Price per Square Foot Calculator
Price per square foot makes homes comparable — imperfectly. The U.S. median listing runs $228/sqft (June 2026); Houston sits near $173 while San Jose clears $800. Compute yours, compare two homes, then read the caveats that keep agents honest.
$/sqft = price ÷ livable square feet. A $400,000 / 1,800 sqft home is $222/sqft — right at the $228 U.S. median listing figure (June 2026).
- U.S. median (listings)$228/sqft
- Houston metro$173
- Miami metro$357
- Los Angeles metro$662
- San Jose metro$813
Median listing price per sq ft, Realtor.com via FRED, June 2026. U.S. median sale price $396,173 (Redfin, April 2026).
2026 benchmarks: median listing $/sqft by metro
| Metro | $ / sqft |
|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $173 |
| Detroit metro, MI | $186 |
| Atlanta, GA | $198 |
| Chicago, IL | $217 |
| Miami, FL | $357 |
| Seattle, WA | $444 |
| New York, NY | $537 |
| San Francisco, CA | $649 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $662 |
| San Jose, CA | $813 |
Median listing price per sq ft, Realtor.com via FRED (CBSA level, spring–June 2026, listing basis (CBSA)). City-proper sale figures differ from metro listing figures — don’t mix bases when comparing.
Where $/sqft lies to you
It ignores land (a teardown on a great lot posts a huge $/sqft), punishes small homes (fixed costs — kitchen, roof, HVAC — spread over fewer feet), and hinges on whose square feet you count: listings vary on finished basements, garages and “bonus rooms.” Use it to rank similar homes in the same area, not to compare a condo to a ranch or Houston to San Jose. For the affordability question, the home affordability calculator is the right tool.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate price per square foot?
Home price ÷ livable square footage. $400,000 ÷ 1,800 sqft = $222/sqft. Use consistent square-footage definitions when comparing.
What is the average price per square foot in the U.S.?
$228 per square foot for listed homes (June 2026, Realtor.com data). Sale-basis and city-level numbers differ.
Is a lower price per square foot always better?
No — it can flag a bad location, deferred maintenance, or unpermitted space. Within a neighborhood and home type, though, a materially lower $/sqft is your negotiation opening.
Does the lot count in square footage?
Never — $/sqft uses livable interior space. Land value is priced separately, which is exactly why teardown listings show absurd $/sqft numbers.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Realtor.com median listing $/sqft via FRED · Redfin U.S. housing market.
Results update as you type; general estimates, not financial or tax advice.