How much do major home improvements cost across the United States? This index compares mid-range planning estimates for 8 project categories across 10 of the most populated U.S. states — updated for 2026.
Top-level takeaways from the 2026 U.S. Home Project Cost Index.
The combined mid-range estimate for all 8 major home projects at the national average level.
California costs run approximately 20% above the national average — the highest among the 10 states tracked.
Ohio costs run approximately 5% below the national average — the most affordable among tracked states.
The full project bundle in California costs $29,625 more than in Ohio.
Roof, HVAC, bathroom, kitchen, window, flooring, painting, and siding — the most common major home improvement projects.
How each state's overall cost level compares to the national average (1.00). Values above 1.00 indicate higher-than-average costs; below 1.00 means lower.
Mid-range planning estimates for each project in each state. All values are based on national base costs adjusted by each state's regional cost factor.
| State | Roof Replacement | HVAC Replacement | Bathroom Remodel | Kitchen Remodel | Window Replacement | Flooring Installation | House Painting | Siding Replacement | Total Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA California | $19,200 | $12,600 | $18,000 | $42,000 | $14,400 | $12,000 | $9,600 | $14,400 | $142,200 |
| NY New York | $18,880 | $12,390 | $17,700 | $41,300 | $14,160 | $11,800 | $9,440 | $14,160 | $139,830 |
| FL Florida | $17,920 | $11,760 | $16,800 | $39,200 | $13,440 | $11,200 | $8,960 | $13,440 | $132,720 |
| IL Illinois | $17,280 | $11,340 | $16,200 | $37,800 | $12,960 | $10,800 | $8,640 | $12,960 | $127,980 |
| PA Pennsylvania | $16,800 | $11,025 | $15,750 | $36,750 | $12,600 | $10,500 | $8,400 | $12,600 | $124,425 |
| NC North Carolina | $16,160 | $10,605 | $15,150 | $35,350 | $12,120 | $10,100 | $8,080 | $12,120 | $119,685 |
| AZ Arizona | $15,840 | $10,395 | $14,850 | $34,650 | $11,880 | $9,900 | $7,920 | $11,880 | $117,315 |
| TX Texas | $15,680 | $10,290 | $14,700 | $34,300 | $11,760 | $9,800 | $7,840 | $11,760 | $116,130 |
| GA Georgia | $15,520 | $10,185 | $14,550 | $33,950 | $11,640 | $9,700 | $7,760 | $11,640 | $114,945 |
| OH Ohio | $15,200 | $9,975 | $14,250 | $33,250 | $11,400 | $9,500 | $7,600 | $11,400 | $112,575 |
| US National Avg | $16,000 | $10,500 | $15,000 | $35,000 | $12,000 | $10,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 | $118,500 |
The same home improvement project can cost 20–35% more in one state than another. The main drivers behind these differences include:
For a deeper explanation, see our guide on why contractor quotes vary.
Estimates in this index are based on national mid-range base costs for each project category, adjusted by state-level cost factors derived from regional labor rates, material pricing, permit fee structures, and market demand indicators.
These are planning-level estimates, not contractor quotes. Actual project costs will vary based on specific scope, materials, home condition, and local contractor pricing.
For full details, see our Methodology page.
Journalists, researchers, real estate professionals, and content creators are welcome to cite data from this index with proper attribution.
Each estimate starts with a national mid-range base cost for the project category. State-level adjustments are applied using regional cost factors that account for local labor rates, material costs, permit fees, and market demand. See our methodology page for full details.
Both states have above-average labor rates, stricter building codes, higher permit costs, and greater demand for contractors — all of which push project costs above the national average.
No. These are planning-level estimates designed to help homeowners understand relative cost differences between states and project types. Actual contractor quotes will vary based on specific project details, materials, and local conditions.
We review and update the U.S. Home Project Cost Index periodically as material costs, labor rates, and regional market conditions change. The current data reflects estimates for 2026.
Yes. Journalists, researchers, and content creators are welcome to cite this data with attribution to Home Project Cost Guide. See the citation format at the bottom of this page.