Construction Costs in Davis, CA 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Davis. Local labor rates average $49.56/hr with a material cost index of 157.

$49.56

Avg Labor Rate/hr

157

Material Cost Index

$851,000

Avg Home Price

156.9

Cost of Living Index

Davis Overview

Population

68,640

Climate Zone

Warm-Humid / Warm-Dry (Zone 3)

Seismic Risk

high

Median Household Income

$82,400

Davis Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$32,970
Labor$25,441
Permits (4%)$2,336

Estimated Total Cost

$60,747

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Davis

Materials

$32,970

54% of total

Labor

$25,441

42% of total

Permits

$2,336

~$1,628 avg

62% Above National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $37,492. Davis has higher-than-average construction costs due to local demand and cost of living.

View California Statewide Costs

Compare Davis costs with the California state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Davis vs National Average

Project TypeDavis AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$67,318$35,000+92%
Bathroom Remodel$24,376$18,000+35%
Roof Replacement$19,552$15,000+30%
Whole House Paint$5,638$3,800+48%
Flooring Install$7,707$7,000+10%
Deck Build$12,845$12,000+7%

Material Prices in Davis

Concrete

$178 /cubic yard

$42 below the estimated California average of $220/yd³

Lumber

$6.14 /board foot

$2.49 below the estimated California average of $8.63/BF

Popular Projects in Davis

🍳

#1 Kitchen Remodel

Among the most requested projects by Davis homeowners

🔨

#2 Outdoor Living Space

Among the most requested projects by Davis homeowners

🌳

#3 Landscaping

Among the most requested projects by Davis homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Davis, CA

Construction and renovation costs in Davis, CA reflect the city's cost of living index of 156.9 and a material cost index of 157 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $49.56 per hour and a median home price of $851,000, homeowners in Davis should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Davis sits in IECC Climate Zone 3 (Warm-Humid / Warm-Dry), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. High seismic risk — earthquake-resistant construction required. The median household income of $82,400 in Davis means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $67,318 represents approximately 82% of annual household income.

Building permits in Davis average $1,628, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all California jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Davis, CA?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Davis, CA costs approximately $67,318 on average. Budget renovations start around $47,123, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $100,977 or more. Labor rates in Davis average $49.56/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Davis?
Construction labor in Davis, CA averages $49.56 per hour. This is 62% above the national average. Specialized trades like licensed electricians and master plumbers typically charge 25-45% more than general construction labor rates.
Do I need a building permit for home renovations in Davis?
Most significant renovations in Davis, CA require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,628 depending on project scope. Projects involving structural changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing modifications, or additions almost always require permits. Cosmetic updates like interior painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring typically do not.
How does Davis's cost of living affect construction costs?
Davis has a cost of living index of 156.9 (national average = 100), which directly impacts construction costs. Higher cost of living means higher labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees. The material cost index in Davis is 157, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Davis?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Davis, CA include Kitchen Remodel, Outdoor Living Space, Landscaping. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Davis at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Davis homeowners looking to increase property value.

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