Fit Out Cost Guide 2025 | Retail

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Most Expensive and Most Cost-Effective Markets

In-line store fit out costs averaged $155 per square foot (psf) nationally in 2025, reflecting a 4% increase over the previous year. Northern California remained the most expensive market, with average costs at $211 psf, followed by the Pacific Northwest at $185 psf and the Southwest at $173 psf. In contrast, the Southeast was the most economical region, averaging $117 psf, followed by the Midwest at $127 psf and the Appalachia region at $128 psf. The Upper Midwest experienced the most significant YOY increase, with costs rising 14%—a $17 psf increase, indicative of stronger construction activity and competition for supplies and labor. Costs also rose significantly in Southern California, up 10% YOY. Contractors in Southern California attributed the escalation primarily to higher supplier costs, approximately half of which were passed through to clients. Conversely, Chicago recorded the sharpest decline with prices falling 6% or $9 psf.

Refer back to page 3 for details on region and market definitions.

Fit Out Cost Average cost by market, per square foot

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

Texas

SoCal

NorCal

Midwest

Mountain

NYC MSA

Southeast

Southwest

Upper MW

Pacific NW

Appalachia

Mid-Atlantic

Denver MSA

New England

Chicago MSA

Source: Cushman & Wakefield Project & Development Services

Fit Out Cost: Year-Over-Year Change Average cost by market

$20

20%

$15

15%

$10

10%

$(5)

-5%

$(10)

-10%