Quantivey Construction Cost Index
U.S. Construction Cost Escalation, Tracked Quarterly
The Quantivey Construction Cost Index (QCCI) measures the blended hard cost of building in the United States. Rebased to 2000 = 100, it shows how far costs have moved — and how fast they are moving now.
Index history, 2000–present
Reading the index
The chart can be viewed two ways. The index view (the default) shows the total climb in building costs over time — roughly tripling since 2000, with the steepest jump during the 2021–22 supply-chain shock. Switch to the annual-change view to see the pace of cost increases each year — the figure that matters when setting an escalation allowance for a project bidding today.
After easing toward 4% through 2024–25, escalation has re-accelerated in 2026 as 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper push material costs higher even as overall construction demand softens — an unusual combination that keeps cost pressure elevated.
Quantivey publishes a fuller interpretation each quarter in the State of the Construction Market Report, including a forward escalation forecast.
Methodology
The QCCI is a composite of authoritative public data — BLS producer-price indices for construction inputs and key commodities (steel, copper, aluminum, concrete, lumber), weighted with construction-sector labor costs (BLS ECI) and equipment — cross-checked against the ENR Construction Cost Index. Components are weighted roughly materials 50% · labor 35% · equipment & margin 15% and rebased to 2000 = 100.
The series before 2026 is reconstructed from historical published data; Quantivey tracks and publishes the index live on a quarterly basis from 2026. Values are directional estimates, not a substitute for project-specific cost planning.
The current reading (+5.7%) is the trailing 12 months — how much costs have already risen to today. It is not the rate to build into a future budget.
Apply a forward escalation allowance (our current base case is ~4.5–6% per year) to the midpoint of construction, compounded over the period from your estimate date — not a single flat figure. See the quarterly report for the forward forecast.
The Quantivey Construction Cost Index (QCCI) is a directional guide to U.S. construction cost escalation, compiled from third-party public data believed to be reliable but not independently audited. Figures for the current quarter are estimates and are revised as official data is finalised; the pre-2026 series is reconstructed from historical published data. The index is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, or definitive cost advice, and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for project budgeting. Project-specific escalation and contingency should be set in consultation with Quantivey. © 2026 Quantivey · Construction Cost Consulting.
Questions about applying the index to your project? Request a consultation.