How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Baltimore, MD? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $156,600 - $387,500

The average cost to build a house in Baltimore, MD is $259,222, and most projects total between $156,600 and $387,500. A pro will factor in location, material quality, home size, and more.

How we get this data
A construction site on the exterior of a house
Amy Walters / Adobe Stock Photography
A construction site on the exterior of a house
Amy Walters / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
  • Many older home styles are losing popularity in Baltimore, making it the perfect market for simpler, eco-friendlier new constructions.

  • Due to a shrinking population, the Baltimore housing market’s growth has slowed down compared to previous years.

  • The cost to build a house in Baltimore has been rising due to increasing construction costs and municipal charges.

  • The cost to build a house in Baltimore remains on the more affordable end compared to other states.

Having seen several years of rapid growth in the housing market, Baltimore has started to slow down as the number of new construction projects decreases alongside its shrinking population. However, demand for housing remains high, and preferences for designs and styles have significantly shifted. Therefore, building a custom house remains an attractive option. Expect to pay about $259,222 on average, with most new constructions falling between $156,600 and $387,500. Continue reading to find out what affects the cost to build a house in Baltimore.

Home Building Cost Factors

The Baltimore housing market has seen drastic changes over the past few years. The factors impacting the cost to build a house in Baltimore, MD, include size, type of foundations, number of bedrooms, types of exterior and interior finishes, and the overall level of customization.

Square Footage

The cost to build a custom home in Baltimore, MD is around $147 per square foot on average, or up to $300 per square foot for more customized homes. The higher end of this range accounts for building luxury homes or homes in large cities. The size and type of house you choose will also affect what you’ll pay.

Sq. Ft.Cost
1,000$147,000–$300,000
1,200$176,400–$360,000
1,400$205,800–$420,000
1,600$235,200–$480,000
1,800$264,600–$540,000
2,000$294,000–$600,000
2,500$367,500–$750,000

Number of Bedrooms 

It’s helpful to have an idea of the total construction cost based on the number of bedrooms, since that will likely be the first thing you decide. You can expect to pay $100,000 to $120,000 per bedroom. Note that the added cost comes from not only the additional square footage for the bedroom but also larger living spaces, additional bathrooms, and utilities to support additional occupants. The average home in Baltimore, MD today is 1,826 square feet and has three bedrooms.

Here are the new construction home costs based on the number of bedrooms at the average price of $150 per square foot.

No. of BedroomsCost
1$100,000–$120,000
2$200,000–$240,000
3$300,000–$360,000
4$400,000–$480,000

Foundation Type

The cost of your foundation will come down to where you live, the soil conditions, and the type of foundation that’s best for your home.

Unless you’re well-versed in construction, you’ll probably want to lean on a structural engineer to help you determine the correct foundation type and inspect the foundation after its completion.

Type of FoundationAverage Cost to BuildProsCons
Pressure-treated Wood$40 per sq. ft.Easier to modify and expandVulnerable to rotting, mold, and mildew
Masonry$5–$35Historic charm, better drainageWater will enter. Requires regular motar repair
Concrete Slab$5–$16 per sq. ft.Works well in hot, dry climateVulnerable to pooling water and soil movement
Basement$27–$37 per sq. ft.Most robustHigher cost to build. Often requires additional water proofing

Exterior Finishes

Exterior finishes, from the siding to the shingles on your roof, will account for $25,000 to $60,000 of your overall home-building costs. You and your team will have a lot of decisions to make depending on the exterior style you’re going for and the best options for your local climate, among other factors. Things like high-end roofing materials and gutters will increase your cost but also provide a greater ROI.

Type of FinishesAverage Cost (Including Material)
Vinyl Siding$7,477–$16,793
Fiber Cement Siding$8,120–$22,600
Standard Roof Shingles$4–$15 per sq. ft.
Metal Roof$7–$20 per sq. ft.
Slate Roof$22–$30 per sq. ft.
Gutters$12–$30 per linear ft.

Interior Finishes

Moving on to the interior work of your home is an exciting phase. This stage is the moment to determine the flooring, the paint colors, and all appliances and home systems that make your house a home. Assume you'll pay between $50,000 and $175,000 for all interior finishes.

The higher cost range accounts for more complex and sought-after materials. These include everything from insulation with higher R-values to beautiful marble countertops. Nearly every category, however, offers options for all budget preferences.

Type of FinishesAverage Cost (Including Material)
Paint$4–$7 per sq. ft.
Wall Paper$3,600–$6,300
Tiles$10,000–$12,000
Hardwood Floors$8–$17 per sq. ft.
Vinyl Floors$4–$12 per sq. ft.
Carpets$4–$12 per sq. ft.

Home Building Pro Costs

Custom home builders in Baltimore, MD charge $50 to $150 per hour on average for labor. However, this only covers the general contractor labor necessary to complete the construction. If you need the help of an architect or engineer, prepare to allocate 4% to 8% of the total project cost to architectural and design fees. Depending on the designer’s qualifications, this percentage can sometimes reach as high as 12%. When hiring for a pro, it is important to work with those familiar with city regulations and sufficiently insured to protect your investment. Always check past reviews, project photos, certifications, and qualifications before signing any contract.

Baltimore also has complicated requirements for building your own home, making a pro’s assistance incredibly valuable. According to the Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City, new single- or double-family dwellings would yield a permit fee of $10 per cubic foot of living space. A 2,000 sq. ft. home would require at least $800 in permitting costs.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

If you are working with a general contractor, they will usually handle most subcontracting needs for roofing, plumbing, electrical, and other services required to build your dream home. However, you may need to hire additional pros to cover specific services.

For example, vent and pipe insulation is usually not included in the building scope. Since Baltimore’s homes are prone to water damage, you might want to hire a basement waterproofing expert to prevent future water issues. You may also need to hire landscapers if you have big plans for your home’s curb appeal and outdoor living quality.

Is Building a New House Worth It?

Baltimore remains a popular destination among those looking to relocate, supplying the housing market with steady demand regardless of the economic aftermath of the pandemic. For the same reasons, Baltimore has a higher demand than supply for housing, making building your own home sometimes the more efficient route than trying to rent or buy.

The current average home value in Baltimore is $185,406, which is 1% higher than the previous year. The median sales price of Baltimore homes is $244,000, according to Refin, demonstrating a promising 3.6% growth year-to-year. Therefore, building a basic starter home will likely be more affordable than purchasing from the existing market stock. Meanwhile, building a high-end custom home would yield a high return on investment as long as you follow the latest trends in the market.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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