How Much Does a Mural Cost in 2024?
Typical Range:
$718 - $1,840
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 193 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
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- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
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Updated September 10, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Murals range in price from $718 and $1,840, with most homeowners paying an average of $1,259.
The top factors impacting the total price include the prep work, mural size, difficulty, wall material, and paint type.
Artists often charge between $50 to $100 per hour, depending on experience level.
The location and type of wall affect the difficulty of the mural and the materials required.
Artists add sealant and use UV-resistant materials to prevent fading or deterioration.
The average cost of a mural is $1,259, with prices ranging between $718 and $1,840. The square footage, complexity, materials, and labor all impact the total cost. Most artists charge between $10 and $40 per square foot but may include additional fees for preparation, travel, and preservation.
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| National Average | $1,259 |
| Typical Range | $718 - $1,840 |
| Low End - High End | $300 - $3,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 193 HomeAdvisor members.
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Mural Cost Factors
The total cost of a mural is influenced by several factors, including the painting size, preparation required, wall material, location, paint type, and labor fees.
Size
The artist's first consideration when quoting a price is the mural size. Artists often use a minimum of 100 to 160 square feet and charge an average of $10 to $40 per square foot. The total price depends on the artist’s experience level and the intricacy of the painting. A small, highly detailed mural may be more expensive than a simple large mural.
| Size in Square Feet | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 | $1,000–$4,000 |
| 200 | $2,000–$8,000 |
| 300 | $3,000–$12,000 |
| 400 | $4,000–$16,000 |
| 500 | $5,000–$20,000 |
Preparation
The amount of preparation work required influences the total price of a mural. Before painting the mural, the walls must be cleaned and primed to help the paint adhere properly. If the wall is old or damaged, the preparation often takes longer and will be more expensive. New walls are easier to prepare, with some requiring no prep work at all. To reduce costs, you can hire a house painter to prep the wall for the artist.
Wall Material
Some surfaces are more expensive than others because the wall material affects the mural's difficulty level and preparation requirements. Basic drywall requires minimal prep and is generally smooth to paint, making it the least costly. A porous material, like stucco, is more challenging to paint on and increases your total cost.
| Surface Type | Average Cost Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $10–$25 |
| Plaster | $10–$30 |
| Concrete | $15–$30 |
| Stucco | $10–$35 |
| Brick | $20–$35 |
| Wood | $20–$35 |
| Glass | $15–$40 |
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Outdoor murals cost more than indoor murals due to the higher materials, preparation, and labor prices. An outdoor mural costs from $20 to $50 per square foot. Outdoor walls require extensive prep work because they often have more wear and tear and must withstand the elements. Artists may charge several hundred dollars for prep work alone.
Additionally, outdoor paint and other materials are generally more expensive due to their weather resistance and durability. Painters also commonly require safety and lifting equipment, such as scaffolding and lifts, which adds $50 to $120 per day to the total price.
Paint Application Type
The type of paint an artist uses significantly affects the total cost, which ranges from $2 to $20 per square foot. Spray paint is the most cost-effective option, and artists often use it as a base layer for large murals. High-quality options, such as acrylic and outdoor paints, are on the higher end due to their vibrancy and durability.
| Paint Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Spray Paint | $5–$20 per can |
| Oil | $20–$70 per gallon |
| Acrylic | $20–$100 per gallon |
| Outdoor | $30–$70 per gallon |
Painter Fees
Painter fees account for close to three-quarters of the total mural price. Mural painters in your area may charge per day, per square foot, or by the hour. Most range between $50 to $100 per hour, but their fees largely depend on their experience level. Hiring an artist fresh out of school is often less expensive than hiring someone with decades of experience. If the painter is coming from out of town, they’ll also charge travel fees ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on the distance.
Mural Preservation Costs
Without proper preservation steps, a mural may fade or degrade over time. The most important factors of mural preservation are sealant application and sun exposure protection.
Sealant
Artists apply a sealant as the finishing touch to ensure a mural lasts as long as possible. Sealants range from $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type.
Sun Protection
Sun exposure causes a mural to fade over time. If the mural is in direct sunlight, artists may use high-end, UV-resistant paints and clear sealants, which increase the total price. If the mural is indoors, consider applying window coatings to block UV rays.
Does a Mural Increase Home Value?
Murals often have a limited effect on home value. The value a mural adds depends on the buyer's preferences. Some pieces may attract buyers looking for a creative addition to their future home, while other murals may deter buyers who want to keep their homes simple and neutral.
Budgeting for a Mural
If you’re looking for ways to make a mural more cost-effective, consider the following tips:
Reduce the mural cost per square foot by keeping the mural small and simple.
Prepare the wall yourself to cut down on labor costs.
Avoid paying travel fees by hiring a local artist.
Choose budget-friendly paint and sealant options to reduce the cost of materials.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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FAQs
How long does it take to complete a mural?
Most murals take 40 hours to complete, but the total time required depends on the size and complexity of the piece.
Does a mural have to be on a wall?
No, a mural doesn’t have to be on a wall. You can have a mural painted on the wall, ceiling, floor, or any other permanent area of your home.
Why does it cost less to paint a mural inside?
The cost of painting the interior of your home is less due to the reduced preparation work, cost of materials, and labor. Interior walls often have less wear and tear and are built from easier-to-paint materials, helping to reduce the time and difficulty of painting. They also don’t require outdoor paints, which are more costly than standard options.
Do you need permission to paint a mural on your home?
In most cases, you don’t require permission to paint a mural in your home if you own the property. However, some areas may have homeowners’ associations or zoning laws that resist outdoor art. It’s best to check with your local government or HOA.
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