Texas
Lower labor rates and fewer permit requirements than coastal states.
New build$116–$181/sq ft
Cost index0.93
Texas costsConstruction cost by state
The same project can cost 40% more in one state than another. These tables apply a regional cost index to national averages so you can sanity-check a quote before you sign it. Pick your state for a full breakdown.
California
Highest labor and permit costs; seismic and energy codes add scope.
New build$165–$257/sq ft
Cost index1.32
California costsFlorida
Hurricane-rated materials and wind mitigation requirements.
New build$128–$199/sq ft
Cost index1.02
Florida costsNew York
New York City trades cost far more than upstate markets.
New build$178–$277/sq ft
Cost index1.42
New York costsIllinois
Chicago premiums for union labor and inspections.
New build$131–$205/sq ft
Cost index1.05
Illinois costsOhio
Moderate material prices and plentiful contractors.
New build$115–$179/sq ft
Cost index0.92
Ohio costsGeorgia
Atlanta metro runs above the state average.
New build$119–$185/sq ft
Cost index0.95
Georgia costsArizona
Slab foundations and cooling requirements shape the budget.
New build$126–$197/sq ft
Cost index1.01
Arizona costsWashington
Energy code upgrades and wet-climate detailing.
New build$144–$224/sq ft
Cost index1.15
Washington costsColorado
Mountain access and snow loads raise structural costs.
New build$135–$211/sq ft
Cost index1.08
Colorado costsNorth Carolina
Competitive market outside Charlotte and Raleigh.
New build$118–$183/sq ft
Cost index0.94
North Carolina costsPennsylvania
Older housing stock adds remediation work.
New build$129–$201/sq ft
Cost index1.03
Pennsylvania costsHow to read these figures
The index compares local trade rates, permit fees and material delivery costs with the national average. A state at 0.93 means a project that costs $100,000 nationally typically lands near $93,000 there.
City-level variation is larger than state-level variation. A remodel in Austin or Miami can sit well above the state figure while rural areas sit below it. Use these numbers as a starting point, then get two or three local quotes.