How much does it cost to build a house in Arizona?
How much does it cost to build a house in Arizona?
$200 – $300 cost per square foot (basic home)
$300 – $550+ cost per square foot (custom home)
$400,000 – $1,100,000 average total cost (not including land)
Average cost to build a house in Arizona
The average cost to build a house in Arizona is $400,000 to $1,100,000, not including the cost of the land or site prep. New home construction costs in Arizona range from $200 to $550+ per square foot, depending on the location, house size and design, amount of customization, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures selected.
| House type & quality | Average cost to build* |
|---|---|
| Basic builder-grade home | $400,000 – $700,000 |
| Custom home | $600,000 – $1,100,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
Cost per square foot to build a house in Arizona
Building a basic builder-grade house in Arizona costs $200 to $300 per square foot. Builder-grade homes offer solid construction with limited customization options while maintaining quality standards suitable for the state's extreme weather conditions.
The cost to build a custom home in Arizona ranges from $300 to $550+ per square foot. Premium custom homes often incorporate luxury features like outdoor living spaces and high-end materials specifically chosen for their durability in the harsh desert environment.
| Home size (square feet) |
Builder-grade home cost* | Custom home cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | $160,000 – $240,000 | $240,000 – $440,000 |
| 1,000 | $200,000 – $300,000 | $300,000 – $550,000 |
| 1,500 | $300,000 – $450,000 | $450,000 – $825,000 |
| 1,800 | $360,000 – $540,000 | $540,000 – $990,000 |
| 2,000 | $400,000 – $600,000 | $600,000 – $1,100,000 |
| 2,500 | $500,000 – $750,000 | $750,000 – $1,375,000 |
| 3,000 | $600,000 – $900,000 | $900,000 – $1,650,000 |
| 3,500 | $700,000 – $1,050,000 | $1,050,000 – $1,925,000 |
| 4,000 | $800,000 – $1,200,000 | $1,200,000 – $2,200,000 |
*Not including the cost of the land or site prep
What affects the cost to build a home in Arizona?
Material costs make up about 50% to 60% of the total construction budget, while labor makes up the rest. The home's size and architectural style, layout, and your choice of materials and finishes have the biggest impact on the total cost.
Arizona's unique desert climate also affects construction costs and material choices. The state's extreme heat and intense UV radiation require specialized building materials and techniques. Energy efficiency is crucial for managing cooling costs, with many builders incorporating advanced insulation and HVAC systems designed for desert conditions.
| Category | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10% to 20% of construction budget |
| Getting utilities to the site | $9,000 – $34,500+ |
| Foundation | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Framing | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Roof | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Siding | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| Electrical | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Plumbing | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| HVAC | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Insulation & drywall | $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Interior finishes & fixtures | $75,000 – $250,000+ |
| Appliances | $3,100 – $7,700 |
| Building permits | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
*Including labor and materials; not including the cost of the land or site prep
Buying land
Land prices in Arizona vary dramatically based on location and proximity to urban centers. Rural desert properties cost $3,000 to $15,000 per acre on average, while smaller lots in established neighborhoods range from $75,000 to $300,000. Lots in premium locations in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, or other upscale communities can exceed $500,000.
Site preparation
Site preparation in Arizona presents unique challenges due to the desert landscape. Costs range from $8,000 to $25,000+, with rocky caliche soil requiring specialized excavation equipment. The desert's hardpan layer often necessitates rock hammers or explosives for foundation excavation, which can drastically increase costs.
Grading must account for proper drainage during monsoon season while preserving existing desert vegetation where required by local ordinances. Many Arizona communities have strict native plant preservation requirements that can affect site planning and add to preparation costs.
Getting utilities to the site
Utility installations or connections cost $9,000 to $34,500+, depending on location and existing infrastructure. Urban and suburban areas typically have established utility networks, while rural desert properties may require extensive line extensions.
Water service is particularly important in Arizona's arid climate, with some rural areas requiring private wells.
Foundation
Foundation costs range from $25,000 to $60,000, with most Arizona homes built on concrete slab foundations due to the minimal frost line and stable desert soils. However, homes in areas with expansive clay soil may require special foundation designs with deeper footings or engineered solutions.
Framing
Framing a house costs $35,000 to $75,000 on average. Many builders use engineered lumber products that perform better in Arizona's dry climate and extreme temperature variations. Arizona's building codes require framing capable of withstanding high winds during monsoon storms.
Roof
Roofing costs $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the home size and the roofing material. Proper material selection is crucial for Arizona's intense UV exposure and extreme heat. Clay tiles are extremely popular due to their durability and heat resistance, while metal roofing is gaining favor for its reflective properties and longevity.
Siding
Siding costs $12,000 to $45,000, with material choices focused on UV resistance and thermal performance. Stucco remains the most popular exterior finish in Arizona due to its excellent performance in desert conditions and traditional Southwestern aesthetic.
Stone veneer and brick are also common, particularly in upscale communities, offering excellent durability against sandstorms and temperature extremes. Fiber cement products designed for desert climates provide a maintenance-friendly alternative to traditional wood siding.
Electrical
Electrical installation costs $12,000 to $20,000+, with Arizona homes requiring robust electrical systems to handle intensive air conditioning loads. Solar panel pre-wiring is common, with many builders including electrical preparations for future solar installations to take advantage of Arizona's abundant sunshine. Many also include outlets for electric vehicle charging.
Plumbing & HVAC
Plumbing installation costs $12,000 to $25,000. This includes water supply lines, drainage systems, venting, and fixture connections. Many homeowners add a water treatment system to handle Arizona's hard water.
