Home Service Cost Index
July 2026 Edition
Tracking national average costs for 134 home improvement projects. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, Census Bureau ACS data, and aggregated material pricing. Updated monthly.
Last updated: July 22, 2026 · Next update: August 2026
What Changed in July 2026?
HVAC costs climbing ahead of peak season
HVAC replacement costs rose 2.1% month-over-month as demand increases heading into summer. Homeowners who schedule in September-October typically save 10-15% vs. peak-season pricing.
Solar panel prices continue decline
Residential solar costs dropped 3.4% from June, continuing a 14-month downward trend driven by domestic panel manufacturing expansion and improved installer competition.
Kitchen remodel costs stabilize
After 6 months of increases, kitchen remodel costs rose only 1.2% in July. Cabinet prices have plateaued while countertop material costs remain flat.
Regional labor rate divergence widening
The gap between highest-cost states (California, New York) and lowest-cost states (Texas, Oklahoma) widened to 42% in July, up from 38% in January 2026.
How Much Do Top Home Projects Cost in July 2026?
National averages for the 20 most-searched home improvement projects. Month-over-month change vs. June 2026.
| Project | National Average | MoM Change | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠Kitchen Remodel | $20,000 – $60,000 | ▲ 1.2% | Calculate → |
| 🚿Bathroom Remodel | $5,000 – $28,000 | ▲ 0.8% | Calculate → |
| 🏗️Roof Replacement | $5,700 – $14,000 | ▼ 0.5% | Calculate → |
| 🧱Epoxy Floor | $3 – $12/sqft | ▲ 0.3% | Calculate → |
| ❄️AC Repair | $150 – $1,500 | — | Calculate → |
| 🎨Interior Painting | $2,800 – $6,200 | — | Calculate → |
| ❄️HVAC Replacement | $7,000 – $12,500 | ▲ 2.1% | Calculate → |
| 🏡Fence Installation | $2,500 – $7,000 | ▲ 1.5% | Calculate → |
| 🎨Exterior Painting | $2,500 – $8,000 | ▲ 1.8% | Calculate → |
| 🌳Tree Removal | $385 – $2,000 | — | Calculate → |
| 🐛Pest Control | $100 – $1,000 | — | Calculate → |
| ☀️Solar Panels | $14,000 – $30,000 | ▼ 3.4% | Calculate → |
| 🔥Furnace Installation | $3,500 – $7,500 | — | Calculate → |
| 🌿Landscaping | $1,039 – $5,000 | — | Calculate → |
| 🪟Window Replacement | $4,500 – $12,000 | ▼ 0.2% | Calculate → |
| 🏗️Basement Finishing | $20,000 – $60,000 | ▲ 0.4% | Calculate → |
| 🪠Drain Cleaning | $100 – $500 | — | Calculate → |
| 🪵Hardwood Flooring | $6 – $15/sqft | — | Calculate → |
| 🏠Home Addition | $20,000 – $100,000 | — | Calculate → |
| 🔩Metal Roof | $12,000 – $18,000 | ▼ 0.8% | Calculate → |
How Do Costs Compare Across States?
State cost multipliers relative to the national average (1.00 = national average). Based on regional labor rates and material availability.
How Is the Cost Index Calculated?
The HomeServiceCost Index tracks national average costs for 134 home improvement project categories. Estimates are derived from three primary data sources:
- •Labor costs: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, mapped to relevant trade occupations by metro area.
- •Material prices: Aggregated pricing from major home improvement retailers, adjusted for regional availability and supply chain conditions.
- •Regional adjustments: Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) housing cost data and BLS regional price parities.
Month-over-month changes reflect updates to labor wage data and material pricing. The index is refreshed on the first week of each month. Full methodology is available on our About page.
Get Your Project Estimate
Use our interactive calculators to get a personalized cost estimate for your specific project, location, and quality level.
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