Building a House costs, by state and province

Typical costs for building a house per new construction. Square footage, land cost, and finish level are the biggest drivers. Open a market below for a local estimate.

Building a house in the US or Canada costs $150 to $400 per square foot for basic to mid-range finishes. A 2,000-square-foot home could total $300,000 to $800,000. Land purchase, site prep, and permits add 15-25% to the base cost.

What Drives the Price Per Square Foot

Builder grade homes average $150 to $200 per square foot, while custom designs with premium materials run $300 to $500 per square foot. Location plays a major role: rural areas may be $120/sq. ft., urban lots $250/sq. ft.

Lot and Site Preparation Costs

A building lot costs $30,000 to $150,000 depending on region. Site prep—clearing, grading, utilities—adds $10,000 to $50,000. Septic systems in rural areas can cost $5,000 to $15,000.

How to Manage Your Construction Budget

Set aside a 10-20% contingency for unforeseen expenses. Get fixed-price bids from contractors for each phase. For a $500,000 home, a typical contingency is $50,000 to $100,000.

Typical Building a House prices
ItemTypical range
Cost Per Square Foot (Basic)$150 - $200
Cost Per Square Foot (Custom)$300 - $500
Typical Land Purchase$30,000 - $150,000
Contingency Fund$50,000 - $100,000

Every market for building a house costs

383 markets have a page, each with a typical range where we have one and plain guidance on what moves the price.

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