Building your own house is a great way to get the exact home that you want. But because most builders charge by the square foot, you may be wondering just how much house you can expect to afford. The cost of construction varies based on where you live, so follow along as we explore the cost per square foot in your zip code.
If you are thinking about building your own home, you probably have a lot of questions. There is a ton of information and research to be done before even getting started on a plan. The first thing you really need to know though is how much it is going to cost you.
The price per square foot to build a house varies by state and zip code. For example, in some areas, you can build a home for about $100 per square foot while in other areas it may cost you more than $200 per square foot.
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But, before diving into the cost to build a home in your area, you should read about how long it takes to build a house. If you’re on a budget, we wrote a guide about the cheapest types of houses to build to help you save money and how you can build a nice house for under $200K!
Factors to Consider Before Building a House
The factors that go into this include how much a general contractor charges as well as all the other expenses. If you are planning to build it yourself, you should still have a contractor because there is just too much to manage on your own. You will need someone who knows the best workers including electricians, plumbers, and builders to name a few.
The actual cost per square foot can be tricky because there are so many variables. It will depend on your priorities; your location, codes in your city, your intended curb appeal, and other features that are important to you. For example, a family with 6 children will need a different build than a retired couple. Also, consider things like if you need a garage built, and which type of home (and size) you’re going for.
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You will also need to consider the land you are building the house on. Like the neighborhood and neighbors as well as the condition of the land. The zoning laws will also need to be addressed first. Consider taxes, property insurance, and other annual expenses.
Here are the major concerns to consider:
- Hiring the right contractor for your job (check references and background first)
- Checking out the land first for any drainage issues, soil problems, and zoning laws
- If you have neighbors, check them out a little before you start building next to them
- Consider the location in the future (like whether there any plans in place for future commercial building nearby)
- Even though you are just now building, always consider the resale value of everything you do
Building Costs & Pricing Per Square Foot
State | Cost Range | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
Alabama | $90.16 to $136.67 | $113.42 |
Alaska | $131.44 to $195.16 | $163.30 |
Arizona | $99.04 to $147.05 | $123.05 |
Arkansas | $95.12 to $134.93 | $115.03 |
California | $132.35 to $198.96 | $165.66 |
Colorado | $107.62 to $163.58 | $135.60 |
Connecticut | $127.55 to $216.79 | $172.17 |
Delaware | $101.44 to $150.61 | $126.03 |
District of Columbia | $138.71 to $205.96 | $172.34 |
Florida | $101.91 to $157.89 | $129.90 |
Georgia | $94.83 to $138.48 | $116.66 |
Hawaii | $164.06 to $243.60 | $203.83 |
Idaho | $93.43 to $138.73 | $116.08 |
Illinois | $103.10 to $162.72 | $132.91 |
Indiana | $92.16 to $136.83 | $114.50 |
Iowa | $92.62 to $137.52 | $115.07 |
Kansas | $91.41 to $135.73 | $113.57 |
Kentucky | $96.98 to $141.85 | $119.42 |
Louisiana | $95.37 to $141.60 | $118.49 |
Maine | $115.35 to $171.27 | $143.31 |
Maryland | $126.46 to $187.77 | $157.12 |
Massachusetts | $120.47 to $185.40 | $152.94 |
Michigan | $89.51 to $137.74 | $113.63 |
Minnesota | $99.70 to $148.04 | $123.87 |
Mississippi | $91.39 to $135.69 | $113.54 |
Missouri | $91.82 to $135.59 | $113.46 |
Montana | $98.97 to $146.95 | $122.96 |
Nebraska | $88.96 to $132.09 | $110.53 |
Nevada | $99.46 to $147.69 | $123.58 |
New Hampshire | $115.32 to $171.36 | $143.34 |
New Mexico | $99.53 to $147.79 | $123.66 |
New York | $134.67 to $205.34 | $165.01 |
North Carolina | $94.81 to $140.77 | $117.79 |
North Dakota | $95.02 to $141.08 | $118.05 |
Ohio | $92.81 to $137.80 | $115.31 |
Oklahoma | $89.23 to $132.50 | $110.87 |
Oregon | $109.41 to $162.45 | $135.93 |
Pennsylvania | $101.36 to $152.94 | $127.15 |
Rhode Island | $122.08 to $181.26 | $151.67 |
South Carolina | $96.38 to $145.40 | $120.89 |
South Dakota | $93.17 to $138.34 | $115.76 |
Tennessee | $88.59 to $131.54 | $110.07 |
Texas | $91.56 to $134.39 | $112.98 |
Utah | $96.24 to $142.89 | $119.57 |
Vermont | $119.31 to $177.15 | $148.23 |
Virginia | $109.01 to $165.42 | $137.22 |
Washington | $102.33 to $151.95 | $127.14 |
West Virginia | $92.57 to $137.45 | $115.01 |
Wisconsin | $95.68 to $142.06 | $118.87 |
Wyoming | $97.78 to $145.18 | $121.48 |
Cost to Build a House in Major Cities
The cost of building a home in these averages include the building materials, basic finishes, pulling permits, and cleanup of the site. These costs do not include complex architectural designs, furniture, landscaping, appliances, complex foundations, high-end finishes, building plans, or land.
