Construction Costs in Great Falls, MT 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Great Falls. Local labor rates average $26.01/hr with a material cost index of 90.

$26.01

Avg Labor Rate/hr

90

Material Cost Index

$341,345

Avg Home Price

95

Cost of Living Index

Great Falls Overview

Population

60,442

Climate Zone

Cold (Zone 6)

Seismic Risk

moderate

Median Household Income

$53,736

Great Falls Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$10,125
Labor$7,153
Permits (4%)$691

Estimated Total Cost

$17,969

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel150 sq ft in Great Falls

Materials

$10,125

56% of total

Labor

$7,153

40% of total

Permits

$691

~$1,146 avg

11% Below National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $20,085. Great Falls offers competitive construction pricing compared to the national average.

View Montana Statewide Costs

Compare Great Falls costs with the Montana state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Great Falls vs National Average

Project TypeGreat Falls AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$31,000$35,000-11%
Bathroom Remodel$16,000$18,000-11%
Roof Replacement$13,500$15,000-10%
Whole House Paint$3,400$3,800-11%
Flooring Install$6,000$7,000-14%
Deck Build$10,500$12,000-12%

Material Prices in Great Falls

Concrete

$125 /cubic yard

$1 below the estimated Montana average of $126/yd³

Lumber

$4.49 /board foot

$0.46 below the estimated Montana average of $4.95/BF

Popular Projects in Great Falls

🏠

#1 Roof Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Great Falls homeowners

🎨

#2 Interior Painting

Among the most requested projects by Great Falls homeowners

📐

#3 Room Addition

Among the most requested projects by Great Falls homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Great Falls, MT

Construction and renovation costs in Great Falls, MT reflect the city's cost of living index of 95 and a material cost index of 90 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $26.01 per hour and a median home price of $341,345, homeowners in Great Falls should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Great Falls sits in IECC Climate Zone 6 (Cold), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. Moderate seismic risk — some reinforcement required. The median household income of $53,736 in Great Falls means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $31,000 represents approximately 58% of annual household income.

Building permits in Great Falls average $1,146, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Montana jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Montana

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Great Falls, MT?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Great Falls, MT costs approximately $31,000 on average. Budget renovations start around $21,700, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $46,500 or more. Labor rates in Great Falls average $26.01/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Great Falls?
Construction labor in Great Falls, MT averages $26.01 per hour. This is 11% below 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 Great Falls?
Most significant renovations in Great Falls, MT require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,146 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 Great Falls's cost of living affect construction costs?
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 95 (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 Great Falls is 90, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Great Falls?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Great Falls, MT include Roof Replacement, Interior Painting, Room Addition. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Great Falls at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Great Falls homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators