How Much Does a Mural Cost in 2025?
A mural costs an average of $1,259
The average cost of a mural falls between $718 and $1,840, with most homeowners paying an average of $1,259.
Key mural cost factors include project size, preparation, wall material, mural location, and painter fees.
Most painters use a minimum of 100 to 160 square feet as a base, and charge an average of $10 to $40 per square foot.
Save on mural preparation costs by cleaning and priming the walls to help paint adhere properly.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average mural cost is between $718 and $1,840, with most projects totaling an average of $1,259. The square footage, complexity, materials, and labor all impact the total cost. A small mural on drywall can cost as low as $300, while an elaborate design on an exterior stucco wall can be as high as $3,000. Mural artists charge labor per square foot, by the hour, or as a flat, predetermined rate.
Mural Cost Factors
Several key factors drive what you’ll pay for a mural, including size, prep work, wall material, location, paint type, and labor.
Mural Size
Muralists start their quote with one thing in mind: square footage. 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 can be more expensive than a simple large mural.
| Size in Sq. Ft. | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $500–$2,500 |
| 50–100 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 100–200 | $2,000–$10,000 |
| 200–500 | $5,000–$25,000 |
Preparation
How much prep your wall needs can swing the total price dramatically. 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 an interior house painter to prep the wall for the artist.
Wall Material
Surfaces change the difficulty and length of mural projects. Smooth drywall is quick to coat, while rough brick demands extra prep and dollars. Basic drywall requires minimal prep and is 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 per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $10–$25 |
| Plaster | $10–$30 |
| Concrete | $15–$30 |
| Stucco | $10–$35 |
| Brick | $20–$35 |
| Wood | $20–$35 |
| Glass | $15–$40 |
Painter Fees
Labor is the biggest line item, accounting for an average of 75% of your mural budget. Mural painters in your area can charge per day, per square foot, or by the hour. Most range between $50 and $100 per hour, but their fees largely depend on their experience level.
Hiring an artist fresh out of school is 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. Gather quotes from pro local painters to see who offers the best value.
Paint Type
The type of painter used for the mural also affects the overall project price. Lower-cost paints like spray paint or oil-based paints are less expensive, while outdoor and specialty paints increase the project cost significantly. Paint colors can also affect overall paint price, with common colors costing less and specialty or rare colors adding to the budget.
| Paint Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Spray paint | $5–$20 per can |
| Oil | $20–$70 per gallon |
| Acrylic | $20–$100 per gallon |
| Outdoor | $30–$70 per gallon |
| Specialty paints | $20–$60 per square foot |
Mural Preservation Costs
Without proper preservation, a mural can begin to fade, crack, or peel, sometimes in just a few years. Damage and deterioration are especially likely when the mural is exposed to direct sunlight, moisture, or pollution. Taking steps to preserve your mural not only protects your investment but also ensures the artwork remains vibrant and structurally sound over time.
Sealant
Applying a high-quality sealant is one of the most effective ways to extend a mural’s lifespan. Most professional muralists apply a clear, UV-resistant sealant as a final step. This protects the paint from sun damage, moisture, and dirt.
Sealant costs range from $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type used. Basic acrylic sealants tend to be on the lower end of the scale, while more durable options like polyurethane or anti-graffiti coatings fall at the higher end. For example, a 300-square-foot mural could cost an additional $300 to $900 for sealing alone.
Keep in mind that some sealants need to be reapplied every five to 10 years, depending on exposure and product quality, so it's wise to factor long-term maintenance into your budget.
Sun Exposure Protection
Direct sunlight is one of the biggest threats to mural longevity. If possible, choosing a shaded wall or installing an awning can significantly slow down fading. In some cases, UV-filtering films can be applied to nearby windows (for indoor murals) or over the mural surface itself. While these are less common, they offer an added layer of protection, especially in harsh climates.
In high-exposure areas, additional costs for UV protection can range from $200 to $800, depending on the method used and mural size.
Budgeting for a Mural
If you’re looking for ways to make a mural more cost-effective, consider the following tips:
Shrink the design and keep it simple to lower your cost per square foot
Handle wall prep yourself to trim labor fees.
Book a local artist to skip travel charges.
Opt for standard paints and sealants to keep material costs in check.
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.