Data study · 2026

The 2026 U.S. Home Service Cost Report

What 8 common home projects actually cost in 2026 — and how prices swing across 62 major U.S. metros. Built from ZeroFi's local cost index, the same engine behind our instant estimates.

62
metros analyzed
8
project types
+30%
priciest vs. cheapest metro

Home-project prices in the U.S. vary far more by location than most homeowners expect. The same job that runs a typical price in Jackson can cost 41% more in San Francisco — driven by local labor rates, permitting and demand. Here's the 2026 picture.

Typical cost by project (2026 U.S. national)

National mid-range price bands. Tap any project for city-level pricing.

ProjectTypical range
Roof Replacement$8,000 – $18,000
Kitchen Remodel$25,000 – $50,000
Bathroom Remodel$12,000 – $20,000
Water Heater Replacement$1,200 – $2,800
Electrical Panel Upgrade$2,000 – $4,500
HVAC System Replacement$8,000 – $14,000
Window Replacement$6,000 – $18,000
Interior Painting$4,000 – $11,000

Most expensive metros

Home-service prices vs. the U.S. average.

1San Francisco, CA+30%
2Honolulu, HI+28%
3New York, NY+28%
4San Jose, CA+28%
5Oakland, CA+22%
6Boston, MA+20%
7Newark, NJ+20%
8Seattle, WA+15%
9Washington, DC+15%
10Anchorage, AK+14%

Most affordable metros

Where projects come in below average.

1Jackson, MS-11%
2Wichita, KS-10%
3Oklahoma City, OK-10%
4Memphis, TN-10%
5Little Rock, AR-10%
6Charleston, WV-10%
7Birmingham, AL-9%
8Louisville, KY-7%
9Houston, TX-7%
10Sioux Falls, SD-6%

Where projects cost the most

Priciest metros — roof replacement

  1. 1. San Francisco, CA$16,900
  2. 2. Honolulu, HI$16,600
  3. 3. New York, NY$16,600
  4. 4. San Jose, CA$16,600
  5. 5. Oakland, CA$15,900

Priciest metros — kitchen remodel

  1. 1. San Francisco, CA$48,800
  2. 2. Honolulu, HI$48,000
  3. 3. New York, NY$48,000
  4. 4. San Jose, CA$48,000
  5. 5. Oakland, CA$45,800

Priciest metros — bathroom remodel

  1. 1. San Francisco, CA$20,800
  2. 2. Honolulu, HI$20,500
  3. 3. New York, NY$20,500
  4. 4. San Jose, CA$20,500
  5. 5. Oakland, CA$19,500

Priciest metros — water heater replacement

  1. 1. San Francisco, CA$2,600
  2. 2. Honolulu, HI$2,550
  3. 3. New York, NY$2,550
  4. 4. San Jose, CA$2,550
  5. 5. Oakland, CA$2,450

Methodology

Figures combine national project cost ranges with ZeroFi's regional cost index — a per-metro multiplier derived from local labor rates, material and permit costs, and demand. National bands reflect a typical mid-range project; city figures apply each metro's multiplier. These are planning estimates, not quotes — actual pricing depends on scope, materials and site conditions. Data current as of 2026. Journalists & researchers: you're welcome to cite this report with a link to this page; for custom cost data by city or trade, contact press@zerofi.ai.

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