Alabama
Known as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama is the 24th most populated state in America with almost five million people living there. Here are the average costs to build a home in the top cities of Alabama:
- Anniston $112.19 per square foot
- Auburn $121.66 per square foot
- Birmingham $111.70 per square foot
- Decatur $109.73 per square foot
- Huntsville $112.19 per square foot
- Montgomery $116.02 per square foot
- Tuscaloosa $116.37 per square foot
Alaska
Located between the Yukon territory and British Columbia, Alaska has a total population of over 710,000. The average cost to build a home in the four major cities are:
- Anchorage $157.95 per square foot
- Fairbanks $169.02 per square foot
- Juneau $167.91 per square foot
- Kodiak $158.32 per square foot
Arizona
Between California and New Mexico, Arizona has a population of more than 7.3 million people. The average cost to build a home in some of the top cities include:
- Chandler $119.08 per square foot
- Flagstaff $141.34 per square foot
- Mesa $117.28 per square foot
- Phoenix $119.08 per square foot
- Tempe $120.67 per square foot
- Tucson $118.70 per square foot
- Yuma $124.49 per square foot
Arkansas
This southern state sits between Missouri to the north, Tennessee to the east, Louisiana to the south, and Oklahoma to the west. There are over 3 million residents and the costs to build a home in each of the most populous cities are:
- Fayetteville $127.90 per square foot
- Fort Smith $105.92 per square foot
- Hot Springs $115.39 per square foot
- Jonesboro $109.36 per square foot
- Little Rock $112.62 per square foot
- Marion $108.50 per square foot
California
Nicknamed the Golden State, California is a popular place to reside with almost 40 million residents. There are a lot of major cities in California so we will cover more of them than the other states. These include:
- Anaheim $163.51 per square foot
- Bakersfield $127.20 per square foot
- Berkeley $168.14 per square foot
- Burbank $163.51 per square foot
- Fremont $168.14 per square foot
- Fresno $144.29 per square foot
- Los Angeles $163.51 per square foot
- Oakland $168.14 per square foot
- Palm Springs $147.28 per square foot
- Pasadena $163.51 per square foot
- Riverside $147.28 per square foot
- Sacramento $151.84 per square foot
- San Bernardino $182.30 per square foot
- San Diego $176.95 per square foot
- San Francisco $168.14
- San Jose $ 176.52 per square foot
- Ventura $178.85 per square foot
Colorado
Known for its beautiful Rocky Mountains, almost 6 million people live in Colorado. The costs to build a home in one of the top cities include:
- Aurora $147.20 per square foot
- Colorado Springs $114.16 per square foot
- Denver $147.20 per square foot
- Grand Junction $120.92 per square foot
- Loveland $119.88 per square foot
- Pueblo $105.30 per square foot
Connecticut
As the southernmost state in New England, Connecticut boasts over 3.5 million residents. If you want to build a house in one of their top cities, the average cost will be:
- Bridgeport $191.31 per square foot
- Hartford $149.83 per square foot
- New Haven $154.63 per square foot
- Stamford $191.31 per square foot
- Waterbury $154.63 per square foot
Delaware
Another tiny New England state, Delaware is the second smallest state in America and has a population of almost one million people. The average cost to build a home in their popular cities are:
- Dover $122.64 per square foot
- New Castle $129.48 per square foot
- Wilmington $153.34 per square foot
Florida
One of the most popular vacation spots in the United States, Florida has well over 21 million residents. To build a home in one of their top cities, you will pay about:
- Fort Lauderdale $138.34 per square foot
- Fort Meyers $119.81 per square foot
- Jacksonville $114.28 per square foot
- Miami $138.34 per square foot
- Orlando $120.93 per square foot
- Pompano Beach $138.34 per square foot
- Port Saint Lucie $117.85 per square foot
- Tampa $112.81 per square foot
Georgia
The southeastern state of Georgia is known for its peaches and has a population of more than 10.6 million. Building a house in one of the most popular cities will cost you approximately:
- Albany $110.84 per square foot
- Atlanta $127.24 per square foot
- Augusta $114.40 per square foot
- Savannah $115.01 per square foot
Hawaii
Hawaii is a tropical island state off the coast of the United States in the Pacific Ocean. The average costs to build a home in one of their top cities are:
- Honolulu $203.83 per square foot
- Kailua $167.35 per square foot
- Wailuku $177.65 per square foot
