Construction and remodel cost in Texas
Lower labor rates and fewer permit requirements than coastal states. Across Texas, costs run about 7% below the national average — the table below applies the state index of 0.93 to national averages for the projects homeowners ask about most.
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Typical Texas costs in 2026
| Project | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| New home constructionMid-range finishes, excl. land | $116 | $181 |
| Whole-house remodelGut renovation of existing structure | $65 | $112 |
| Major kitchen remodelMid-range cabinets, stone counters, appliances | $20,500 | $29,800 |
| Bathroom remodelMid-range, full replacement | $8,800 | $12,600 |
| Roof replacementArchitectural asphalt shingles, ~1,800 sq ft roof, tear-off included | $7,100 | $11,500 |
| Interior paintingWhole 2,000 sq ft home, two coats, labor included | $2,800 | $6,000 |
Planning estimate only — confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
Where Texas projects cost the most
Metro markets move independently of the state average. These planning indices show how the biggest markets in Texas compare with the national average.
What drives costs in Texas
Texas has no state income tax and light permitting in unincorporated areas, but foundations dominate the budget: expansive clay soils mean most new homes sit on post-tension slabs or pier-and-beam foundations. In the coastal counties, windstorm certification adds a separate inspection step.
Permits and inspections
Permits are issued by city or county building departments. Unincorporated areas of many counties require nothing for accessory structures such as sheds or fences, but electrical and plumbing work still needs a licensed trade.
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.
Texas cost questions
How much does it cost to build a house in Texas?
Mid-range construction in Texas runs about $116–$181 per square foot, so a 2,000 sq ft home lands near $232,500–$362,700. Land, site work, utility connections and landscaping are billed separately.
Is Texas an expensive place to build?
With a construction cost index of 0.93 against a national average of 1.00, costs run about 7% below 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 Texas?
Texas carries a planning index of 0.93 against a national average of 1.00, so a project that costs $100,000 nationally runs about $93,000 there. The index bundles local labor rates, permit fees and material delivery costs — it is a planning figure, not a bid.
Which Texas metro is the most expensive to build in?
Austin prices highest of the markets tracked here, with an index of 1.05 against the state's 0.93. Houston sits at the other end at 0.97, so two bids inside Texas can legitimately differ by around 8%.
What does a kitchen or bathroom remodel cost in Texas?
A major kitchen remodel typically lands between $20,500 and $29,800, and a full bathroom remodel between $8,800 and $12,600. 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 Texas?
Permits are issued by city or county building departments. Unincorporated areas of many counties require nothing for accessory structures such as sheds or fences, but electrical and plumbing work still needs a licensed trade.
States with similar costs
All statesReady to compare bids in Texas? Request free local quotes and check them against your own estimate.