HVAC system installation costs $8,000 to $18,000+, with cooling being the primary concern in Arizona. High-efficiency systems with variable-speed compressors and advanced filtration are essential for managing dust and maintaining comfort during extreme heat. Many homes include zoned systems to efficiently cool different areas based on usage patterns.
Insulation & drywall
Drywall and insulation cost $12,000 to $40,000 installed, with Arizona requiring specialized insulation strategies. Radiant barrier systems in attics help reflect heat, while high-performance insulation in walls reduces cooling loads.
Proper air sealing is crucial to prevent conditioned air loss and maintain humidity control. Many builders use advanced drywall techniques and materials designed to resist cracking from extreme temperature variations common in desert climates.
Interior finishing & fixtures
Interior finishes and fixtures make up a large portion of the total construction costs, and prices vary widely depending on the materials and quality. This category includes cabinets, countertops, lighting, paint, flooring, and more.
Arizona homeowners often prioritize tile flooring for its cooling properties and durability, while upgraded lighting systems help manage the transition from bright outdoor conditions.
Appliances
New appliances cost $200 to $2,300 each on average, depending on the brand, model, and features. Prices for high-end ovens, ranges, and refrigerators from brands like Wolf and Subzero often exceed $5,000 each.
A kitchen appliance package that includes a basic refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave costs $2,100 to $5,400.
A washer and dryer set costs $1,000 to $2,300.
Many Arizona homeowners invest in outdoor kitchen appliances to take advantage of the year-round outdoor living weather, adding to the overall appliance budget but enhancing the desert lifestyle experience.
Labor costs to build a house in Arizona
Your builder will usually function as the general contractor, managing all aspects of the project. General contractors charge 10% to 20% of the construction budget, with experienced desert builders commanding premium rates for their expertise in climate-specific construction techniques.
Arizona's construction season runs year-round. This continuous building season helps maintain steady labor availability, though skilled tradespeople experienced in desert construction techniques may command higher wages.
The table below shows the average labor rates for many of the pros involved in building a house.
| Professional | Labor cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Excavating contractors | $100 – $300 |
| Plumbers | $75 – $150 |
| Electricians | $50 – $130 |
| Roofers | $30 – $100 |
| Carpenters & framing contractors | $30 – $100 |
| Siding contractors | $40 – $80 |
| Drywall contractors | $40 – $100 |
| Painters | $20 – $70 |
| Flooring installers | $20 – $70 |
| HVAC installers | $75 – $150 |
| Landscapers | $25 – $50 |
Cost to build a house in Arizona vs. other states
Compared to Arizona, the nationwide average cost to build a house is $180 to $250 per square foot for a builder-grade home with basic finishes and $250 to $400+ per square foot for a custom home with upgraded finishes, not including the land or site prep.
For further comparison, consider the average cost to build a house in these nearby states:
The average cost to build a house in Colorado is $200 to $500 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in Utah is $180 to $600 per square foot.
The average cost to build a house in California is $200 to $600 per square foot.
FAQs about building a house in Arizona
Is it cheaper to buy or build a house in Arizona?
In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a house than build one in Arizona, but it depends on the home size and design, the location, and current housing market conditions.
According to the most recent real estate market data, the median sale price for single-family homes in Arizona ranges from $350,000 to $480,000, depending on the time of year. However, home prices in high-end areas like Sedona can exceed $1,000,000.
How long does it take to build a house in Arizona?
Building a house in Arizona takes 6 to 12+ months, not including the design and permitting phase. The construction timeline depends on the home size and design complexity, material availability, and whether you choose a builder-grade or custom design.
Custom homes with extensive desert landscaping and outdoor living features may require additional time for completion.
Can you build a tiny house in Arizona?
Yes, you can build a tiny house in Arizona, though regulations vary by municipality. Many Arizona communities have adapted their codes to accommodate tiny homes, particularly as affordable housing solutions in the state's growing cities.
It's important to check local zoning laws and building codes before proceeding, as requirements differ between counties and cities. Some areas may have minimum square footage requirements or restrictions on tiny homes on wheels.
The average cost to build a tiny house in Arizona is $50,000 to $150,000, not including the land or site prep.
Getting quotes from home builders in Arizona
Follow these tips to find the best Arizona house builders near you:
Determine your total budget up front and make a list of your must-have features.
Research Arizona builders and read reviews from previous clients on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose builders who specialize in the type and style of house you're looking for.
Meet with at least three builders to discuss your preferred home size, architectural design, and features.
Ask the builders for references from their recent clients. Contact the clients to ask about their experience working with the builder.
Visit the builders' recently completed projects or model homes to assess the work quality.
Request detailed quotes from each builder for comparison.
Verify the builder is licensed and insured for new home construction.
Get a written contract detailing the specific materials, costs, and timelines for your project.
Questions to ask house builders
Ask home builders these important questions before signing a contract:
How long have you been building homes in Arizona?
How many homes have you built in the past five years?
Are you licensed and insured for new home construction in Arizona?
Do you have any recent builds or model homes I can tour?
Can you provide references from past clients?
What energy efficiency features do your homes include?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs?
How much input will I have on the materials and fixture choices?
How do you handle changes or upgrades during the building process?
What's your estimated timeline for completing a home like the one I'm interested in?
How do you communicate progress updates during construction?
How do you handle weather-related delays?
What type of warranty do you offer on your homes?
What is your process for the final walk-through and addressing any issues before the move-in date?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.