Idaho
Found on the Canadian border, Idaho is a popular state with almost 1.8 million residents. Building a home in one of their most popular cities will cost you about:
- Boise $124.24 per square foot
- Idaho Falls $111.45 per square foot
- Twin Falls $112.55 per square foot
Illinois
Illinois has a huge population of over 12.6 million people and is the sixth most populated state in America. The average cost to build a house in these top cities are:
- Chicago $162.52 per square foot
- Joliet $161.53 per square foot
- Peoria $118.46 per square foot
- Quincy $117.47 per square foot
- Springfield $105.54 per square foot
Indiana
Known as the Hoosier State, Indiana boasts almost 7 million residents. Building a home in one of these popular cities costs about:
- Evansville $118.34 per square foot
- Fort Wayne $116.13 per square foot
- Indianapolis $107.27 per square foot
- Muncie $111.94 per square foot
- South Bend $113.05 per square foot
Iowa
Surrounded by Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin, the state of Iowa is the 30th most populous state with about 3.2 million people living there. The cost to build a home in some of their major cities average about:
- Burlington $119.32 per square foot
- Cedar Rapids $113.17 per square foot
- Davenport $119.08 per square foot
- Des Moines $111.82 per square foot
- Dubuque $117.97 per square foot
- Waterloo $112.80 per square foot
Kansas
Located in the middle of the United States, Kansas is a popular state with almost 3 million residents. Building a home in one of these top cities will cost about:
- Garden City $110.34 per square foot
- Kansas City $118.19 per square foot
- Olathe $117.39 per square foot
- Overland Park $118.19 per square foot
- Salina $106.90 per square foot
- Topeka $112.93 per square foot
- Wichita $110.71 per square foot
Kentucky
With a population of 4.5 million people, Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State and is one of the 26th most populated in the United States. The cost to build a home in one of their major cities is about:
- Bowling Green $111.57 per square foot
- Covington $113.58 per square foot
- Lexington $114.16 per square foot
- Louisville $107.88 per square foot
- Paducah $107.39 per square foot
Louisiana
This southern state in the heart of the bayou has almost 5 million residents. Building a home in one of their most popular cities will cost about:
- Alexandria $116.99 per square foot
- Baton Rouge $118.22 per square foot
- Lafayette $120.80 per square foot
- Lake Charles $119.82 per square foot
- New Orleans $121.29 per square foot
- Shreveport $117.23 per square foot
Maine
As the most northeastern state in America, Maine is known for its coastline and is bordered by the Canadian cities of Quebec and New Brunswick. The population is over 1.3 million people. To build a house in one of the major cities you will pay about:
- Augusta $128.58 per square foot
- Bangor $143.31 per square foot
- Portland $144.54 per square foot
Maryland
Known as the Old Line State, this northeastern state has a population of just over 6 million. The cost to build a home in one of Maryland’s most popular cities is about:
- Baltimore $146.88 per square foot
- Bethesda $168.17 per square foot
- Frederick $159.70 per square foot
- Gaithersburg $165.16 per square foot
Massachusetts
Nicknamed the Pilgrim State, Massachusetts is most well-known for its capital city of Boston. Located in the northeast on the coastline, there are almost 7 million residents in the state. Building a house in one of their cities will cost approximately:
- Boston $162.45 per square foot
- Cambridge $161.32 per square foot
- Framingham $162.45 per square foot
- Springfield $161.88 per square foot
- Worcester $136.75 per square foot
Michigan
The Great Lakes State is known for Lake Michigan and Detroit. The northern state boasts a population of more than 9.8 million residents. The cost to build a home in one of the top cities is about:
- Ann Arbor $109.87 per square foot
- Detroit $116.29 per square foot
- Flint $114.53 per square foot
- Grand Rapids $111.57 per square foot
- Kalamazoo $112.19 per square foot
- Lansing $115.76 per square foot
Minnesota
The state of Minnesota has a population of well over 5.6 million people and is known to be the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The cost to build in one of their cities is about:
- Minneapolis $135.93 per square foot
- Rochester $122.03 per square foot
- Saint Cloud $130.24 per square foot
- Saint Paul $135.93 per square foot
Mississippi
