LOCAL GUIDES
Construction Cost by State in 2026 (Full Index)
The 2026 construction cost index by US state: which states are most and least expensive, how much each project type varies and how to adjust your estimate.
The same kitchen remodel can cost 50% more in Hawaii than in Mississippi. Construction prices vary by state because of labor rates, permits, transportation and building codes. This guide gives you the real 2026 index and the state variation for the most quoted projects.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Construction cost by state 2026
The 2026 US construction cost index (national = 100) puts Hawaii at 155, Alaska 145, New York 140 and California 135 as most expensive; Mississippi 85, Arkansas 87 and West Virginia 88 as cheapest. Adjust any estimate: national × (index ÷ 100).
The 2026 construction cost index
The national average construction cost index is 100. Hawaii sits at 155 (55% above average), Alaska 145, New York 140, California 135, Massachusetts 132, New Jersey 130, Connecticut 128, Washington 125, Maryland 122 and Rhode Island 120. On the other end, Mississippi is 85 (15% below), Arkansas 87, West Virginia 88, Alabama 88, South Carolina 90, Louisiana 90, Kentucky 90, Tennessee 92, Oklahoma 92 and Kansas 93.
Nineteen states price 10% or more above the national average and eighteen price 5% or more below. Use the index to adjust any national estimate: a $10,000 national average job costs about $13,500 in California (index 135) and about $8,500 in Mississippi (index 85).
- Most expensive: HI 155, AK 145, NY 140, CA 135, MA 132, NJ 130, CT 128, WA 125, MD 122, RI 120
- Least expensive: MS 85, AR 87, WV 88, AL 88, SC 90, LA 90, KY 90, TN 92, OK 92, KS 93
- Index 135 ≈ +35%; index 85 ≈ -15% vs national
- Adjust estimate: national × (index ÷ 100)
How each project varies by state
Kitchen remodels average $48,000 nationally (typical $22,500-$90,000), with the West about 19% above and the Southeast about 12% below. Roof replacements average $10,000-$16,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home: California runs $16k-$22k and Texas $8.5k-$12k — the same roof can cost about 2x more in California than Texas.
New home builds average $150-$250 per sq ft (NAHB $162): Hawaii $230+, California $225-$500+, and Mississippi $154. Bathrooms average $17,880 nationally. Decks average $8,700. Vinyl siding averages $12,000. Flooring averages $4,100. Fences average $6,240 for 200 ft. Interior painting averages $2,000-$4,000. Full HVAC systems run $7,500-$15,500.
- Kitchen: $48k national; West +19%, Southeast -12%
- Roof: $10k-$16k; CA $16k-$22k, TX $8.5k-$12k
- New build: $150-$250/sq ft; HI $230+, MS $154
- Bathroom: $17,880 avg; West +21%, Southeast -13%
- Deck $8.7k · Siding $12k · Flooring $4.1k · Fence $6.2k · Paint $2-4k · HVAC $7.5k-$15.5k
How to use the index in an estimate
Start with a national estimate for your project, then multiply by (state index ÷ 100) for a first-pass local price. Labor is 90% of the state variance on equipment-heavy work like HVAC; materials are mostly national. For precision, apply the index to the labor portion and keep materials at national prices.
- Local estimate = national estimate × (index ÷ 100)
- Apply the index to labor first; materials are mostly national
- City-level costs within a state can still vary 10-15%