Price Per Square Foot Calculator
Calculate price per square foot for real estate, estimate material costs, or compare multiple properties side by side. Toggle between square feet and square meters.
Property A
Property B
Property C
| Metric | Property A | Property B | Property C |
|---|
Average Price Per Square Foot by US City
These are approximate median values for residential real estate. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, property type, and market conditions.
| City / Region | $/sq ft | $/sq m |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY (Manhattan) | $1,400 | $15,070 |
| San Francisco, CA | $850 | $9,149 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $550 | $5,920 |
| Seattle, WA | $450 | $4,844 |
| Denver, CO | $325 | $3,498 |
| Austin, TX | $275 | $2,960 |
| Chicago, IL | $225 | $2,422 |
| Atlanta, GA | $200 | $2,153 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $275 | $2,960 |
| Dallas, TX | $200 | $2,153 |
| Nashville, TN | $250 | $2,691 |
| US National Median | $175 | $1,884 |
Sources: Zillow, Redfin, US Census Bureau. Values are approximate and vary by season, property type, and specific neighborhood.
Common Flooring & Material Costs Per Square Foot
| Material | Material $/sq ft | Installed $/sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate flooring | $1 -- $5 | $3 -- $8 |
| Vinyl plank (LVP) | $2 -- $7 | $4 -- $10 |
| Hardwood (solid) | $4 -- $12 | $8 -- $18 |
| Engineered hardwood | $3 -- $10 | $6 -- $15 |
| Ceramic tile | $1 -- $8 | $5 -- $15 |
| Porcelain tile | $3 -- $10 | $7 -- $18 |
| Natural stone (marble/granite) | $5 -- $25 | $10 -- $35 |
| Carpet | $1 -- $5 | $3 -- $9 |
| Concrete (stained/polished) | $2 -- $8 | $5 -- $15 |
| Epoxy coating | $3 -- $7 | $5 -- $12 |
Prices are US averages and vary by region, quality grade, and installer. Installed costs include labor.
How to Use Price Per Square Foot in Real Estate
Price per square foot is one of the most common metrics for comparing real estate values. It levels the playing field between properties of different sizes, letting you focus on relative value rather than absolute price.
The formula
Price Per Sq Ft = Total Price / Total Living Area (sq ft)
When it is useful
- Comparing similar properties: Two homes in the same neighborhood with different sizes become easier to compare on a per-square-foot basis.
- Spotting outliers: If a listing is significantly above or below the area average, it warrants closer inspection -- there may be a premium feature or a hidden problem.
- Negotiation: Knowing the going rate per square foot gives you a data-driven starting point for offers.
- Renovation budgeting: Estimating whether an addition or remodel will add enough value per square foot to justify the cost.
When it falls short
- Different property types: Comparing a condo's price per sq ft to a single-family home's is misleading because condos often include shared amenities in the price.
- Location differences: A lower price per sq ft in a less desirable area is not necessarily a better deal.
- Lot size and outdoor space: Price per sq ft typically measures interior living space. A home with a large lot or finished basement may appear expensive per sq ft but offer more total value.
- Age and condition: A renovated home will cost more per sq ft than a fixer-upper, but the premium may be justified.
Tip: Always verify the square footage
Listing square footage can be inaccurate. County tax records, appraisals, and floor plans are more reliable sources. Finished basements, garages, and attics may or may not be included depending on the listing agent's methodology.
Price Per Square Foot by Property Type
Different property types command different price-per-square-foot ranges, even in the same market:
| Property Type | Typical Range ($/sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | $100 -- $400 | Widest range; depends heavily on location |
| Condo / Townhouse | $150 -- $600 | Often higher per sq ft due to shared amenities |
| Luxury / Custom home | $300 -- $1,000+ | Premium finishes, architecture, and location |
| New construction | $150 -- $500 | Builder grade vs. custom affects range |
| Rural / Farmhouse | $75 -- $200 | Lower land costs, fewer nearby amenities |
| Commercial (office) | $150 -- $800 | Varies by city and class (A, B, C) |
| Retail space | $100 -- $600 | Ground-floor visibility commands premiums |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate price per square foot?
Divide the total price by the total area in square feet. For example, a $300,000 home with 1,500 sq ft has a price per square foot of $200. For square meters, divide the price by the area in sq m, or multiply $/sq ft by 10.7639.
What is a good price per square foot?
There is no universal answer -- it depends entirely on location, property type, condition, and local market. Compare against recent sales of similar properties in the same neighborhood (called "comps") to determine if a price per square foot is competitive.
How do I convert between sq ft and sq m?
1 square meter = 10.7639 square feet. To convert price per sq ft to price per sq m, multiply by 10.7639. To go the other direction, divide by 10.7639.
Should I include the garage or basement in square footage?
Industry standards (ANSI) typically count only above-grade finished living area. Garages, unfinished basements, and covered porches are generally excluded. However, finished basements can add significant value and are sometimes listed separately. Always clarify what is included.
Why do condos often cost more per square foot than houses?
Condo prices reflect shared amenities (gym, pool, doorman, parking), HOA services, and typically more desirable urban locations. The per-square-foot premium compensates for smaller total area and included services.
How accurate are online price-per-square-foot estimates?
Online estimates (Zestimate, Redfin Estimate) are useful starting points but can be off by 5--15%. For accurate valuations, a professional appraisal or comparative market analysis from a local agent is recommended.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, and nothing is stored.
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Privacy
This calculator runs entirely in your browser. No property prices, areas, or calculation results are transmitted or stored anywhere. Your data stays on your device.
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Price Per Square Foot Calculator FAQ
How do you calculate price per square foot?
Divide the total price by the total area in square feet. For example, a $300,000 home with 1,500 sq ft has a price per square foot of $200.
What is a good price per square foot?
It varies widely by location, property type, and condition. In the US, the national median is roughly $150-$200 per sq ft, but major cities like New York or San Francisco can exceed $1,000 per sq ft, while rural areas may be under $100.
How do I convert price per square foot to price per square meter?
Multiply the price per square foot by 10.7639 to get the price per square meter. For example, $200/sq ft equals approximately $2,153/sq m.
Does price per square foot include the lot or just the building?
In real estate, price per square foot typically refers to the building's living area (finished interior space), not the lot size. However, land value is embedded in the home price. Always clarify which area measurement is being used.
Why is price per square foot useful?
It normalizes property values so you can compare homes of different sizes on an equal basis. A $500,000 home at $250/sq ft may be a better value than a $300,000 home at $300/sq ft, depending on location and condition.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, and nothing is stored.