Located in the deep south between Louisiana and Alabama, Mississippi has almost 3 million residents. To build a house in one of the top cities, it will be about:
- Hattiesburg $113.05 per square foot
- Jackson $119.20 per square foot
- Tupelo $108.38 per square foot
Missouri
Known for the 630-foot Gateway Arch, Missouri is in the middle of the United States and boasts over 6.1 million residents. The cost for building a home in one of the top cities in Missouri will be about:
- Jefferson City $114.28 per square foot
- Joplin $109.23 per square foot
- Kansas City $118.19 per square foot
- Saint Louis $111.21 per square foot
- Springfield $108.25 per square foot
Montana
Another state sharing the Rocky Mountains, Montana is also known as Big Sky Country and has over 1 million people living there. To build a house in one of the major cities there, you will need about:
- Billings $122.52 per square foot
- Eureka $121.34 per square foot
- Missoula $122.28 per square foot
Nebraska
Nicknamed the Cornhusker State, Nebraska is a popular state with almost 2 million residents. The cost to build a house in one of their popular cities would be about:
- Hastings $114.90 per square foot
- Lincoln $109.97 per square foot
- Omaha $108.62 per square foot
Nevada
You may know Nevada for its popular gambling city of Las Vegas, but they are also known for their history in the Civil War. The population is just over 3 million and building a home there would cost you about:
- Carson City $123.94 per square foot
- Henderson $123.05 per square foot
- Las Vegas $126.74 per square foot
- Reno $124.37 per square foot
New Hampshire
Bordered by Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, this New England state boasts over 1.3 million residents. The cost to build a house in one of these cities is about:
- Concord $143.00 per square foot
- Derry $142.96 per square foot
- Manchester $143.68 per square foot
New Jersey
Found in the northeastern corner of the United States, New Jersey has a population of almost 9 million, making it the 11th most populated state. Building a home in one of their top cities averages:
- Jersey City $180.28 per square foot
- Newark $181.35 per square foot
- Williamstown $153.24 per square foot
New Mexico
Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is popular with over 2 million residents. The average cost to build a house in one of their major cities would be:
- Albuquerque $126.25 per square foot
- Carlsbad $117.36 per square foot
- Las Cruces $123.75 per square foot
- Los Alamos $134.94 per square foot
- Roswell $117.97 per square foot
New York
One of the most well-known states in America, New York was one of the original 13 colonies and has almost 20 million residents. Building in one of their cities will cost about:
- Albany $132.98 per square foot
- Brooklyn $180.28 per square foot
- Buffalo $117.85 per square foot
- New York $180.28 per square foot
- Rochester $123.01 per square foot
- Syracuse $124.86 per square foot
North Carolina
With an estimated population of over 2.5 million, North Carolina is the 9th most populated state. To build a home in one of their top cities, you will need about:
- Charlotte $114.65 per square foot
- Durham $128.92 per square foot
- Fayetteville $117.11 per square foot
- Lexington $109.73 per square foot
- Raleigh $117.60 per square foot
- Wilmington $121.54 per square foot
North Dakota
In the middle of the northernmost section in the United States, North Dakota is sparsely populated with only about 762 million residents. To build a house in one of these cities, it costs approximately:
- Bismarck $117.23 per square foot
- Fargo $114.03 per square foot
- Minot $122.89 per square foot
Ohio
Also known as the Buckeye State, Ohio is the seventh most populated state with almost 12 million residents. The cost to build in one of the top cities in Ohio is approximately:
- Akron $123.01 per square foot
- Cincinnati $113.58 per square foot
- Cleveland $124.24 per square foot
- Columbus $113.17 per square foot
- Dayton $114.90 per square foot
- Toledo $115.63 per square foot
Oklahoma
This state sits atop of Texas and is known for its mountains, mesas, and prairies. The population is close to 4 million and the cost to build in one of the top cities is about:
- Enid $115.24 per square foot
- Norman $113.87 per square foot
- Oklahoma City $110.38 per square foot
- Tulsa $108.74 per square foot
Oregon
In the northwestern corner of the country to the south of Washington, Oregon has a large population of over 4.2 million. To build a home in one of their cities you will need about:
- Eugene $135.07 per square foot
- Portland $126.77 per square foot
