more accurately for their exterior house painting and make informed decisions.
Typical Price Ranges for Exterior Painting in Maryland
- Maryland Average Rate (2025): $2.20 per square foot (most frequently quoted for standard jobs)
- Broader 2025 Range (all sources): $2.16 – $4.30 per square foot
- Example 2,000 sq ft Home: $4,400 – $8,600
Labor is usually included in the per-square-foot rates. However, specialized prep or complex homes may push costs to the higher end of the range.
Example Maryland Cost Table (2025)
| Home Size (Sq Ft) | Estimated Total Cost | Rate Basis |
| 1,000 | $2,200 – $4,300 | $2.20–$4.30/sq ft |
| 2,000 | $4,400 – $8,600 | $2.20–$4.30/sq ft |
| 2,500 | $5,500 – $10,750 | $2.20–$4.30/sq ft |
| 3,000 | $6,600 – $12,900 | $2.20–$4.30/sq ft |
Maryland Reference Examples
- Rockville, MD (2025): Typical exterior projects reported between $4,454 – $5,875, aligning with the state average.
- National Comparisons: Franchises like CertaPro and Angi cite averages around $4,800 for standard homes, though Maryland pricing often trends slightly higher due to local labor markets.
Cost Drivers for Exterior Painting in Maryland
Several key factors influence the final cost of a painting project in Maryland:
1. Prep Work
Surface preparation can make or break a paint job. Homes that require extensive washing, scraping, caulking, or siding repairs may add hundreds or even thousands to the bill. Neglected exteriors cost more because crews must spend time restoring the surface before painting begins.
2. Siding Material
- Wood siding: Requires careful prep and higher paint absorption, raising labor and material costs.
- Brick or stucco: May require specialty coatings and more labor to ensure proper coverage.
- Vinyl siding: Generally less expensive, since it requires fewer coats and less prep.
3. Accessibility
Two- or three-story homes add cost due to ladder and scaffolding requirements. Expect prices 25%–50% higher for multi-story properties compared to single-story homes.
4. Paint Quality
Premium paints cost more per gallon but provide longer-lasting protection. In Maryland, where weather includes humidity, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, investing in weatherproof or UV-resistant paint often yields better results.
5. Trim, Shutters, and Details
These elements are often priced separately:
- Trim and windows: $1–$4 per linear foot or per unit.
- Shutters and doors: Often quoted per piece.
The more intricate the home’s design, the higher the total labor hours—and the bill.
Labor Rates in Maryland
Maryland’s labor market is competitive, especially in suburban areas near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. While the $2.20 per square foot average generally includes labor, more complex projects with steep roofs, ornate trim, or multi-story scaffolding often command higher rates.
For comparison, simpler single-story jobs in smaller Maryland towns may fall at the lower end of the spectrum, while historic homes in Montgomery or Howard counties often cost more due to detail and preservation requirements.
Comparing Maryland to National Averages
Nationally, the cost to paint a typical home in 2025 hovers around $4,800. Maryland’s average is slightly higher, ranging $4,400–$8,600 depending on home size and details. The difference is primarily due to:
- Higher labor costs in Maryland’s metro areas.
- Greater prevalence of multi-story homes requiring more setup.
- Seasonal demand spikes, as exterior painting is often limited to spring through fall.
Recommendations for Maryland Homeowners
To ensure you get the best value, consider these steps before hiring a contractor:
Request On-Site Estimates
Virtual quotes are convenient but may miss hidden issues like rotted trim, mold, or peeling paint. On-site evaluations give the most accurate pricing.
Get Multiple Bids
Collect at least three quotes. This allows you to compare inclusions such as number of coats, type of paint, warranties, and whether trim and doors are included.
Clarify What’s Included
Some contractors price only siding, while others include shutters, trim, and minor repairs. Always request a detailed breakdown to avoid unexpected add-ons.
Check for Power Washing
Many Maryland painters include pressure washing in the prep phase, but not all do. If it’s not included, add $150–$400 for a typical home.
Ask About Warranties
Reputable painters often provide warranties ranging from 2 to 10 years depending on the paint type. Given Maryland’s humidity and seasonal weather, a warranty can provide peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Maryland homeowners can expect to spend $2.20 to $4.30 per square foot for professional exterior house painting, or $4,400 to $8,600 for a standard 2,000-square-foot property. Costs fluctuate based on prep work, siding, accessibility, and paint quality, but the state’s averages remain slightly higher than national norms due to labor markets and housing styles.
With thoughtful planning—securing multiple estimates, clarifying inclusions, and investing in quality paint—homeowners can maximize both the durability and curb appeal of their homes while keeping costs predictable.
