2026 Data · All 50 States + D.C.

Pool Cost by State in 2026

Pool construction costs vary by up to 100% across US states, driven primarily by local labor rates and permit costs. The cheapest state to build a pool is Mississippi (gunite from $70,000) and the most expensive is Hawaii (gunite from $98,000). Click any state for a detailed breakdown and free cost calculator.

National avg gunite pool
$80,000
500 sq ft, standard build
Most affordable state
Mississippi
Gunite from $70,000
Most expensive state
Hawaii
Gunite from $98,000
Cost range (all states)
$70,000–$98,000
Gunite, standard 500 sq ft

Average Pool Cost by State (2026)

Based on a standard 500 sq ft pool. Sorted lowest to highest gunite cost. Click any state for detailed pricing.

StateGunite / ShotcreteFiberglassVinyl LinerPermit CostSeason
Mississippi$70,000$52,000$41,000$900+Year-round
Arkansas$71,000$52,000$41,000$900+Year-round
Louisiana$71,000$53,000$42,000$1,000+Year-round
Oklahoma$71,000$53,000$42,000$1,000+Year-round
Alabama$72,000$53,000$42,000$1,000+Year-round
Tennessee$72,000$53,000$42,000$1,100+Year-round
North Carolina$73,000$54,000$43,000$1,200+Year-round
South Carolina$73,000$54,000$43,000$1,100+Year-round
Texas$73,000$54,000$43,000$1,100+Year-round
Georgia$74,000$54,000$43,000$1,200+Year-round
New Mexico$74,000$55,000$44,000$1,300+Year-round
West Virginia$74,000$55,000$45,000$1,000+Seasonal
Florida$75,000$55,000$44,000$1,300+Year-round
Kansas$75,000$56,000$45,000$1,100+Seasonal
Kentucky$75,000$56,000$45,000$1,100+Seasonal
Missouri$75,000$56,000$45,000$1,100+Seasonal
Iowa$76,000$57,000$46,000$1,200+Seasonal
Nebraska$76,000$56,000$45,000$1,100+Seasonal
South Dakota$76,000$57,000$46,000$1,200+Seasonal
Arizona$77,000$57,000$46,000$1,600+Year-round
Indiana$77,000$57,000$46,000$1,300+Seasonal
Ohio$77,000$58,000$47,000$1,400+Seasonal
Michigan$78,000$58,000$47,000$1,500+Seasonal
Nevada$78,000$58,000$47,000$1,700+Year-round
North Dakota$78,000$58,000$47,000$1,400+Seasonal
Wisconsin$78,000$58,000$47,000$1,400+Seasonal
Idaho$79,000$59,000$48,000$1,500+Seasonal
Montana$79,000$59,000$48,000$1,500+Seasonal
Wyoming$79,000$59,000$48,000$1,400+Seasonal
Minnesota$80,000$60,000$49,000$1,600+Seasonal
Virginia$80,000$60,000$49,000$1,700+Seasonal
Delaware$81,000$61,000$50,000$1,700+Seasonal
Illinois$81,000$60,000$49,000$1,800+Seasonal
Utah$81,000$60,000$49,000$1,800+Seasonal
Colorado$82,000$61,000$50,000$1,900+Seasonal
Maine$82,000$62,000$51,000$1,900+Seasonal
Oregon$82,000$62,000$51,000$1,900+Seasonal
Pennsylvania$82,000$61,000$51,000$2,000+Seasonal
Maryland$83,000$62,000$52,000$2,100+Seasonal
New Hampshire$83,000$62,000$51,000$2,000+Seasonal
Vermont$83,000$62,000$51,000$2,000+Seasonal
Washington$84,000$63,000$52,000$2,100+Seasonal
Rhode Island$87,000$65,000$53,000$2,300+Seasonal
Connecticut$89,000$67,000$54,000$2,400+Seasonal
New Jersey$92,000$69,000$54,000$2,600+Seasonal
Massachusetts$93,000$70,000$55,000$2,500+Seasonal
Washington D.C.$93,000$70,000$55,000$2,800+Seasonal
Alaska$96,000$72,000$55,000$2,500+Seasonal
California$96,000$71,000$54,000$2,900+Year-round
New York$97,000$72,000$56,000$2,800+Seasonal
Hawaii$98,000$73,000$54,000$3,200+Year-round

* Estimates based on 2026 national averages adjusted for state labor rates and permit costs. Actual costs vary by contractor, soil conditions, and local market. Always get 3+ written bids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the cheapest inground pool costs?
Mississippi has some of the lowest pool costs in the country, with gunite pools averaging around $70,000 for a standard 500 sq ft pool — driven by below-average labor rates and lower permit costs. Other affordable states include Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Which state has the most expensive pool costs?
Hawaii has the highest pool costs, with gunite pools averaging around $98,000. High labor costs (140% of national average) and permit costs ($3,200+) drive the premium. California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts also rank among the most expensive.
Why do pool costs vary so much by state?
The biggest driver is local labor rates — a pool contractor in Hawaii or California charges significantly more per hour than one in Mississippi or Arkansas. Secondary drivers include local permit fees ($900 to $3,200+), soil conditions, seasonal demand (contractors in frost states build fewer pools so charge more per project), and local material costs.
How much does a pool cost in my state?
Use the free PriceAPool calculator on the homepage, or click your state in the table above for a detailed breakdown. The calculator adjusts for your state's labor rate, permit costs, frost climate, and even your specific ZIP code for metro area pricing.

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