The biggest cost driver: prep, not paint
Exterior painting cost is driven far more by prep work than by the paint itself. Pressure washing, scraping failing paint, repairing wood rot or stucco cracks, and priming bare areas take up the bulk of labor time and cost on most exterior jobs.
Stucco vs. wood vs. siding
Stucco exteriors often cost more to prep if there's cracking or texture repair involved, but generally take fewer coats to finish evenly. Wood siding or trim tends to need more spot-priming and, occasionally, rot repair or replacement before painting, which adds to the total.
Height and access add cost
Two-story homes, steep rooflines, or hillside lots with tricky access — common in Pacific Palisades and other canyon neighborhoods — often require scaffolding or lift equipment, which increases both time and cost compared to a straightforward single-story flat-lot home.
Coating quality is worth paying for
A premium UV-resistant exterior coating costs more upfront than a budget option, but typically lasts several years longer under LA's near-constant sun exposure. Repainting sooner because of a cheaper product usually costs more over a 10-year span than paying more for quality paint once.
Getting an accurate number
Because prep needs vary so much by house condition, an accurate exterior painting quote requires an in-person walkthrough. Be wary of any quote given without someone inspecting your actual siding, stucco, and trim condition first.