Planning a construction project in the US? Material costs can vary widely depending on your state, material type, and project scale. Understanding these variations is critical to creating an accurate budget and avoiding surprises. This guide provides average construction material prices by state in 2025, plus practical tips for estimating costs.

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1. Why Material Costs Vary Across States

Material costs depend on several factors:

• Transportation and Shipping Costs – Heavy materials like concrete, steel, and lumber cost more to deliver to remote areas.
• State Taxes and Fees – Sales tax and local building fees affect final prices.
• Supply and Demand – Urban areas with high construction activity may see higher prices.
• Labor Availability – Local labor shortages can increase the cost of processed or installed materials.

⚠️ Tip: Always check local suppliers before finalizing your material budget.

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2. Average Material Costs in 2025 (US National Overview)

Material	Average Cost per Unit	Notes
Lumber (Framing)	$3.50 – $7 per board foot	Prices fluctuate due to demand and regional supply
Concrete	$110 – $150 per cubic yard	Includes delivery; prices higher in coastal states
Drywall	$10 – $15 per sheet	Standard 4×8 sheets
Roofing Shingles	$3.50 – $5.50 per sq. ft.	Asphalt shingles, most common for homes
Flooring	$2 – $12 per sq. ft.	Varies by material type (hardwood, vinyl, tile)
Steel Beams	$0.80 – $2 per lb	Commercial and high-end residential projects

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3. State-by-State Cost Differences

Here’s a snapshot of average construction material costs by region:

State	Lumber	Concrete	Roofing	Notes
California	High	High	High	Coastal transport & high demand
New York	High	High	Medium-High	Urban projects drive up prices
Texas	Medium	Medium	Medium	Growing market but competitive supply
Florida	Medium-High	Medium-High	Medium	Storm-resistant materials may cost more
Illinois	Medium	Medium	Medium	Central location reduces shipping costs
Oregon	Medium	Medium-High	Medium	Limited local suppliers increase costs

⚠️ Tip: Prices can vary even within a state depending on city and local supplier networks.

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4. Tips for Estimating Material Costs Accurately

1. Get Multiple Supplier Quotes – Compare local and regional suppliers to get the best rates.
2. Include Waste & Overages – Add 5–10% extra material for cuts, mistakes, or damage.
3. Factor in Delivery Costs – Especially for heavy materials like concrete or steel.
4. Adjust for Project Type – Commercial projects may require higher-grade materials.
5. Use Estimating Software – Tools like ProEst or Buildertrend can help calculate material costs accurately.

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5. How to Combine Labor and Material Costs

For a complete budget:

1. List All Materials – Include every item from lumber to nails and adhesives.
2. Multiply by Quantity – Account for waste and overages.
3. Add Labor Costs – Use trade-specific hourly rates and hours per task.
4. Include Contingency – 5–15% extra for unexpected price fluctuations.

💡 Tip: Combining material and labor estimates ensures your project budget is realistic and comprehensive.

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Conclusion

Construction material costs vary significantly across the US. By understanding state-specific prices, factoring in waste and delivery, and combining materials with labor costs, you can create an accurate project estimate for 2025.

This guide is a valuable resource for homeowners, contractors, and project managers planning projects anywhere in the US.

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Next Steps:

• Download our material cost spreadsheet to calculate your project’s total cost.
• Compare costs across suppliers and states before finalizing your project plan.

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