How Much Does It Cost To Build a 5-Story Building?
Building a 5-story building involves substantial costs influenced by various factors, including location, materials, and design. On average, the cost ranges from $8.4 million to $24 million. For a luxury high-rise apartment building with 100 units, costs can escalate significantly. High-end finishes, premium materials, and advanced amenities push the price up to around $187.2 million. Key cost components include land acquisition, architectural design, construction, permits, and interior finishes. Additional expenses like landscaping, utilities, and contingency funds must also be considered.

Variations in regional construction costs and labor rates can further impact the overall budget, necessitating thorough financial planning and expert consultation for accurate cost estimation and project success.
Apartment Building Cost by Type
The type of apartment building you construct significantly impacts the total costs, primarily affecting the cost per square foot. Larger buildings employ different construction methods that raise costs. Some apartments have mixed uses, including offices or storefronts, and many offer amenities like pools, gyms, social areas, and lobbies, all of which influence building expenses.
Apartment buildings come in various shapes and sizes, affecting costs. Buildings with more corners and complex shapes have higher construction prices. The number of units and overall building size also play a role in determining the price. Below are some common apartment building types and their average cost per square foot:
Apartment Building Type | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
Infill | $114 – $246 |
Low-Rise | $216 – $330 |
Mid-Rise | $252 – $372 |
High-Rise | $324 – $810 |
Infill
Infill apartment buildings cost $114 to $246 per sq.ft. These are stick-built apartment homes, including duplexes, triplexes, six-packs, and walk-up apartments, often resembling single-family homes in architecture and style. Typically timber-built, they can house up to 6 apartments per building, with an average of 2 to 4. Because of their similarity to single-family homes, their costs are often lower, frequently using builder-grade materials.
Low-Rise Apartment Building
Building a low-rise apartment costs $216 to $330 per sq.ft., depending on materials. Low-rise buildings usually have 4 or fewer stories, often made of wood construction. Known as 3-over-1 buildings, they have three stories of apartments over a single level that may include apartments, shops, or amenities. They can contain 5 to 50 units, with elevators, two stairwells, and double-sided corridors, commonly found in suburban areas.
Mid-Rise Apartment Building
Mid-rise apartment buildings cost $252 to $372 per sq.ft. These larger buildings, typically up to 12 stories but usually 10 or fewer, are made of wood on concrete or with a steel podium. They contain 50 to 200 units, featuring double-sided corridors, elevators, and multiple egresses. Often, these complexes include amenities like gyms, concierge services, and may have retail stores on the lower levels.
High-Rise Apartment Building
High-rise apartment buildings range from $324 to $810 per sq.ft. Governed by zoning laws, these buildings always exceed 12 stories, with many reaching 20, 30, or 40 stories. Constructed from concrete and steel, they can have 4 to 20 units per floor, typically a mix of studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. High-rises usually include gyms, pools, and concierge services. Due to their height, they must be designed to withstand lateral forces from strong winds and earthquakes. The cost increases approximately every 10 stories due to the added structural requirements.
Multi-Family Apartment Construction Cost per Story
The cost of constructing apartment buildings escalates with their size and height due to several factors. As buildings increase in height, they accommodate more units per story, necessitating larger quantities of materials. Moreover, the construction materials shift as buildings progress from low-rise to high-rise structures, moving from wood framing to steel and concrete, which significantly impacts costs.
