Second Story Addition in Arlington, VA — Costs $123,800 to $773,750
What does second story addition cost in Arlington? Average $309,500, ranging $123,800–$773,750. Labor runs $49.95/hr locally — 55% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Arlington, VA Market
+55% vs nationalLabor Rate
$49.95/hr
Material Index
143
Avg Permit Cost
$2,406
Median Home Price
$680,000
Arlington is a mid-sized city in Virginia with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a second story addition, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 55% above the national average, Arlington is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $680,000, this second story addition represents just 45.5% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.
Low Estimate
$123,800
National: $80,000
Mid-Range
$309,500
National: $200,000
High End
$773,750
National: $500,000
Per Sq Ft
$464
National: $300
Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for Arlington
Adjusted for Arlington's labor rate ($49.95/hr) and material costs (index 143).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Arlington
$309,500
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Arlington market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Arlington's average rate of $49.95/hr (67% above national avg)
Material cost index 143 (43% above national baseline of 100)
Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in Arlington
| Metric | Arlington | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Second Story Addition (Mid-Range) | $309,500 | $200,000 |
| Median Home Price | $680,000 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 45.5% | 57.1% |
| Estimated ROI | 60% | 60% |
| Median Household Income | $120,000 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Arlington
- 1Local labor rates ($49.95/hr in Arlington)
- 2Material cost index (143 vs national 100)
- 3Total square footage added
- 4Structural reinforcement of first floor
- 5Staircase addition
- 6Roof removal and replacement
Popular Upgrades
- Master suite
- Additional bedrooms
- Jack-and-Jill bathroom
Other Projects in Arlington, VA
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$232,125
Room Addition
$139,275
Swimming Pool Installation
$99,060
Garage Addition
$85,113
Home Addition
$122,860
Inground Swimming Pool
$98,296
Attic Conversion
$85,759
Swimming Pool Construction
$77,963
Second Story Addition in Other Virginia Cities
Planning a Second Story Addition in Arlington
Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in Arlington. The average permit fee in this area is $2,406, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 4-8 months from start to finish.
A second story addition is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Arlington, skilled contractors charge an average of $49.95/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
With a median household income of $120,000, many Arlington residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $309,500 represents 258% of the typical household's annual income.
Second Story Addition — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
All Construction Costs in Arlington
View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Arlington, VA.
Explore All Project Cost Guides
Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.
View All Project Costs