How Much Does Basement Finishing Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Basement Finishing Include?
Finishing a basement transforms unused space into living area. Projects typically include framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, plumbing, and sometimes a bathroom or kitchenette.
The national average cost for basement finishing is $30,000 per project. Most homeowners pay between $15,000 and $50,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Scope
Basic (drywall + flooring): $15K-$25K. Mid-range with bathroom: $25K-$40K. Full build-out: $40K-$75K
Size
Average basement (600-1,000 sq ft) at $30-$75 per square foot
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Basement size
- ✓Scope (basic vs full build-out)
- ✓Bathroom addition
- ✓Egress windows
- ✓Moisture issues
- ✓Permits
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Address any moisture issues before finishing
- 2.Skip the full bathroom if you have one upstairs — it saves $5K-$15K
- 3.Use luxury vinyl plank instead of carpet or hardwood
- 4.Do painting and simple finish work yourself
Basement Finishing Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $12,300 | $24,600 | $41,000 |
| Alaska | $19,200 | $38,400 | $64,000 |
| Arizona | $14,250 | $28,500 | $47,500 |
| Arkansas | $12,000 | $24,000 | $40,000 |
| California | $20,250 | $40,500 | $67,500 |
| Colorado | $16,200 | $32,400 | $54,000 |
| Connecticut | $18,300 | $36,600 | $61,000 |
| Delaware | $15,750 | $31,500 | $52,500 |
| Florida | $14,700 | $29,400 | $49,000 |
| Georgia | $13,500 | $27,000 | $45,000 |
| Hawaii | $21,300 | $42,600 | $71,000 |
| Idaho | $13,800 | $27,600 | $46,000 |
| Illinois | $15,750 | $31,500 | $52,500 |
| Indiana | $13,200 | $26,400 | $44,000 |
| Iowa | $12,900 | $25,800 | $43,000 |
| Kansas | $12,750 | $25,500 | $42,500 |
| Kentucky | $12,600 | $25,200 | $42,000 |
| Louisiana | $13,050 | $26,100 | $43,500 |
| Maine | $15,300 | $30,600 | $51,000 |
| Maryland | $17,250 | $34,500 | $57,500 |
| Massachusetts | $19,500 | $39,000 | $65,000 |
| Michigan | $13,800 | $27,600 | $46,000 |
| Minnesota | $15,300 | $30,600 | $51,000 |
| Mississippi | $11,700 | $23,400 | $39,000 |
| Missouri | $13,050 | $26,100 | $43,500 |
| Montana | $14,250 | $28,500 | $47,500 |
| Nebraska | $13,200 | $26,400 | $44,000 |
| Nevada | $15,300 | $30,600 | $51,000 |
| New Hampshire | $16,800 | $33,600 | $56,000 |
| New Jersey | $18,750 | $37,500 | $62,500 |
| New Mexico | $13,500 | $27,000 | $45,000 |
| New York | $19,800 | $39,600 | $66,000 |
| North Carolina | $13,500 | $27,000 | $45,000 |
| North Dakota | $13,500 | $27,000 | $45,000 |
| Ohio | $13,500 | $27,000 | $45,000 |
| Oklahoma | $12,450 | $24,900 | $41,500 |
| Oregon | $16,500 | $33,000 | $55,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,300 | $30,600 | $51,000 |
| Rhode Island | $17,250 | $34,500 | $57,500 |
| South Carolina | $13,050 | $26,100 | $43,500 |
| South Dakota | $12,750 | $25,500 | $42,500 |
| Tennessee | $12,900 | $25,800 | $43,000 |
| Texas | $13,950 | $27,900 | $46,500 |
| Utah | $14,250 | $28,500 | $47,500 |
| Vermont | $16,200 | $32,400 | $54,000 |
| Virginia | $15,750 | $31,500 | $52,500 |
| Washington | $17,250 | $34,500 | $57,500 |
| West Virginia | $12,000 | $24,000 | $40,000 |
| Wisconsin | $14,100 | $28,200 | $47,000 |
| Wyoming | $13,800 | $27,600 | $46,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does finishing a basement add home value?
Yes. You typically recoup 70-75% of the cost, and it adds significant livable square footage.