When building a custom home, the exterior design and finish play one of the biggest roles in both curb appeal and overall cost. From siding materials and roofing styles to landscaping and outdoor features, exterior costs can vary widely—not just based on design preferences, but also by state. Labor rates, climate, local building codes, and material availability all influence what homeowners will pay.
This guide will walk you through the average custom home exterior costs by state, factors that affect pricing, and tips to budget wisely for your dream home’s exterior.
Why Exterior Costs Vary So Much
Before diving into state-by-state comparisons, it’s important to understand why exterior costs fluctuate:
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Labor Costs – States like California and New York have higher construction labor rates compared to states like Mississippi or Arkansas.
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Material Prices – Some regions have easy access to stone, brick, or lumber, while others rely on imports that increase costs.
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Climate & Weather – Homes in hurricane-prone Florida or snowy Colorado require more durable exteriors, often raising expenses.
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Building Codes & Permits – Strict codes in states like California can add inspection and compliance costs.
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Local Design Trends – For example, stucco is common in Arizona but rare in Maine, which affects demand and pricing.
Average Exterior Cost Components
Exterior costs usually cover:
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Siding & Cladding (vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, stone, fiber cement)
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Roofing (asphalt shingles, tile, slate, metal)
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Windows & Doors
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Exterior Paint/Finishes
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Driveways & Walkways
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Decks, Porches, & Patios
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Landscaping & Outdoor Lighting
On average, custom home exterior costs range from $40,000 to $100,000 nationwide, though luxury projects can exceed $200,000 depending on size and finishes.
Custom Home Exterior Costs by State
Here’s a breakdown of average exterior construction costs for custom homes in each state. Keep in mind these are estimates for a 2,500–3,000 sq. ft. custom home, with mid-range materials. Prices can be higher or lower depending on local market conditions.
Western States
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California – $90,000–$150,000
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High labor costs, seismic building codes, and luxury finishes drive up prices. Stucco, tile roofs, and drought-friendly landscaping are common.
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Oregon – $70,000–$110,000
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Wood siding and eco-friendly designs dominate. Rain-resistant materials are essential.
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Washington – $75,000–$120,000
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Similar to Oregon, with added emphasis on modern exteriors and weather durability.
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Nevada – $65,000–$100,000
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Stucco and desert landscaping keep costs moderate compared to coastal states.
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Arizona – $65,000–$105,000
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Tile roofing and stucco finishes are standard, with extra costs for sun-protective windows.
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Mountain States
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Colorado – $75,000–$120,000
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Stone siding, steep roofs for snow, and mountain lodge styles increase costs.
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Utah – $65,000–$100,000
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Mid-range costs with a mix of stucco and stone exteriors.
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Idaho – $60,000–$95,000
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Slightly lower costs, with wood and stone common in rural areas.
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Montana – $65,000–$100,000
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Rustic exteriors with timber and stone are popular, adding to costs.
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Wyoming – $60,000–$95,000
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Similar to Montana, though labor rates are lower.
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Midwest
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Illinois – $70,000–$110,000
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Brick is common, especially around Chicago, raising material costs.
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Michigan – $65,000–$105,000
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Harsh winters require durable siding and roofing, adding to expenses.
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Ohio – $60,000–$95,000
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More affordable, with vinyl siding and asphalt shingles widely used.
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Minnesota – $70,000–$110,000
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Snow-heavy winters require strong roofing systems, increasing costs.
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Wisconsin – $65,000–$105,000
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Similar to Minnesota, with higher demand for insulated siding and windows.
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Iowa – $55,000–$90,000
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One of the more affordable Midwestern states for exteriors.
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Kansas – $55,000–$90,000
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Costs stay low thanks to inexpensive labor and materials.
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Nebraska – $55,000–$85,000
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Affordable vinyl and wood siding keep budgets reasonable.
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Southern States
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Texas – $60,000–$100,000
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Wide variation—stone and brick exteriors are common in upscale neighborhoods, while stucco dominates southern Texas.
