How much does a mural cost?
How much does a mural cost?
$20 – $50 average cost per square foot
$2,000 – $5,000 average cost per wall (100 square feet)
Average mural pricing
A mural costs $20 to $50 per square foot if you hire a professional mural painter or $5 to $20 per square foot if painted by a beginner. Experienced muralists charge $2,000 to $5,000 per wall for about 100 square feet. Actual costs depend on the level of detail, prep work, and paint quality.
| Artist experience | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Beginner | $5 – $20 |
| Experienced | $20 – $50 |
| Prolific or popular | $50 – $100 |
Some muralists have a minimum project size or minimum service charge, especially for outdoor projects. Many also charge a down payment for supplies before starting the project.
Cost of a mural by size
Your overall cost mostly depends on the mural's size. Smaller murals in a child's bedroom, for example, cost much less than large outdoor projects. Extremely tall projects may require expensive equipment like scissor lifts or boom lifts.
| Mural size (square feet) | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| 50 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 100 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 150 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| 200 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 250 | $5,000 – $12,500 |
| 300 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
*For an experienced muralist
Mural cost calculator
To find the total cost of a mural, you'll have to factor in the cost of supplies as well as the artist's time. The bigger the wall, the longer it'll take and the more materials the artist will need.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $5 – $25 |
| Artist's fee | $15 – $25 |
| Average total cost | $20 – $50 per square foot |
A few different factors can influence the cost of painting a mural:
Artist experience: Up-and-coming amateur artists or family friends are more likely to charge lower rates than professional, established artists. Most professional painters charge $20 to $70 per hour or more for basic home projects.
Materials: Hand-painting typically costs more than spray-painted murals, especially when using a high-quality latex or oil paint and a sealant. Durable outdoor paint also costs more than indoor paint.
Preparation: If your wall has any holes or needs repairs, the project will take longer. Many artists include wall prep in their quote, but some don't, so make sure to ask what their rate includes. Wood and stucco walls require extra time and preparation.
Travel: If the artist must travel a considerable distance to get to you, they will probably charge extra fees.
Level of detail: Complex, intricate details take much more time and attention to create and therefore cost more.
Mural FAQs
What is a mural?
A mural is a painting that an artist creates directly on a wall instead of a canvas or another surface. You can paint a mural on an indoor wall, the outside of a building, or even a ceiling.
How long does it take to have a mural painted?
Finishing a mural can take artists anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the size, complexity, and the weather if it's an outside project. Small projects under 300 square feet usually take 4 days or less.
What's the process for hiring a muralist?
When hiring a muralist, they'll give you a rough estimate based on the expected project size and scope. The artist will sketch a design on paper first and get your approval before starting. Then they'll prepare your wall if necessary and start working on an agreed-upon day.
Can a mural increase home value?
Murals sometimes affect home value, depending on the buyers' preferences. Well-done murals could attract buyers who value the creative addition, but they could also deter buyers who want to keep their homes simple or neutral.
Getting estimates from muralists
Follow these tips when collecting estimates from a mural painter or muralist near you:
Contact several artists for estimates and compare rates.
Read artists' reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask how much experience they have painting murals.
Ask if they use flat fees or hourly rates and get a detailed, written estimate.
Questions to ask mural painters
Ask these important questions before hiring an artist to paint a mural:
How much experience do you have painting murals?
How much will this cost? Does that include supplies?
Will you be charging a travel fee?
Can you show me a sketch first? Will that cost extra?
How much feedback am I allowed to give during the process?
How long will the project take?
Will you handle any necessary prep work to the wall?
How do you handle any damage or mistakes?
What kind of paint will you be using?
Do you charge extra to seal the paint when you're done?
How long will it take for everything to be fully dry?
Will you need a deposit before you start?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.