The average cost per square foot for residential construction varies significantly across different states in the U.S. Here is a summary based on recent data:
- National Average: According to the NAHB Study “Cost of Constructing a Home-2024” the cost to build a new home averages around $162 per square foot (excluding land and cost of General Contractor’s overhead and profit).
- Our free calculator below is based on our proprietary data and includes contractor general conditions, overhead and profit.
So which states cost the most to build?
- Highest Costs: Hawaii is the most expensive state, with an average cost of $205 per square foot. Other high-cost states include California ($195), Massachusetts ($190), and New York ($185).
- Moderate Costs: States like Texas ($150), Colorado ($145), and Washington ($140) have moderate construction costs.
- Lowest Costs: The least expensive states include Mississippi ($120), Arkansas ($125), and Alabama ($130).
The primary factors influencing these costs include labor wages, material costs, local taxes, and the cost of land. Regions with higher living costs and stricter building regulations tend to have higher construction costs.
Use Home-Cost’s free cost per square foot calculator to get a rough estimate of how much your dream house will cost in your state.
Location: Excluded Items
See below for averages by state, in alphabetical order (excluding land and General Contractor overhead and profit).
- Alabama: $90 – $140
- Alaska: $150 – $300
- Arizona: $110 – $200
- Arkansas: $90 – $150
- California: $200 – $400
- Colorado: $150 – $250
- Connecticut: $180 – $250
- Delaware: $120 – $170
- Florida: $110 – $200
- Georgia: $100 – $180
- Hawaii: $300 – $600
- Idaho: $100 – $200
- Illinois: $120 – $200
- Indiana: $100 – $160
- Iowa: $100 – $160
- Kansas: $100 – $160
- Kentucky: $90 – $150
- Louisiana: $90 – $150
- Maine: $150 – $250
- Maryland: $120 – $200
- Massachusetts: $200 – $350
- Michigan: $100 – $180
- Minnesota: $150 – $250
- Mississippi: $90 – $140
- Missouri: $100 – $160
- Montana: $150 – $250
- Nebraska: $100 – $160
- Nevada: $130 – $250
- New Hampshire: $150 – $250
- New Jersey: $180 – $300
- New Mexico: $100 – $180
- New York: $200 – $350
- North Carolina: $100 – $180
- North Dakota: $100 – $160
- Ohio: $100 – $160
- Oklahoma: $90 – $140
- Oregon: $150 – $250
- Pennsylvania: $120 – $200
- Rhode Island: $180 – $250
- South Carolina: $100 – $180
- South Dakota: $100 – $160
- Tennessee: $110 – $200
- Texas: $100 – $200
- Utah: $110 – $200
- Vermont: $150 – $250
- Virginia: $120 – $200
- Washington: $150 – $250
- West Virginia: $90 – $150
- Wisconsin: $120 – $200
- Wyoming: $150 – $250
