Exterior House Painting cost: Akron vs Lima (2026)
In 2026, exterior house painting is about 2% more expensive in Akron than in Lima. Most homeowners pay around $3,050 in Akron versus $3,000 in Lima — a gap of roughly $50.
Akron OH
Typically around $3,050
Lima OH
Lower costTypically around $3,000
Akron vs Lima: full breakdown
| Factor | Akron | Lima |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $3,050 | $3,000 |
| Estimated range | $1,750–$4,350 | $1,700–$4,250 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.94 | ×0.92 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.02 | ×1.02 |
| Local permit | None | None |
| Labor share | $2,150 | $2,100 |
| Materials/equipment | $900 | $900 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national exterior house painting range for local labor, climate and permits.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
That 2% gap is small — for exterior house painting it's usually less than the spread between two local contractors' quotes, so the metro matters far less than who you hire and when you buy.
Exterior house painting by type: Akron vs Lima
Each exterior house painting option, priced separately for both metros — the same local labor, climate and permit adjustments applied per city, so you can compare like for like.
| Type | Akron | Lima |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | $1,650–$3,850 | $1,600–$3,750 |
| Wood siding | $1,850–$4,350 | $1,800–$4,250 |
| Fiber-cement | $2,100–$4,900 | $2,050–$4,800 |
| Stucco | $2,100–$4,800 | $2,050–$4,700 |
| Brick | $2,400–$5,300 | $2,350–$5,200 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national exterior house painting range for local labor, climate and permits.
Exterior house painting by home size: Akron vs Lima
Exterior painting is priced by the siding area, which tracks home size and the number of stories. Expect roughly $1–$4 per square foot of wall area; prep — scraping, sanding, and washing — often costs as much as the paint itself.
| Size | Akron | Lima |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft home (1 story) | $1,450–$3,350 | $1,400–$3,300 |
| 1,500 sq ft home | $1,750–$4,350 | $1,700–$4,250 |
| 2,000 sq ft home | $2,100–$5,300 | $2,050–$5,200 |
| 2,500 sq ft home (2 story) | $2,900–$6,750 | $2,800–$6,600 |
| 3,000 sq ft home | $3,650–$8,200 | $3,600–$8,000 |
| 3,500+ sq ft home | $4,350–$9,650 | $4,250–$9,400 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for exterior house painting, not quotes from a contractor.
Cheapest time for exterior house painting in either city
Summer's exterior-painting rush is really a weather requirement, not a preference, and prices reflect it. Interior work has no such requirement, making the trade's quiet winter months the cheapest time to book it.
What are you really paying for in a paint job?
The paint can is almost beside the point. Our editors on what actually drives a painting budget — and where corners get cut.
The coverage case
Two coats over primer is the honest standard; one-coat bids hide thin coverage. Confirm coats and primer in writing so a "lower" price isn't just less paint on the wall.
The prep-first case
Most of a durable coat is what happens to the surface first: filling holes, scuffing old sheen so the paint grips, sealing seams. Premium paint over an unwashed, unsanded wall fails just as fast as the bargain stuff. Spend on the hours a crew puts into the wall, not the label on the bucket.
The timing case
Interior work in the trade's slow winter season catches the best crews at the best price. Save exterior jobs for dry weather — rushing paint onto a damp or cold wall guarantees a redo.
A low bid usually buys you less prep and one thin coat, which reads as savings right up until the wall starts showing wear. Ask what surface work is included and how many coats you're getting before you line the totals up against each other.
Akron vs Lima
Is exterior house painting cheaper in Akron or Lima?
Lima wins on price: exterior house painting runs about $3,000 there versus $3,050 in Akron, a gap of roughly $50 (2%) as of 2026.
Why does exterior house painting cost more in Akron than Lima?
It comes down to labor: Akron indexes at 0.94 against Lima's 0.92. The cold-vs-cold climate difference adds to the gap.
How much is exterior house painting in Akron, OH?
Akron homeowners can expect $1,750 to $4,350 for exterior house painting in 2026, with $3,050 the typical number.
When is the cheapest time to buy exterior house painting — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Winter for interior; dry spring/fall for exterior is the discount window in both Akron and Lima (roughly 10–20% (interior, off-season) off), while mid-summer (exterior peak) tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on exterior house painting cost?
Not really — the $50 gap is one-time, and smart timing and tighter quotes in Akron can shrink it. Factors that compound over time, like energy prices and home condition, deserve more weight than a single upfront difference.
Compare exterior house painting in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik