Minnesota cost guide
Exterior painting cost in Minnesota
In Minnesota, exterior painting prices run above the national average — whether you're in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Rochester. Here's what a complete, permitted job should cost, and how to tell whether the quote in your hand is fair.
Typical Minnesota range
$6,400 – $31,800
Exterior paint commonly runs $3–$8 per sq. ft. of surface area.
Included at this price: Prep, repairs, materials, labor, and cleanup.
Minnesota prices by project type
| Project | Minnesota range | Unit check |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior painting | $4,200 – $19,100 | Exterior paint commonly runs $3–$8 per sq. ft. of surface area. |
| Fence installation | $3,200 – $19,100 | Wood fencing commonly runs $25–$60 per linear foot installed. |
| Driveway or walkway | $5,300 – $26,500 | Concrete drives commonly run $8–$18 per sq. ft. installed. |
| Drainage, grading, or waterproofing | $2,700 – $21,200 | French drains commonly run $30–$90 per linear foot installed. |
Reviewed 2026. Editorial benchmarks from public cost surveys (Zonda Media / Remodeling magazine, Houzz, Angi / HomeAdvisor), adjusted by a state construction-cost index. Not a bid, appraisal, or licensed estimating data.
What a common size costs in Minnesota
Whole-house exterior paint: $3–$8 per sq. ft. of exterior surface, adjusted for Minnesota construction costs.
| Size | Minnesota estimate |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $4,800 – $12,700 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $6,400 – $17,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $8,000 – $21,200 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $9,500 – $25,400 |
Per-unit rate from the public cost guides cited above, multiplied by size and the Minnesota construction-cost index. Access, demolition, repairs, and permits can add to it — this is a benchmark, not a bid.
Red flags in Minnesota exterior painting quotes
- Wash, scrape, sand, and prime scope
- Number of coats and the exact product line
- Which surfaces are included: body, trim, soffit, fascia, shutters, doors
- Caulking and rot repair allowance
- Masking and protection of landscaping and hardscape
Commonly missing line items: primer on bare or repaired areas, caulking of joints and penetrations, wood rot repair allowance, second coat, soffit and fascia.
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Related cost guides
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