The Cost to Build a House in North Carolina: Breaking Down the Numbers

Homebuyers are flocking to North Carolina, attracted by its low cost of living, ample job opportunities, and temperate climate. During the one-year period ending July 2023, North Carolina ranked third in the nation for population growth, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Newcomers and longtime residents alike are increasingly interested in building new homes, and the state offers an amicable environment to realize that dream. In 2022, North Carolina boasted the sixth-highest rate of new construction homes, and 18.2% of its housing stock was built after 2010.

Whether you’re a young professional job hunting in the Research Triangle, a retiree seeking the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or a prospective vacation home-owner looking to escape to the Outer Banks, you may be wondering: What is the cost to build a house in North Carolina?

Average cost to build a house in North Carolina

North Carolina can be an affordable place to build a house, largely due to the state’s low labor costs. According to a report by Today’s Homeowner, it costs about $141 per square foot to build a house in North Carolina. To put that into perspective, a 2,100-square-foot spec home would cost about $297,062 to build. Compare that to California at $173 per square foot or Massachusetts at $192 per square and you can see why North Carolina is such a desirable place to put down roots.

To help you navigate the ins and outs of building in North Carolina, we spoke with Thomas Wohl, a top real estate agent serving the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region. Wohl has 31 years of experience and specializes in new construction, first-time home buyers, and relocations.

Now that we’ve piqued your interest, let’s break down the steps and costs of building a house in North Carolina.