National average, all 50 states, and all finish levels — plus an instant calculator to estimate your total build cost by square footage.
These estimates use the national average of $134/sq ft for standard finish. Your actual cost depends on your state, lot conditions, and finish level.
| Home Size | Basic (~$96/sq ft) | Standard (~$134/sq ft) | Premium (~$162/sq ft) | Luxury (~$209/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 sq ft | $85,600 | $107,200 | $144,800 | $188,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $107,000 | $134,000 | $181,000 | $235,000 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $128,400 | $160,800 | $217,200 | $282,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $160,500 | $201,000 | $271,500 | $352,500 |
| 1,800 sq ft | $192,600 | $241,200 | $325,800 | $423,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $214,000 | $268,000 | $362,000 | $470,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $267,500 | $335,000 | $452,500 | $587,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $321,000 | $402,000 | $543,000 | $705,000 |
| 3,500 sq ft | $374,500 | $469,000 | $633,500 | $822,500 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $428,000 | $536,000 | $724,000 | $940,000 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $535,000 | $670,000 | $905,000 | $1,175,000 |
| State | Per Sq Ft | Region | vs National Avg | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $89 | South | -34% | |
| Alaska | $173 | Pacific | +29% | |
| Arizona | $121 | Southwest | -10% | |
| Arkansas | $90 | South | -33% | |
| California | $200 | Pacific | +49% | |
| Colorado | $137 | Mountain | +2% | |
| Connecticut | $172 | Northeast | +28% | |
| Delaware | $158 | Northeast | +18% | |
| Florida | $122 | South | -9% | |
| Georgia | $110 | South | -18% | |
| Hawaii | $263 | Pacific | +96% | |
| Idaho | $115 | Mountain | -14% | |
| Illinois | $151 | Midwest | +13% | |
| Indiana | $113 | Midwest | -16% | |
| Iowa | $116 | Midwest | -13% | |
| Kansas | $111 | Midwest | -17% | |
| Kentucky | $110 | South | -18% | |
| Louisiana | $112 | South | -16% | |
| Maine | $146 | Northeast | +9% | |
| Maryland | $153 | Northeast | +14% | |
| Massachusetts | $190 | Northeast | +42% | |
| Michigan | $125 | Midwest | -7% | |
| Minnesota | $134 | Midwest | 0% | |
| Mississippi | $90 | South | -33% | |
| Missouri | $110 | Midwest | -18% | |
| Montana | $121 | Mountain | -10% | |
| Nebraska | $111 | Midwest | -17% | |
| Nevada | $134 | Mountain | 0% | |
| New Hampshire | $147 | Northeast | +10% | |
| New Jersey | $183 | Northeast | +37% | |
| New Mexico | $116 | Southwest | -13% | |
| New York | $199 | Northeast | +49% | |
| North Carolina | $113 | South | -16% | |
| North Dakota | $115 | Midwest | -14% | |
| Ohio | $120 | Midwest | -10% | |
| Oklahoma | $105 | South | -22% | |
| Oregon | $146 | Pacific | +9% | |
| Pennsylvania | $141 | Northeast | +5% | |
| Rhode Island | $175 | Northeast | +31% | |
| South Carolina | $112 | South | -16% | |
| South Dakota | $113 | Midwest | -16% | |
| Tennessee | $109 | South | -19% | |
| Texas | $112 | South | -16% | |
| Utah | $121 | Mountain | -10% | |
| Vermont | $150 | Northeast | +12% | |
| Virginia | $128 | South | -4% | |
| Washington | $174 | Pacific | +30% | |
| West Virginia | $116 | South | -13% | |
| Wisconsin | $120 | Midwest | -10% | |
| Wyoming | $114 | Mountain | -15% |
State labor rates and material costs create a 3x difference between the cheapest (Alabama at $89/sq ft) and most expensive (Hawaii at $263/sq ft) states. Even within a state, urban vs rural can swing costs 15–25%.
Builder-grade finishes run 20% below standard. Premium finishes (quartz counters, hardwood floors, custom cabinetry) add 35–50%. Luxury custom homes can cost 75–100% above standard — the finish level is the biggest variable you control.
Simple rectangular one-story homes cost the least per sq ft. Multi-story homes, complex rooflines, high ceilings, and extensive window walls all increase cost. Smaller homes also cost more per sq ft due to fixed costs spread over less area.
Slab foundations are cheapest ($4–$8/sq ft). Crawl spaces add $8–$15/sq ft. Full basements add $30–$50/sq ft to your total but add significant livable space and resale value in cold climates.
In 2026, skilled trade shortages persist nationwide. Plan for subcontractor lead times of 4–10 weeks. In high-demand markets like Austin, Denver, and Nashville, labor premiums of 10–20% above regional averages are common.
Per sq ft figures typically exclude: land purchase, site preparation, utility hookups, permits, architect fees, and landscaping. These can add $50,000–$150,000+ to your total project cost depending on the lot and municipality.