Construction and remodel cost in Illinois
Chicago premiums for union labor and inspections. Across Illinois, costs run about 5% above the national average — the table below applies the state index of 1.05 to national averages for the projects homeowners ask about most.
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Typical Illinois costs in 2026
| Project | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| New home constructionMid-range finishes, excl. land | $131 | $205 |
| Whole-house remodelGut renovation of existing structure | $74 | $126 |
| Major kitchen remodelMid-range cabinets, stone counters, appliances | $23,100 | $33,600 |
| Bathroom remodelMid-range, full replacement | $10,000 | $14,200 |
| Roof replacementArchitectural asphalt shingles, ~1,800 sq ft roof, tear-off included | $8,000 | $13,000 |
| Interior paintingWhole 2,000 sq ft home, two coats, labor included | $3,200 | $6,800 |
Planning estimate only — confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
Where Illinois projects cost the most
Metro markets move independently of the state average. These planning indices show how the biggest markets in Illinois compare with the national average.
What drives costs in Illinois
Chicago's building code, union trades and inspection schedule run materially above downstate Illinois. Exterior work carries a short seasonal window, so scheduling can cost as much as pricing on roofing and siding projects.
Permits and inspections
The City of Chicago requires plan review or self-certification before permits are issued, and inspections are scheduled in sequence by trade. Downstate jurisdictions are lighter and faster.
How to use these numbers
Treat the ranges as a sanity check rather than a quote. Ask two or three licensed contractors for a written, itemised bid, and compare the scope line by line — the cheapest bid is often the one that quietly excludes disposal, permits or finish carpentry. Our calculators let you rebuild any of these numbers from your own measurements.
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All 27 calculators are free and need no account. Individual results are checked against the ranges above in the methodology section.
Illinois cost questions
How much does it cost to build a house in Illinois?
Mid-range construction in Illinois runs about $131–$205 per square foot, so a 2,000 sq ft home lands near $262,500–$409,500. Land, site work, utility connections and landscaping are billed separately.
Is Illinois an expensive place to build?
With a construction cost index of 1.05 against a national average of 1.00, costs run about 5% above the national average. The gap between cities inside the state is usually wider than the gap between states, so always price the specific metro you are building in.
What is the construction cost index in Illinois?
Illinois carries a planning index of 1.05 against a national average of 1.00, so a project that costs $100,000 nationally runs about $105,000 there. The index bundles local labor rates, permit fees and material delivery costs — it is a planning figure, not a bid.
Which Illinois metro is the most expensive to build in?
Chicago prices highest of the markets tracked here, with an index of 1.22 against the state's 1.05. Springfield sits at the other end at 0.92, so two bids inside Illinois can legitimately differ by around 33%.
What does a kitchen or bathroom remodel cost in Illinois?
A major kitchen remodel typically lands between $23,100 and $33,600, and a full bathroom remodel between $10,000 and $14,200. Moving plumbing, load-bearing walls or electrical service pushes a project to the top of those ranges.
Do I need a building permit for a remodel in Illinois?
The City of Chicago requires plan review or self-certification before permits are issued, and inspections are scheduled in sequence by trade. Downstate jurisdictions are lighter and faster.
States with similar costs
All statesReady to compare bids in Illinois? Request free local quotes and check them against your own estimate.