Avg Total Cost
$263k
2026 estimate
Cost Per Sq Ft
$138
Standard finish
Cost Range
$223k–$328k
low to high
City Index
0.98x
vs state avg
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Scranton in 2026?
Building a home in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 2026 typically costs between $223,244 and $328,300, with most projects landing around $262,640 for a standard 2,000 square foot home. At $138 per square foot, Scranton is below the Pennsylvania state average of $141/sq ft.
These figures are based on 2026 regional construction cost data with a local cost index of 0.98x applied to the Pennsylvania baseline. Labor availability, local permitting costs, and material transport costs all contribute to Scranton's specific pricing.
Cost by Home Size in Scranton
Home Size
Cost Range
Per Sq Ft
1,000 sq ft
$124,200 — $186,300
$138 — $186
1,500 sq ft
$186,300 — $279,450
$138 — $186
2,000 sq ft
$248,400 — $372,600
$138 — $186
2,500 sq ft
$310,500 — $465,750
$138 — $186
3,000 sq ft
$372,600 — $558,900
$138 — $186
Cost by Finish Level in Scranton
Finish Level
Per Sq Ft
2,000 sq ft Total
Basic (builder-grade)
$117
$234,600
Standard (mid-range)
$138
$276,000
Premium (high-end)
$186
$372,600
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14-category cost report — adjusted for Scranton
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How Scranton Compares to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Scranton ranks #18 of 22 Pennsylvania cities we track for construction costs, making it one of the more affordable market in the state. At $138/sq ft, a 2,000 sq ft build in Scranton runs about $262,640 — $5,360 less than the Pennsylvania state average. Builders looking to stretch the budget often also price out Erie and Wilkes-Barre, where the same home costs less.
City (state rank)
Per Sq Ft
2,000 sq ft home
Scranton (#18) — this page
$138
$262,640
Where the Money Goes in a Scranton Build
Applying national new-construction cost shares to Scranton's $138/sq ft market rate, a standard 2,000 sq ft home budget breaks down roughly like this:
Cost Category
Share
Scranton est. (2,000 sq ft)
Site work & utilities
8%
$21,011
Framing & structure
16%
$42,022
Exterior: roofing, siding, windows
14%
$36,770
Plumbing, electrical & HVAC
15%
$39,396
Interior finishes: drywall, floors, paint
24%
$63,034
GC overhead, cleanup & contingency
5%
$13,132
Shares are national averages applied to Scranton's local index (0.98x) — individual bids vary with lot conditions, design complexity and finish selections.
What Drives Construction Costs in Scranton?
Scranton's construction market in 2026 reflects a combination of local labor rates, material availability, and permitting environment. With a cost index of 0.98x relative to the Pennsylvania state average, Scranton sits below most Northeast markets.
Labor Costs
Skilled trades in Scranton average competitive rates vs state average. Plan for subcontractor scheduling 6-10 weeks out.
Permits & Fees
Scranton building permits typically cost $1,500-$4,500 depending on scope. Budget this before breaking ground.
Material Costs
Competitive material pricing in Scranton. Budget a 10% contingency for lumber fluctuations.
Land & Site Work
Scranton lot prices vary widely by neighborhood. Site prep and utility hookups typically add $15,000-$45,000 on top of construction costs.
Timeline
A typical new home in Scranton takes 9-14 months from permit to move-in. Permitting alone can take 6-12 weeks.
Contractor Availability
Contractor availability in Scranton is generally good vs larger metros.
Free Calculators for Scranton Homeowners
Frequently Asked Questions — Building in Scranton
How much does it cost to build a house in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 2026?
The average cost to build a house in Scranton in 2026 is approximately $262,640 for a standard 2,000 sq ft home at $138/sq ft. Costs range from $223,244 on the low end to $328,300 for premium finishes.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a house in Scranton?
Buying an existing home in Scranton is often cheaper upfront than building new. However, new construction offers full customization, modern energy efficiency, and no hidden repair costs. Building makes the most sense when inventory is limited or you already own a lot.
How long does it take to build a house in Scranton?
New home construction in Scranton typically takes 9-14 months from breaking ground to move-in. Permitting takes 6-12 weeks, foundation and framing 2-3 months, mechanical rough-ins 1-2 months, and finishes 2-3 months.
What is the cheapest way to build a house in Scranton?
To minimize costs in Scranton: choose a simple rectangular floor plan, select builder-grade finishes, use a slab foundation where the lot allows, and get at least 3 bids from local general contractors. A basic 1,200 sq ft home can be built for as little as $135,792.
Do I need a permit to build in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
Yes. All new residential construction in Scranton requires a building permit from the local municipality. Budget $1,500-$4,500 for permit fees and plan for a 6-12 week review period before breaking ground.
Is Scranton an expensive place to build compared to the rest of Pennsylvania?
Scranton ranks #18 of 22 Pennsylvania cities we track, making it one of the more affordable market in the state at $138/sq ft versus the Pennsylvania average of $141/sq ft. Nearby lower-cost alternatives include Erie and Wilkes-Barre.
Pennsylvania Building Guides
Planning a build in Scranton? These Pennsylvania-wide guides cover the details this page doesn't:
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Compare construction costs across Pennsylvania: