PA · MSA 37980
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington construction cost per square foot
By Severance Calculator Editorial · Updated
Regional baseline
The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA sits in the Middle Atlantic Census division (NAHB 2024 median custom $/sqft = $188). ACS 5-year (2023) reports a $326,700 median home value across the multi-state (PA-NJ-DE-MD) MSA. The city of Philadelphia carries premiums above the suburban baseline.
Why the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro modifier matters
BLS QCEW NAICS-23 construction wages for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA averaged $86,926 in 2024 (computed from the NAICS-238 specialty trades subsector aggregate), a modifier of 1.072 vs the US baseline of $81,054.
Local labor market
Philadelphia is a strong-union residential construction market, particularly in the city proper. Prevailing-wage rules and lead/asbestos abatement requirements in older row-home stock add scope to any rebuild involving pre-1978 housing.
Post-disaster reconstruction premium
Inland tropical remnants (Hurricane Ida 2021 flash flooding in Schuylkill Valley), nor'easters, and ice storms are the dominant perils. Coverage A on a standard homeowners policy does NOT cover flood; verify NFIP or private flood coverage in low-lying areas of the Schuylkill and Delaware watersheds.
FAQ — Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington construction cost
- What does it cost per square foot to rebuild a home in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
- The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA sits in the Middle Atlantic Census division (NAHB 2024 median custom $/sqft = $188). ACS 5-year (2023) reports a $326,700 median home value across the multi-state (PA-NJ-DE-MD) MSA. The city of Philadelphia carries premiums above the suburban baseline.
- Why is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington more or less expensive than the regional median?
- BLS QCEW NAICS-23 construction wages for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA averaged $86,926 in 2024 (computed from the NAICS-238 specialty trades subsector aggregate), a modifier of 1.072 vs the US baseline of $81,054.
- What does the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington labor market look like for residential construction?
- Philadelphia is a strong-union residential construction market, particularly in the city proper. Prevailing-wage rules and lead/asbestos abatement requirements in older row-home stock add scope to any rebuild involving pre-1978 housing.
- How do post-disaster events change rebuild cost in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
- Inland tropical remnants (Hurricane Ida 2021 flash flooding in Schuylkill Valley), nor'easters, and ice storms are the dominant perils. Coverage A on a standard homeowners policy does NOT cover flood; verify NFIP or private flood coverage in low-lying areas of the Schuylkill and Delaware watersheds.