The cost to build a house in Utah in 2025 generally ranges from about $180 to $600 per square foot , depending on the type of home and finishes chosen. For a typical builder-grade home with basic finishes, costs are on the lower end ($180–$280 per sq ft), while custom homes with upgrades can reach $280 to $600 per sq ft
Average Total Cost
- The average total cost to build a home in Utah is roughly $400,000 to $900,000 , excluding the cost of land and site preparation
- Land prices average around $195,900 per acre , but this varies widely by location
- For example, building a 3,000 sq ft home at $200 per sq ft would cost about $600,000 for construction alone, plus land and other fees
Cost Breakdown (Typical for Utah)
Cost Component| Estimated Cost Range
---|---
Land| ~$195,900 per acre (varies by location)
Building Permits| Around $2,000
Foundation| $5.64 – $36.89 per sq ft
Framing| $20,000 – $50,000
Exterior Siding| $2.95 – $7.47 per sq ft
Roofing| $155.52 – $1,749.60 per 100 sq ft
HVAC| $3,470 – $4,566
Plumbing & Electrical| $66.82 – $190 per hour (plus materials)
Drywall| $1.53 – $1.63 per sq ft
Painting| $2 – $40 per sq ft
Flooring| $3.06 – $9 per sq ft
Cabinets & Countertops| $14.14 – $127.33 per sq ft
Factors Influencing Cost
- Location: Urban areas like Salt Lake City are more expensive than rural areas
- Home size and design complexity: Larger and more customized homes cost more
- Material and labor costs: Fluctuations in material prices and labor availability impact total cost
- Permits and site preparation: Fees and land prep can add significant costs
Comparison to Buying
Building a home in Utah tends to be more expensive than buying an existing home. For example, in Salt Lake City, building a 3,000 sq ft home might cost approximately $798,000 including land, whereas buying a new home averages around $575,000
. In summary, expect to pay between $400,000 and $900,000 to build a house in Utah in 2025, excluding land, with a per-square-foot cost typically between $180 and $600 depending on customization and location
