Commercial Construction Cost Per Square Foot in 2026
Owners always ask for a cost per square foot before they have drawings. Here's what current commercial construction is actually running by building type — with the caveats every estimator should attach to a SF number.
Office and tenant improvement
Class A office TI runs $80–$200/SF depending on finishes and MEP scope. Ground-up suburban office: $250–$400/SF. Urban core office: $400–$700/SF.
Retail and restaurant
Shell-only retail: $150–$250/SF. Full restaurant buildout: $300–$600/SF (kitchen equipment drives the spread).
Industrial and warehouse
Tilt-up warehouse: $80–$160/SF. Light industrial with office mezzanine: $150–$280/SF.
Healthcare and life sciences
Medical office: $300–$500/SF. Ambulatory surgery: $600–$900/SF. Hospital/inpatient: $700–$1,400/SF. Lab buildout: $500–$1,200/SF.
Why SF numbers lie
Cost per SF varies wildly with site conditions, schedule, MEP load, finishes, and local labor markets. Use SF benchmarks for early planning only — never bid a job on a SF basis.
Bottom line
Cost per square foot is a conversation starter, not a price. Real numbers come from real drawings and real subs.
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