Here’s a breakdown of approximate costs based on the number of stories, reflecting average ranges that can vary based on specific project requirements:

Number of Stories | Cost per Square Foot | Total Cost Range |
3 Stories | $114 – $330 | $4.08M – $4.68M |
4 Stories | $213.6 – $330 | $6M – $8.04M |
5 Stories | $252 – $372 | $9.96M – $18.36M |
6 Stories | $252 – $372 | $12M – $21.24M |
10 Stories | $252 – $372 | $14.88M – $24M |
15 Stories | $324 – $810 | $28.44M – $67.5M |
20 Stories | $324 – $810 | $35.52M – $96.3M |
30 Stories | $324 – $810 | $49.92M – $144M |
40 Stories | $324 – $810 | $71.16M – $289.8M |
50 Stories | $324 – $810 | $106.8M – $481.5M |
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Apartment Building Cost by Number of Units
The cost of constructing apartment buildings varies significantly based on the number of units and their specific configurations, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of tenants. Beyond the sheer quantity of units, factors such as unit size, layout complexity, and building amenities play crucial roles in determining total construction expenses. Larger buildings often feature fewer but more spacious and luxurious units, driving up overall costs compared to smaller, more densely populated complexes.
Below is an in-depth analysis of average costs per number of units:
Number of Units | Building Cost Range |
4 Units | $1.73M – $6.05M |
6 Units | $5.18M – $25.49M |
8 Units | $5.18M – $27.22M |
12 Units | $5.18M – $28.8M |
16 Units | $5.18M – $31.68M |
20 Units | $5.18M – $35.14M |
24 Units | $5.18M – $43.92M |
50 Units | $11.95M – $115.63M |
100 Units | $34.27M – $346.8M |
Build a 4-Unit Apartment Building
Constructing a 4-unit apartment building costs between $1.73 million and $6.05 million. These buildings can vary from simple single-story structures to multi-story complexes, often catering to specific demographics such as seniors or families. Costs fluctuate based on design intricacies, location factors, and the quality of materials used, influencing both construction and long-term maintenance expenses.
Build a 6-Unit Apartment Building
The cost to build a 6-unit apartment building ranges from $5.18 million to $25.49 million, reflecting a wide range of potential layouts and architectural styles. These buildings are typically integrated into larger residential developments or may stand alone, offering various apartment types and amenities to cater to diverse tenant preferences and market demands.
Build an 8-Unit Apartment Building
Constructing an 8-unit apartment building costs between $5.18 million and $27.22 million, depending on factors such as building height, material choices, and the inclusion of amenities. These buildings often span multiple stories and may incorporate a mix of apartment sizes and configurations to maximize living space efficiency and appeal to a broader tenant base.
Build a 12-Unit Apartment Building
A 12-unit apartment building, ranging from $5.18 million to $28.8 million, presents a balanced mix of unit sizes and layouts across 3 to 6 stories. These buildings are designed to accommodate varying household needs, from studios to larger family-sized apartments, requiring careful planning to optimize space utilization and enhance residential comfort.
Build a 16-Unit Apartment Complex
Constructing a 16-unit apartment building ranges from $5.18 million to $31.68 million, offering a diverse selection of living spaces and amenities across 4 to 10 stories. These complexes cater to urban dwellers seeking both convenience and luxury, incorporating communal facilities and upscale finishes that contribute to higher construction costs per square foot.
Build a 20-Unit Apartment Building

A 20-unit apartment building, costing between $5.18 million and $35.14 million, features a blend of apartment sizes and premium amenities suitable for modern urban lifestyles. These buildings are designed to maximize comfort and community interaction, often including shared spaces like gyms and lounges, which enhance overall project costs as well as long-term value.
Build a 24-Unit Apartment Building
Constructing a 24-unit apartment building, with costs ranging from $5.18 million to $43.92 million, accommodates a wide range of tenant needs and preferences across 4 to 10 stories. These buildings may include larger units and additional amenities such as recreational areas and landscaped courtyards, contributing to elevated construction expenditures per unit and overall project budget.
Build a 50-Unit Apartment Building
A 50-unit apartment building, with costs from $11.95 million to $115.63 million, represents a significant investment in mid-rise or high-rise construction aimed at urban settings. These buildings offer extensive amenities and luxury finishes, catering to upscale tenants seeking premium living environments with convenient access to urban amenities and services.