- Salem $135.81 per square foot
Pennsylvania
Also known as the Quaker State, Pennsylvania is one of the most populated states with almost 13 million residents. Building a house in one of the cities in Pennsylvania will cost approximately:
- Erie $140.40
- Harrisburg $122.64
- Philadelphia $153.34
- Pittsburgh $112.55
Rhode Island
As the smallest state in the country, it is also the second most populated with over 1 million residents. The average cost to build a home in one of these top cities is:
- Providence $151.67 per square foot
- Newport $150.86 per square foot
- Warwick $149.93 per square foot
South Carolina
Located in the deep southeast, South Carolina is called the Palmetto State and has a large population of over 5.1 million. Building a house in one of South Carolina’s major cities would be about:
- Charleston $114.65 per square foot
- Lancaster $117.50 per square foot
- Myrtle Beach $121.06 per square foot
South Dakota
The home of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is the 5th least densely populated state with only about 885 thousand residents. The cost to build a house in one of the top cities is approximately:
- Rapid City $115.76 per square foot
- Sturgis $113.89 per square foot
- Sioux Falls $116.85 per square foot
Tennessee
The country music center of the country, Tennessee is also home to the Appalachian Mountains and boasts a population of about 6.8 million. To build a home here, you will need about:
- Chattanooga $112.07 per square foot
- Jackson $110.96 per square foot
- Knoxville $109.97 per square foot
- Memphis $108.50 per square foot
- Nashville $108.93 per square foot
Texas
Also known as the Lone Star State, Texas is the second largest state by size and population with just about 29 million residents. The average cost to build a home in one of the top cities in Texas is:
- Amarillo $110.09 per square foot
- Arlington $116.25 per square foot
- Dallas $116.54 per square foot
- El Paso $111.21 per square foot
- Fort Worth $116.37 per square foot
- Houston $112.65 per square foot
- San Antonio $114.65 per square foot
Utah
Surrounded by Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada, Utah is known as the Mormon State and has approximately 3.2 million residents. To build your home in one of these cities you will need about:
- Cedar City $109.11 per square foot
- Logan $117.60 per square foot
- Saint George $117.97 per square foot
- Salt Lake City $126.58 per square foot
Vermont
Also known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont is known for their maple syrup and over 623 thousand people live there. Building a house in one of these top cities will cost you about:
- Burlington $148.23 per square foot
- Montpelier $144.58 per square foot
- Woodstock $147.44 per square foot
Virginia
The Old Dominion state and the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia is popular with over 8.5 million residents. The average cost to build your house in one of the cities in Virginia would be:
- Chesapeake $139.74 per square foot
- Norfolk $140.25 per square foot
- Richmond $156.53 per square foot
- Virginia Beach $139.74 per square foot
Washington
Named after George Washington, this historic state in the northwesternmost corner of the country has more than 7.6 million people. Building your home there will cost approximately:
- Seattle $141.74 per square foot
- Spokane $151.51 per square foot
- Tacoma $140.85 per square foot
West Virginia
Also known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to the rolling mountains and boasts approximately 1.8 million residents. The average cost of building a house in one of their top cities is:
- Charleston $114.03 per square foot
- Clarksburg $116.86 per square foot
- Martinsburg $110.22 per square foot
- Morgantown $123.75 per square foot
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Wisconsin
Nicknamed America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is known for its cheese and lakes. And with almost 6 million residents, it is the 20th most populated state in the country. To build your home in one of these cities, you will need about:
- Green Bay $116.99 per square foot
- Madison $119.82 per square foot
- Sheboygan $124.74 per square foot
Wyoming
The Rocky Mountains and high prairies makes Wyoming well-known as a natural paradise. They have a population of about 579 thousand, making it one of the least populated states in the country. Building your house in one of their top cities will cost approximately:
- Cheyenne $123.63 per square foot
- Jackson $119.32 per square foot
- Laramie $121.48 per square foot