Top 10 Cheapest States to Build a Barndominium

One of the most intriguing reasons to build a barndominium is the fact that the cost of construction is so much less than a traditional home. Barndominiums use the shell of a metal pole structure instead of 2×4 wood framing, and because of this they can be much more financially accessible. The ease of construction as well as the lower cost of materials means a barndominium is much more attainable for people who may not otherwise be able to build their own home. On top of this, you could also build in one of the top 10 cheapest states to build a barndominium.

However, there are states in the U.S. where building a barndominium is cheaper than in other places. If you are looking to keep your budget as low as possible, building in one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium is a great way to do that. The cost of initial construction, as well as the price of land and labor, can be kept low by choosing to live in a state that is friendly to these types of construction projects and has a surplus of space on which you can build your custom dream home. 

We have put together a list of the top 10 cheapest states to build a barndominium to help you figure out where would be best for you to start your barndo project. By choosing one of the states on our list, you can have more money left over in your construction budget for things like appliances and luxury design elements, which make the process of building a home from scratch worth it. 

West Virginia 

Why Build a Barndominium in West Virginia?

West Virginia is one of the states that we think is perfect for building a barndominium. Since barndos tend to have a modern farmhouse feel, they will fit right in with the rest of the landscape and architecture in this beautiful state. Knowing how nice your new home will look against the rural backdrop of one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium gives you all the more reason to settle down and start making your dream come true. 

West Virginia is home to many wide-open rural areas. There is a lot of land and space available and this makes it a perfect choice for those who are looking to expand their families or build a home that is not bound by small lots and many other homes nearby. On top of this, there are no state guidelines for building in rural areas in West Virginia. This means that your barndominium is bound only by your budget and your imagination. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in West Virginia 

It is not only the lack of official state building codes that makes West Virginia one of the best places to build your barndo. It is also the price point. A barndominium in this state will only cost $81 per square foot for the initial construction. This is well below what the cost is for most other states in the U.S. , meaning it is one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. This makes it a great choice for first-time home builders or people who want to get the most value for their money. 

With the money you will be saving on the construction of your barndominium, you can put more into taking advantage of West Virginia’s lack of building codes. Shops, outbuildings, porches, and other additions can be acquired and added onto your floor plan if you don’t have to spend so much on the initial construction of the home itself. This is one of the main reasons West Virginia is one of the top 10 cheapest states to build a barndominium. 

Alabama 

Why Build a Barndominium in Alabama?

Building a barndominium in Alabama is a great idea for a lot of different reasons. For one, Alabama is the home of so many beautiful natural landscapes and attractions. If you are someone who loves the outdoors and the call of rural life, Alabama is a great choice for you and your barndominium project. With so much natural land and beauty, there are endless opportunities for you to find the perfect spot to build your dream home. 

For fans of football, music, and other entertainment, Alabama has something to offer everyone. Between the Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers, there is no end to the excitement for any sports fan. Plus, with the money you’ll be saving by building in one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium, you can have lots of room for fans and friends to come over when the game is on. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Alabama

To build a barndominium in Alabama, the cost comes in at just $86 per square foot. This is far below the national average and could add up to a lot of savings on your construction project. Compared to the average of $91 per square foot for a traditional home, you could end up saving a lot of money on your initial construction if you are deciding to build a large home. 

Land is also readily available and fairly inexpensive in this state. At around 38 cents per square foot, you have a lot of leeway financially when it comes to the plot of land you plan on building on. This low cost of land makes it one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. For that price, you could potentially afford a large plot of land near one of Alabama’s many rural amenities or urban centers, depending on your preference. 

Mississippi 

Why Build a Barndominium in Mississippi?

The decision to build a barndominium in Mississippi could be influenced by many things. However, one of the biggest advantages of building a home in the magnolia state is the fact that the cost of living is so low. With prices of real estate, education, and more becoming so expensive in so many different parts of the United States, it is nice to find a state that is staying affordable and friendly to people who might not have so much money to spend just to live. 

Mississippi is the 13th cheapest state to live in compared to the entire United States. In fact, the cost of living is 15% less than the national average, making it a great choice for people who want to build their barndominium and their life in a place that is affordable. On top of this, the state still maintains a high-quality education system despite the lower costs, making it a great choice for families who want to live in one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Mississippi

While the cost of living itself is inexpensive in Mississippi, the cost of building a barndominium is even less. At just $89 per square foot, there is no end to the possibilities when it comes to your dream home in one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. At this price, you could afford to make your barndo as large or opulent as you can dream of. 