Build a 100-Unit Apartment Building
Constructing a 100-unit apartment building, ranging from $34.27 million to $346.8 million, involves high-rise development with comprehensive amenities and luxurious living spaces. These buildings are designed to meet the demands of densely populated urban areas, emphasizing quality construction and upscale features to attract discerning residents and investors.
Prefab Apartment Building Cost
Prefab or modular construction has become increasingly popular in urban areas, offering a cost-effective solution for constructing high-rise apartment complexes. This method significantly reduces construction costs per square foot, typically ranging from $180 to $480. This affordability extends to high-rise buildings, making them more accessible for developers and investors looking to capitalize on urban development opportunities.
Prefab buildings involve constructing components off-site, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This approach minimizes weather-related delays and optimizes construction timelines due to controlled manufacturing conditions. Advanced computer-aided building technologies further enhance efficiency, ensuring rapid and streamlined construction processes that translate into lower overall costs.
Embracing prefab or modular construction not only reduces upfront construction expenses but also mitigates additional soft costs such as designer fees. This makes prefab apartment buildings an attractive option for accelerating project timelines and achieving substantial cost savings without compromising on quality or design flexibility.
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Conclusion
The cost of constructing a 5-story building varies significantly based on factors such as location, materials, and design complexity. Typically ranging from $9.96 million to $18.36 million, this estimate can escalate considerably for luxury developments, reaching up to $187.2 million for high-end projects. Various components contribute to these costs, including land acquisition, architectural design, construction materials, permits, and interior finishes. Additionally, factors like building type (infill, low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise) and unit configuration impact overall expenses. It’s crucial for developers to conduct thorough financial planning and consult with experts to accurately estimate costs and ensure project feasibility. Understanding these cost dynamics is essential for managing budgets effectively and achieving successful outcomes in apartment building construction projects.
FAQs
Building costs are influenced by location, materials used, design complexity, and amenities. Urban areas generally have higher construction costs compared to suburban or rural locations. The choice of materials, such as wood, concrete, or steel, also impacts costs significantly.
The average cost ranges from $9.96 million to $18.36 million. This estimate can vary widely based on specific project requirements and local market conditions. Luxury buildings with premium finishes and extensive amenities can exceed this range, potentially reaching up to $187.2 million for high-end developments.
Various apartment building types, such as infill, low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise, have different cost structures per square foot. For instance, high-rise buildings generally cost more due to the use of concrete and steel and additional structural requirements for taller buildings.
Apart from construction costs, developers must account for expenses like land acquisition, architectural design fees, permits, interior finishes, landscaping, utilities, and contingency funds. These can significantly impact the overall budget and project timeline.
The number of units and overall building size directly impact construction costs. Larger buildings with more units tend to have higher costs, especially if they include amenities like gyms, pools, and concierge services. Moreover, buildings with more stories typically require more materials and labor, increasing construction expenses.
Prefab or modular construction offers cost savings by reducing construction time and minimizing material waste. It involves assembling pre-built components on-site, which can lower labor costs and improve construction efficiency. This method is particularly advantageous for high-rise buildings aiming to streamline timelines and control expenses.
Effective cost management includes thorough financial planning, detailed project budgeting, and regular consultations with construction professionals. Evaluating and optimizing design choices and materials can also help control costs without compromising on quality or building requirements.
Regional factors such as construction labor rates, building codes, and availability of materials can vary significantly. Developers should conduct local market research and engage with contractors familiar with regional regulations to obtain accurate cost estimates and mitigate unforeseen expenses.
Ensuring project feasibility involves comprehensive feasibility studies, including financial analysis, market demand assessments, and risk management strategies. Collaboration with experienced architects, engineers, and contractors is crucial for navigating complexities and achieving successful project outcomes.
Developers can consult with industry associations, construction cost databases, and experienced professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction management. Utilizing advanced project management tools and software can also aid in accurate cost estimation and project planning.
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