Several U.S. cities rank in the top 10 most expensive urban areas for building construction worldwide, according to a survey by global professional services company Turner & Townsend.
After Tokyo, the costliest construction market at $4,002 per sqm, and Hong Kong, at $3,894 per sqm, San Francisco ($3,720 per sqm) took the bronze. New York ($3,511 per sqm) was close behind, followed by Boston ($3,375 per sqm), Los Angeles ($3,186 per sqm), and Chicago ($2,935 per sqm).
Rising costs across all 11 U.S. markets surveyed are likely to be sustained through 2021, 2022, and 2023, according to Turner & Townsend’s forecasts. The inflation rate in San Francisco, which grew by 3.5% in 2020, is expected to reach 5% through 2022 and 2023.
The principal driver for rising costs is anticipated to be rising infrastructure spending, following President Biden’s plans to commit 1% of GDP into areas including transportation, utilities, broadband networks, and renewable energy, over eight years.
Related Stories
School Construction | May 3, 2016
Florida clamps down on school construction spending
Critics fear rules will hamper ability to build schools with desired features.
Resiliency | May 2, 2016
Connecticut to develop new code standards for resiliency
Expected more frequent severe weather events due to climate change prompts review.
Contractors | Apr 29, 2016
OSHA issues advisory to protect workers from Zika virus
Construction industry workers considered at high risk.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2016
New research finds 30 measures to significantly cut energy use
ASHRAE’s prescription cuts across all building types and climates.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2016
Florida gives developers more time to install first responder radio signal systems
Expensive upgrades can be postponed for several years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
San Francisco becomes first big U.S. city to require solar panels on new buildings
Pertains to commercial and residential buildings shorter than 10 stories.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
GSA adopts SITES land development and management rating system
Federal agency will use for properties with and without buildings.
Wood | Apr 22, 2016
Revised 2015 Manual for Engineered Wood Construction available
American Wood Council Document offers design information for structural applications.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2016
OSHA updates eye and face protection standards in final rule
Becomes effective April 26.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.