In Mississippi, the cost of building a traditional home is somewhere around $150 per square foot. Comparing this to the barndo price, you can see why a barndominium build is such a great choice. Combining these low construction costs with the low cost of living in the state means this is a very attractive location for people who want to get the most out of a dollar. Being able to build the home of your dreams for less money is not an opportunity that comes up every day, making Mississippi a great choice for all kinds of people. 

Ohio 

Why Build a Barndominium in Ohio?

Ohio has a lot going for it as a state, not the least of which being that it is a great place to build a barndominium. Ohio is notoriously friendly to businesses, which means that you will be able to find some of the top construction companies on the market to help you build the barndo that you want to your exact specifications. 

Ohio is not only a great place to do business, it is also a wonderful place to live. The weather in Ohio, while cold in the winter, is famously beautiful the rest of the year, and there are so many natural wonders to take advantage of. For example, Ohio is home to over 100 lakes and has many rivers and waterfalls. Because of this, it is a great place for you to build your barndominium if you love the outdoors. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Ohio

Building a traditional home in Ohio is, on average, around $105 per square foot. Comparatively, building a barndominium costs just $93 per square foot. This means that there will be so many more options for you when the time comes to put together your floor plan and start figuring out what you want to include with your barndominium. 

It’s hard to find anywhere that you can build a home for less than $100 per square foot. However, in Ohio, you can get your barndominium built for much less than the national average. On top of that, you have access to all the wonderful things that this state has to offer while still getting to build in one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium.

Michigan

Why Build a Barndominium in Michigan?

Building a barndominium in Michigan is a decision that would most likely be the right one for a lot of different people. Michigan is a large state with many rural and urban centers, meaning there is something for everyone in this classic midwestern region. On top of that, the cost of living and the cost of building are incredibly low for a place that is on the upswing and gaining in popularity. 

Michigan is called the Great Lakes state, and there is good reason for this. It has the largest concentration of freshwater lakes in the country and there is no end to the water activities you can take part in by building your barndominium there. Everything from water skiing to ice fishing is at your fingertips, making Michigan a great place to build if you have an interest in nature and all the wonder it has to offer. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Michigan

At $97 per square foot, Michigan is one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. For this price, there is so much that you could afford to add on and include in your dream home. Electronics, appliances, and so much more can be included in your budget if you don’t have to spend so much on the initial construction of the home. 

Conversely, building a traditionally framed house in Michigan can cost, on average, $150 per square foot. When this is spread out over an entire house, you can see why building a barndominium in Michigan is such a good idea for someone who wants to get a lot more for their money in their home build. 

Louisiana

Why Build a Barndominium in Louisiana?

Louisiana, also known as the pelican state, is one of the cultural centers of the United States. Building a barndominium there might be one of the best decisions you could make if you are interested in music, food, or any number of natural amenities. 

Louisiana also has an incredibly low cost of living due to the high concentration of food and petroleum production. If you are looking for an affordable place to fully experience the culture of the southern United States, building a barndominium in Louisiana could be your best option. On top of that, there is a large amount of land for sale in beautiful areas that can capture your heart and your imagination. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Louisiana 

What makes this one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium is the fact that the average cost of building one in Louisiana is $97 per square foot. Like many of the other states on our list, having this price be below $100 is a deal no matter where you look. However, the fact that it is in such an interesting and specifically American place makes it an even better option for people who want to build a unique home in a truly unique place. 

On average, the cost of building a traditional home in Louisiana is around $150. While this is still a fairly inexpensive price, building a barndominium is the much cheaper option. If you want to be able to build a home that is specific to the wants and needs of your family, a barndominium in Louisiana could be just the thing you have been looking for. 

Iowa 

Why Build a Barndominium in Iowa?

If you have been considering building a barndominium in Iowa, you have been on the right track. Iowa has a cost of living that is 10% below the national average, making it a great place to get the most for your money if you want to build your home and live there. On top of that, Iowa is also home to one of the wealthiest cities in America, Des Moines. 

