Cost per Square Foot Calculator
Compute total project cost from price-per-sq-ft, or derive price-per-sq-ft from a bid. Great for renovations, real estate comparisons, and construction budgeting.
Last updated:Two-Way Calculator
How to Use the Cost per Sq Ft Calculator
- Enter the area (sq ft) and the price per sq ft — we compute the total project cost.
- Or enter the total cost — we work out the implied price per sq ft for you.
- Use this to compare two renovation bids that quote the same job differently.
Typical Cost per Square Foot (2026, USD)
| Project | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New construction (home) | $150 | $250 | $450+ |
| Home addition | $180 | $300 | $500 |
| Kitchen remodel | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Bathroom remodel | $100 | $200 | $400 |
| Finished basement | $30 | $60 | $100 |
| Garage build | $40 | $75 | $120 |
| Roofing replacement | $4 | $7 | $15 |
| Interior painting | $1 | $3 | $6 |
Why Cost per Sq Ft Is Useful
Cost per sq ft normalizes construction bids so you can compare jobs of different sizes. It's also the fastest check on real estate listings:
- Two homes of similar style and location should have similar $/sq ft.
- A much higher price per sq ft usually means upgraded finishes.
- A much lower price per sq ft may signal deferred maintenance or poor location.
Limitations of the Metric
Cost per sq ft oversimplifies. A 3,000 sq ft home with cheap finishes can cost less overall than a 1,500 sq ft home with premium everything. Use this metric as a starting point for comparison, not a final answer.
How Cost per Sq Ft Varies by Market
| Region | New construction (USD/sq ft) | Remodel (USD/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco / New York | $400 – $600 | $350 – $600 |
| Seattle / Boston / DC | $300 – $450 | $250 – $450 |
| Midwest metros | $180 – $280 | $120 – $250 |
| Sun Belt suburbs | $160 – $250 | $100 – $220 |
| Rural regions | $140 – $200 | $80 – $180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good price per sq ft for new construction in 2026?
Nationwide average is about $250/sq ft for a mid-range home. Urban high-cost markets run $400+/sq ft; low-cost regions are under $180/sq ft.
How do I calculate price per sq ft from a listing?
Divide the asking price by the listed finished square footage. $600,000 ÷ 2,000 sq ft = $300/sq ft. Use the tool above for quick comparisons.
Does price per sq ft include the lot?
In real estate listings, yes — the metric bundles house and lot. In construction bids it usually covers the building only.
How do I compare two renovation bids using cost per sq ft?
Divide each bid by the scope in sq ft. If one is $200/sq ft and another $250, the higher bid needs to show 25% more value in materials, scope, or finish quality.
What cost per sq ft should I budget for a kitchen remodel?
$100–$500/sq ft depending on finish level. A typical mid-range remodel is $200–$300/sq ft of kitchen floor area.
Does cost per sq ft include labor?
For installed costs yes. Many materials are also quoted material-only per sq ft, with labor quoted separately per hour or per room.
Why is cost per sq ft lower in larger homes?
Fixed costs like permits, kitchens, and mechanical systems are spread over more floor area, so each additional 1,000 sq ft is cheaper than the first.