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: The cost to build a new home averages around $158 per square foot.
- 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.
- 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
