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Idaho vs Washington

Side-by-side construction cost comparison for 2026. Building a 2,000 sq ft home in Idaho saves approximately $98,000.

More affordable for new construction

Idaho

$173/sq ft vs $222/sq ft — saves $98,000 on a 2,000 sq ft build

MetricIdahoWashington
2026 $/sq ft$173 ✓$222
1,500 sq ft$259,500 ✓$333,000
2,000 sq ft$346,000 ✓$444,000
2,500 sq ft$432,500 ✓$555,000
Labor Index0.88 ✓1.20
Material Index0.96 ✓1.16
Avg Permit Cost$2,000 ✓$4,500
Median Home Price$412,000 ✓$598,000
Home Price YoY+2.5% +2.8%
ClimateSemi-arid continental Marine/Semi-arid

Idaho Notes

  • ›Rapid growth in Boise area
  • ›Cold winters require heavy insulation
  • ›Seismic zone in some regions
Full Idaho guide →

Washington Notes

  • ›High costs in Seattle metro
  • ›Cascadia Subduction Zone seismic requirements
  • ›Strict energy code
  • ›Wet climate moisture management critical
  • ›Strong union presence
Full Washington guide →

Cost by Home Size

SizeIdahoWashingtonDifference
500 sq ft$86,500$111,000Idaho saves $24,500
1,000 sq ft$173,000$222,000Idaho saves $49,000
1,500 sq ft$259,500$333,000Idaho saves $73,500
2,000 sq ft$346,000$444,000Idaho saves $98,000
2,500 sq ft$432,500$555,000Idaho saves $122,500
3,000 sq ft$519,000$666,000Idaho saves $147,000
4,000 sq ft$692,000$888,000Idaho saves $196,000
5,000 sq ft$865,000$1,110,000Idaho saves $245,000