Building a 2,000 sq ft house costs from about $287,000 in Mississippi to $431,000 in Hawaii in 2026, excluding land. That is $143.50 to $215.50 per square foot for a standard-finish home. Most states fall between $300,000 and $340,000.
Choose your state in the calculator to get an estimate for your size and finish level.
How much does it cost to build a house in each state?
The table shows the cost per square foot and the total for a 2,000 sq ft standard-finish home in every state. Figures are from Today’s Homeowner state data, as published by Autodesk, and exclude land, garages and site work. States with their own guide are linked.
| State | Cost per sq ft | 2,000 sq ft home |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $145.50 | $291,000 |
| Alaska | $174.00 | $348,000 |
| Arizona | $158.50 | $317,000 |
| Arkansas | $144.00 | $288,000 |
| California | $181.50 | $363,000 |
| Colorado | $165.00 | $330,000 |
| Connecticut | $183.50 | $367,000 |
| Delaware | $164.50 | $329,000 |
| Florida | $148.50 | $297,000 |
| Georgia | $152.50 | $305,000 |
| Hawaii | $215.50 | $431,000 |
| Idaho | $163.00 | $326,000 |
| Illinois | $190.00 | $380,000 |
| Indiana | $164.50 | $329,000 |
| Iowa | $162.00 | $324,000 |
| Kansas | $156.00 | $312,000 |
| Kentucky | $154.00 | $308,000 |
| Louisiana | $148.00 | $296,000 |
| Maine | $172.50 | $345,000 |
| Maryland | $168.50 | $337,000 |
| Massachusetts | $201.50 | $403,000 |
| Michigan | $162.50 | $325,000 |
| Minnesota | $176.50 | $353,000 |
| Mississippi | $143.50 | $287,000 |
| Missouri | $170.50 | $341,000 |
| Montana | $167.50 | $335,000 |
| Nebraska | $166.00 | $332,000 |
| Nevada | $163.00 | $326,000 |
| New Hampshire | $180.50 | $361,000 |
| New Jersey | $193.50 | $387,000 |
| New Mexico | $157.00 | $314,000 |
| New York | $186.00 | $372,000 |
| North Carolina | $148.50 | $297,000 |
| North Dakota | $170.00 | $340,000 |
| Ohio | $166.50 | $333,000 |
| Oklahoma | $150.00 | $300,000 |
| Oregon | $169.00 | $338,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $169.50 | $339,000 |
| Rhode Island | $186.00 | $372,000 |
| South Carolina | $150.50 | $301,000 |
| South Dakota | $150.50 | $301,000 |
| Tennessee | $151.00 | $302,000 |
| Texas | $154.50 | $309,000 |
| Utah | $169.00 | $338,000 |
| Vermont | $161.00 | $322,000 |
| Virginia | $155.50 | $311,000 |
| Washington | $181.50 | $363,000 |
| West Virginia | $152.00 | $304,000 |
| Wisconsin | $167.50 | $335,000 |
| Wyoming | $164.50 | $329,000 |
What is the cheapest state to build a house in?
Mississippi is the cheapest state to build a house, at about $143.50 per sq ft or $287,000 for 2,000 sq ft. Arkansas ($288,000), Alabama ($291,000), Louisiana ($296,000), Florida and North Carolina ($297,000 each) complete the six cheapest. These states share lower wages in the building trades, abundant land and fewer energy-code requirements than the Northeast and West Coast.
What is the most expensive state to build a house in?
Hawaii is the most expensive state to build a house, at about $215.50 per sq ft or $431,000 for 2,000 sq ft, because nearly all materials are shipped in. Massachusetts ($403,000), New Jersey ($387,000), Illinois ($380,000), New York and Rhode Island ($372,000 each) follow.
Why does the cost to build a house vary by state?
The cost to build a house varies by state for five main reasons:
- Labor rates. Wages for framers, electricians and plumbers are much higher in high-cost metros.
- Building codes. Hurricane, seismic, snow-load and energy codes add structure and insulation in some states.
- Material delivery. Remote states such as Hawaii and Alaska pay more to ship lumber and fixtures.
- Permit and impact fees. Fast-growing counties charge more to fund roads, schools and water.
- Climate. Cold states need deeper foundations below the frost line and bigger heating systems.
Does the cost vary within a state?
Yes. Costs inside a state can differ as much as costs between states. Building in a major metro such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver or Boston usually costs well above the state average, while rural counties in the same state often cost less. Each state guide covers the main differences.
What is not included in these state figures?
These figures cover construction of the house only. Add land (see land prices), permits and impact fees, utility connections and, on rural lots, a well and septic system. The full list is in the construction cost breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to build in the South?
Yes. Nine of the ten cheapest states to build in are in the South, led by Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama. South Dakota is the only exception.
How much does it cost to build a house in Texas?
About $309,000 for a 2,000 sq ft standard home, or $154.50 per sq ft. See cost to build a house in Texas.
How much does it cost to build a house in California?
About $363,000 for 2,000 sq ft, or $181.50 per sq ft, with major metros costing much more. See cost to build a house in California.
Sources
- NAHB: Cost of Constructing a Home in 2024 (stage-by-stage cost shares, survey published January 2025)
- Pennsylvania Association of Realtors: summary of NAHB 2024 cost figures (dollar amounts per stage)
- Autodesk: How much does it cost to build a house in 2026? (state totals for a 2,000 sq ft home, based on Today’s Homeowner data)
- NAHB: New single-family home size trends, Q3 2025 (U.S. Census Bureau data)
- NAHB: Single-family homes are built faster in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau Survey of Construction)
- Redfin: How much does it cost to build a house in 2026?