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Florida – $70,000–$115,000
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Hurricane-resistant materials (impact windows, reinforced roofing) raise costs.
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Georgia – $60,000–$95,000
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Brick and stone are popular in custom homes, but overall costs remain moderate.
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North Carolina – $60,000–$95,000
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Costs vary between coastal and inland regions; hurricane resistance adds expenses on the coast.
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South Carolina – $60,000–$95,000
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Similar to North Carolina, with stucco and brick styles popular.
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Tennessee – $55,000–$90,000
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Affordable compared to coastal states, with lots of brick construction.
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Kentucky – $55,000–$85,000
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Lower costs, with vinyl siding and simple roofing common.
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Alabama – $55,000–$85,000
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One of the more affordable states for exteriors.
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Northeast
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New York – $85,000–$140,000
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Manhattan and Long Island costs soar due to labor rates, but upstate areas are closer to $70,000.
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New Jersey – $80,000–$135,000
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Similar to New York, with a strong preference for brick and stone.
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Massachusetts – $85,000–$140,000
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Strict building codes and premium finishes raise prices.
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Connecticut – $80,000–$135,000
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Colonial-style homes with brick or clapboard siding cost more.
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Pennsylvania – $65,000–$105,000
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More affordable than coastal neighbors, though stone exteriors add to costs.
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Maine – $65,000–$100,000
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Weather resistance is key; wood siding and steep roofing are common.
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Vermont – $65,000–$100,000
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Rustic exteriors with wood and stone are standard.
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New Hampshire – $65,000–$100,000
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Durable exteriors for snow-heavy winters push costs higher.
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Rhode Island – $75,000–$115,000
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Coastal building codes increase prices compared to inland New England.
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Southeast & Gulf
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Louisiana – $60,000–$95,000
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Hurricane-resistant codes push up roofing and window costs.
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Mississippi – $50,000–$80,000
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One of the lowest-cost states for exterior finishes.
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Arkansas – $50,000–$80,000
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Similar to Mississippi, with affordable labor and materials.
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Oklahoma – $55,000–$85,000
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Tornado-prone areas require stronger roofing, adding slightly to costs.
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Alaska & Hawaii
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Alaska – $80,000–$130,000
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Harsh winters demand durable exteriors, insulation, and specialized roofing.
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Hawaii – $90,000–$150,000
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Imported materials and high labor rates make exteriors extremely costly.
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Cost Comparison Snapshot
To summarize, here’s a quick look at average ranges by region:
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West Coast (CA, OR, WA) – $70,000–$150,000
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Mountain States (CO, MT, WY, UT, ID) – $60,000–$120,000
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Midwest – $55,000–$110,000
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South – $50,000–$100,000
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Northeast – $65,000–$140,000
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Alaska & Hawaii – $80,000–$150,000
Tips to Manage Exterior Costs
No matter which state you’re building in, here are strategies to keep costs in check:
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Choose Materials Wisely – Vinyl siding and asphalt shingles are cheaper than stone or slate.
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Plan for Climate – Durable materials may cost more upfront but save money on repairs.
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Get Multiple Bids – Labor rates can vary significantly within the same state.
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Consider Long-Term Maintenance – Low-maintenance materials may be worth the investment.
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Factor Landscaping Early – Many homeowners forget to budget for driveways, lawns, and patios, which can add $10,000–$30,000.
Conclusion
Custom home exterior costs vary dramatically across the U.S., from as low as $50,000 in Mississippi and Arkansas to over $150,000 in California and Hawaii. While labor rates, climate, and material choices all play major roles, thoughtful planning and smart material selection can help keep your dream home both beautiful and budget-friendly.
When building your custom home, always compare state-specific costs, work with reputable contractors, and prioritize long-term durability over short-term savings. The exterior is not just about aesthetics—it’s your home’s first defense against the elements and the key to lasting curb appeal.
