Maryland vs Virginia
Side-by-side construction cost comparison for 2026. Building a 2,000 sq ft home in Virginia saves approximately $50,000.
More affordable for new construction
Virginia
$197/sq ft vs $222/sq ft — saves $50,000 on a 2,000 sq ft build
| Metric | Maryland | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 $/sq ft | $222 | $197 ✓ |
| 1,500 sq ft | $333,000 | $295,500 ✓ |
| 2,000 sq ft | $444,000 | $394,000 ✓ |
| 2,500 sq ft | $555,000 | $492,500 ✓ |
| Labor Index | 1.20 | 1.05 ✓ |
| Material Index | 1.16 | 1.05 ✓ |
| Avg Permit Cost | $4,000 | $3,000 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $425,000 | $392,000 ✓ |
| Home Price YoY | +3.8% | +4.5% |
| Climate | Humid subtropical | Humid subtropical |
Maryland Notes
- ›High cost DC metro area
- ›Chesapeake Bay critical area regulations
- ›Diverse terrain from mountains to coast
Virginia Notes
- ›Northern Virginia very expensive (DC metro)
- ›Coastal areas have flood zone requirements
- ›Moderate climate overall
Cost by Home Size
| Size | Maryland | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $111,000 | $98,500 | Virginia saves $12,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $222,000 | $197,000 | Virginia saves $25,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $333,000 | $295,500 | Virginia saves $37,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $444,000 | $394,000 | Virginia saves $50,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $555,000 | $492,500 | Virginia saves $62,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $666,000 | $591,000 | Virginia saves $75,000 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $888,000 | $788,000 | Virginia saves $100,000 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $1,110,000 | $985,000 | Virginia saves $125,000 |