Second Story Addition in Cambridge, MA — Costs $130,013 to $812,583
What does second story addition cost in Cambridge? Average $325,033, ranging $130,013–$812,583. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 63% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Cambridge, MA Market
+63% vs nationalLabor Rate
$54.31/hr
Material Index
144
Avg Permit Cost
$3,017
Median Home Price
$607,888
Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts 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 63% above the national average, Cambridge 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 $607,888, this second story addition represents just 53.5% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.
Low Estimate
$130,013
National: $80,000
Mid-Range
$325,033
National: $200,000
High End
$812,583
National: $500,000
Per Sq Ft
$488
National: $300
Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for Cambridge
Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Cambridge
$325,033
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Cambridge market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)
Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)
Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in Cambridge
| Metric | Cambridge | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Second Story Addition (Mid-Range) | $325,033 | $200,000 |
| Median Home Price | $607,888 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 53.5% | 57.1% |
| Estimated ROI | 60% | 60% |
| Median Household Income | $98,948 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Cambridge
- 1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
- 2Material cost index (144 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 Cambridge, MA
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$243,775
Room Addition
$146,265
Swimming Pool Installation
$103,229
Garage Addition
$89,384
Home Addition
$128,532
Inground Swimming Pool
$102,025
Attic Conversion
$90,403
Swimming Pool Construction
$82,184
Second Story Addition in Other Massachusetts Cities
Planning a Second Story Addition in Cambridge
Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in Cambridge. The average permit fee in this area is $3,017, 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 Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $325,033 represents 328% 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.
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