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Maryland vs District of Columbia

Side-by-side construction cost comparison for 2026. Building a 2,000 sq ft home in Maryland saves approximately $138,000.

More affordable for new construction

Maryland

$222/sq ft vs $291/sq ft — saves $138,000 on a 2,000 sq ft build

MetricMarylandDistrict of Columbia
2026 $/sq ft$222 ✓$291
1,500 sq ft$333,000 ✓$436,500
2,000 sq ft$444,000 ✓$582,000
2,500 sq ft$555,000 ✓$727,500
Labor Index1.20 ✓1.58
Material Index1.16 ✓1.52
Avg Permit Cost$4,000 ✓$9,000
Median Home Price$425,000 ✓$688,000
Home Price YoY+3.8% +2.1%
ClimateHumid subtropical Humid subtropical

Maryland Notes

  • ›High cost DC metro area
  • ›Chesapeake Bay critical area regulations
  • ›Diverse terrain from mountains to coast
Full Maryland guide →

District of Columbia Notes

  • ›Extremely high costs
  • ›Dense urban environment
  • ›Historic preservation requirements extensive
  • ›Height restrictions (Height Act)
  • ›Very high permit and inspection fees
Full District of Columbia guide →

Cost by Home Size

SizeMarylandDistrict of ColumbiaDifference
500 sq ft$111,000$145,500Maryland saves $34,500
1,000 sq ft$222,000$291,000Maryland saves $69,000
1,500 sq ft$333,000$436,500Maryland saves $103,500
2,000 sq ft$444,000$582,000Maryland saves $138,000
2,500 sq ft$555,000$727,500Maryland saves $172,500
3,000 sq ft$666,000$873,000Maryland saves $207,000
4,000 sq ft$888,000$1,164,000Maryland saves $276,000
5,000 sq ft$1,110,000$1,455,000Maryland saves $345,000