U.S. data center construction costs for 2026

The U.S. is well into the largest data center expansion cycle on record, driven by cloud growth and the rapid shift to AI-centric computing. Facility design is evolving rapidly. Innovations such as high-density racks are accelerating the mainstream adoption of liquid cooling, while modular construction is cutting delivery timelines. These innovations allow operators to scale faster while controlling costs and risk.

Data center construction activity reached unprecedented levels in June 2025, with Bank of America reporting spending of $40 billion for the month, marking a 30% jump over the prior year and building on the 50% surge recorded in 2024. With construction starts breaking U.S. records, accurate, localized cost data and advanced planning tools have become essential for budgeting, expansion decisions and competitive execution.

Gordian’s RSMeans Data, the industry’s most trusted construction cost database since the 1940s, provides reliable benchmarks for budgeting campus transformation projects. With localized square-foot costs on over 100 building models, Gordian’s RSMeans Data allows architects, engineers and other preconstruction professionals to quickly and accurately create conceptual estimates for future builds.

The table below shows the year-over-year change in costs per square foot for one-story computer data centers. Visit rsmeans.com/bdandc for more information about Gordian’s RSMeans Data.

Please note: Square foot models are used for planning and budgeting and are not meant for detailed estimates.