How Much Does a Mural Cost? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

How much does a mural cost? The average mural costs $2,180, with an average range from $1,570 and $3,280. Prices vary based on mural size, complexity, and artist rates. Most muralists charge $10 to $50 per square foot, making size and detail key cost drivers for your project.

A mural is a lasting way to personalize your home, elevate curb appeal, or create a unique atmosphere indoors or out. In this guide, we’ll explore all the factors that influence mural pricing and help you make confident, informed decisions for your space.

Mural Cost Factors

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for your mural. Let’s break down the most important considerations so you can better plan your project and budget.

Types

Murals come in many forms, each with distinct cost implications. Common types include interior and exterior murals, residential or commercial installations, children’s room scenes, accent walls, ceilings, trompe l’oeil, abstract or realistic designs, graffiti art, and fully custom concepts. The type of mural you choose and the painting technique affects the price due to differences in prep, materials, and installation methods.

For example, exterior murals often require weatherproofing treatments and equipment like scaffolding, which can add to the cost. Ceiling murals may require specialized lifts, increasing your costs.

Size

The dimensions of your mural are a primary cost driver. Murals are priced by multiplying height by width, resulting in a total square footage. Larger murals require more materials and labor, leading to higher costs. Some artists set minimum project sizes and fees, so even small accent murals may have a base cost.

Standard size categories include small accent pieces (under 50 square feet), full wall murals (50 to 200 square feet), multi-wall or wraparound murals (over 200 square feet), and ceiling murals, which may require additional equipment.

Materials

Material choices and paint type significantly affect mural pricing. Common options include acrylic paint (versatile and durable), spray paint (for graffiti or quick coverage), specialty paints (such as metallics or UV-resistant finishes), and sealants. Premium or eco-friendly paints can raise your project’s cost, while standard options keep budgets in check.

Labor

Labor is often the largest portion of your mural budget, making up an average of 75% of your total. Most muralists charge by the square foot, with rates ranging from $15 to $25 per square foot depending on experience, reputation, and geographic location. Some artists also use hourly rates (averaging $50 to $100 per hour) or set minimum project charges.

Labor costs often include design consultation, surface preparation, painting, travel, and sometimes insurance. More experienced or in-demand artists charge higher rates, while those newer to the field may be more budget-friendly. Urban areas and high-demand markets tend to have higher muralist fees.

Complex murals with detailed imagery, multiple colors, or special effects require more time, increasing labor costs. A simple accent mural may take a day or two, while a large, intricate piece could require a week or more.

Prep

Proper wall preparation ensures your mural lasts and looks its best. Prep tasks include cleaning, patching holes or cracks, sanding, priming, and addressing moisture or mold issues. Surfaces like brick or concrete may need extra attention, and outdoor walls require weatherproofing.

Prep costs vary widely—from $100 for light cleaning and patching to $1,000 or more for significant repairs or specialty prep. Older homes or damaged walls often need additional work, which adds to the total project price.

Tipping

Tipping mural artists is not required, but it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for exceptional work. If you choose to tip, 10% to 20% of the labor cost is customary for individual artists or small crews. Alternatively, referrals, glowing reviews, or sharing photos of the finished mural on social media can be just as meaningful and help support the artist’s business.

Additional Cost Factors

Several other factors can impact the final cost of your mural project:

• Removing old wall coverings or existing murals before installation.

• Post-project cleanup and safe disposal of materials.

• Permit fees for exterior or public-facing murals, which your municipality may require.

• Rental costs for scaffolding, lifts, or other equipment, especially for tall or hard-to-reach spaces.

• Travel fees if your chosen artist is not local.

• Insurance or liability coverage for large-scale or commercial projects.

• Decorative add-ons such as metallic finishes, three-dimensional elements, integrated lighting, or protective coatings.

• The potential return on investment (ROI). While murals may not always increase home value, they can set your property apart and attract attention, especially in commercial spaces.

Ongoing Mural Costs

Once your mural is complete, ongoing costs help maintain its beauty and longevity. Here’s what to expect:

Maintenance

Routine maintenance keeps your mural looking fresh. Indoor murals benefit from regular dusting and occasional gentle cleaning. Outdoor murals need more frequent attention, including cleaning, resealing, and applying graffiti-resistant or UV-protective coatings. Annual maintenance costs vary, but expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour depending on mural size, location, and exposure to the elements.

Operating Costs

If your mural includes integrated lighting or climate control features, you’ll see a small increase in utility bills. Maintaining these features—such as changing bulbs or servicing climate systems—adds a modest ongoing cost. In public or high-traffic areas, additional security or monitoring may be required to protect your investment.

Repairs

Murals can suffer from fading, chipping, water damage, vandalism, or accidental impact. Professional touch-ups or partial restoration costs $50 to $100 per hour. Full mural removal or repainting is more expensive, especially for large or detailed works. In rare cases, extensive damage may require complete replacement, which is priced similarly to a new mural.

Insurance

For valuable, commercial, or public-facing murals, insurance is worth considering. Coverage protects against damage, theft, or vandalism, and costs vary depending on mural value and location. Insurance is especially recommended for large-scale works or business properties.

DIY Mural vs. Hiring a Pro

You can save money by painting a mural yourself, but DIY murals require significant time, skill, and preparation. Let’s compare the options:

DIY costs include materials (paint, brushes, sealants, primer) and tools (ladders, drop cloths, protective gear). Expect to spend $100 to $1,000 on supplies, depending on mural size and material quality. You’ll also invest many hours in planning, prepping, and painting—anywhere from a full weekend to several weeks for a large or complex design.

On the plus side, you avoid labor charges. However, DIY murals carry risks: mistakes can be costly, results may not match your vision, and safety concerns (like working on ladders or scaffolding) are real. DIY is best for simple designs, small spaces, or those with art experience.

Hiring a professional ensures expert design, durable materials, and a polished finish. Pros handle all aspects—prep, painting, cleanup, and even repairs—saving you time and reducing stress. For large, detailed, or exterior murals, hiring a pro is the best way to protect your investment.

Cost of Common Mural Add-Ons

Many homeowners choose to enhance their murals with custom features. Here are popular add-ons and their average costs:

• Metallic or specialty finishes: $20 to $60 per square foot, for gold leaf, glow-in-the-dark, or similar effects.

• Protective sealants or anti-graffiti coatings: $1 to $3 per square foot, especially important for outdoor murals.

• Travel fees for remote locations: $200 to $1,000, based on artist distance and travel needs.

Tips to Reduce Mural Costs

Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your mural project more budget-friendly: 

• Choose a simpler or smaller design to reduce labor and material costs.

• Provide a clean, prepped wall to minimize prep charges.

• Use standard materials instead of premium or specialty options.

• Get multiple quotes from local mural painters to compare rates.

• Schedule projects during off-peak seasons for potential discounts.

• Bundle mural work with other painting or renovation projects.

• Consider student or emerging artists for budget-friendly options.

• Limit add-ons and specialty finishes to essential features.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.