How much does it cost to paint a car?
Painting a car costs $300 to $1,000 for a basic job, $1,000 to $4,500 for a standard job with better prep and multiple coats, and $5,000 to $20,000 for showroom-quality work, according to AAA.
Quick answer
$1,000 – $4,500standard full paint job
A standard paint job costs $1,000 to $4,500. Basic single-coat jobs start around $300; showroom finishes reach $20,000.
Cost by quality
| Quality | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $300 – $1,000 | Single coat, minimal prep, visible areas only |
| Standard | $1,000 – $4,500 | Better prep, quality paint, multiple coats |
| Showroom | $5,000 – $20,000 | Sanded to bare metal, premium multi-coat finish |
AAA.
Cost by vehicle size
| Vehicle | Full repaint |
|---|---|
| Small car | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Larger SUV or truck | $3,500 – $7,000 |
AAA.
Changing the color costs more than keeping the original color, because door jambs, under the hood and the trunk need painting and more coats are needed to cover the old color.
Prep work adds up
- Minor dent repair before painting: $50 to $150 per dent
- Deep scratch filling and sanding: $150 to $300
- Rust repair: $150 to $500 per area
Wrap vs. paint
A vinyl wrap costs about $500 to $5,000 and is easy to remove, but it doesn't last as long as paint. Quality professional paint costs more and lasts longer.
How to get a fair estimate
- Ask for a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours and the shop’s hourly rate before any work starts.
- Ask whether the quote uses OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured parts, and what warranty comes with the parts and the labor.
- Get a second quote for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Independent shops often charge less per hour than dealers.
- Ask the shop to show you the old part or the reading that proves it failed, and to call you before doing extra work.
- Check for recalls and warranty coverage first: many powertrain, emissions and hybrid parts carry longer factory warranties.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a car?
About $1,000 to $4,500 for a standard job. Basic jobs cost $300 to $1,000; showroom work $5,000 to $20,000.
Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car?
A wrap ($500 to $5,000) is often cheaper than a quality paint job, but it lasts fewer years.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your vehicle, location, parts and shop, so get a written estimate. Car Repair Atlas is not a repair shop; read our disclaimer.