What this means is that while the cost of living is low, the standards of living are high. This gives you great options when it comes to neighborhoods and towns to live in, as well as education. A place that offers such a low cost of living while also providing top-quality services means building your barndominium there is a no-brainer. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Iowa

On average, the cost of building a traditional wood-frame home in Iowa is around $150 per square foot. This is fairly close to the national average and only includes the initial construction of the house structure itself. 

However, the cost of building a barndominium in Iowa is much more affordable. At an average of just $97 per square foot, you could build your barndominium in one of the high-quality cities that this state has to offer. On top of that, you could have money left over in your budget to live the life that you want without having to pay a high price for education, groceries, and all the other things that come with living and working in a wealthy area. 

North Dakota

Why Build a Barndominium in North Dakota?

North Dakota is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire United States. There are so few places in the U.S. that have such a rural and untouched landscape. If you are interested in the outdoors, rural living and the country style that barndominiums are perfect for, North Dakota is a great place to live. 

North Dakota is not only one of the most beautiful states in the country, it is also a complete melting pot of many different cultures. The food scene in North Dakota is a combination of so many different places and people. If you are interested in how all of these cultures come together, it could be a great option for building your barndominium. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in North Dakota

Building a barndominium in North Dakota is also a great idea just based on the price alone. The cost of building your dream barndo is, on average, just $96 per square foot. The fact that it is one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium leaves so much room in your budget for experiencing everything this state has to offer. 

By contrast, building a traditional home in North Dakota is round $135 per square foot. By saving so much money on your initial build, a barndominium in North Dakota leaves room for you to have all the extras you would expect from a custom home built in one of the most naturally pristine places in the country. 

Idaho

Why Build a Barndominium in Idaho?

Idaho is home to some of the most sought-after hunting, skiing and ice fishing in the world. If you are interested in winter sports and mountain living, building a barndominium in Idaho might be the best decision you could make. There is something for every outdoor sportsman in this state. 

While Idaho is definitely known for its winters, summers are one of the best kept secrets in the world. Known for being mild and comfortable, Idaho summers can be spent enjoying your new barndo build and all the fun that comes with it. Not to mention, the cost of living is 7.8% lower than the national average. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Idaho

Idaho is one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. A barndominium in Idaho will cost you, on average, $99 per square foot. Compared to the $120 per square foot that a traditional home will cost, a barndominium in Idaho is a slam dunk for anyone looking to save money. You can have so much left over in your budget for outdoor sports and trips to any of the many lakes or mountain ranges that have made this state famous. 

There are also larger cities like Boise that have a much lower cost of living than cities in other states. Because of this, you can enjoy the type of city living you might be wanting without having to pay so much extra to build your dream home. This makes it a great choice for people who want the option of rural and urban life where they build their barndominium. 

Nebraska 

Why Build a Barndominium in Nebraska?

Nebraska is so much more than just a flyover state. In fact, with so much to offer, there are so many reasons to build your barndominium there. A wealth of land and a wide variety of communities are available in Nebraska, making it a great option if you want to build in a place that has a lot to offer. 

One of the biggest reasons to build your barndominium in Nebraska is the low cost of living and the high salaries. With larger cities like Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska has many opportunities for work while still maintaining a small, rural cost of living. This mixture of classic and modern matches perfectly with the aesthetic and attitude of barndo life. 

Cost of Building a Barndominium in Nebraska

Building a barndominium in Nebraska will cost, on average, $96 per square foot, making it one of the cheapest states to build a barndominium. Being able to build a home for this small amount in a place that has so many big city opportunities is a great feature. By keeping your income high and your building cost low, you can create a life that is easy to manage and cheap to maintain. 

Building a traditional home in Nebraska will cost somewhere around $130 per square foot. By saving this extra $34 per square foot, you can put that money towards anything you might have been dreaming of like appliances, water features, or other things to make your barndominium as uniquely yours as you possibly can, all while enjoying the urban centers of this beautiful state. 

Conclusion

By reading through this list of the top 10 cheapest states to build a barndominium, you should have a good idea of what you stand to gain by choosing one of these places. With housing becoming more and more expensive, it can be difficult to figure out how to build your perfect dream home. By choosing to build your barndominium in one of these places, you can have the house you want, while still having money left over to live the life you want.