It is cheaper to operate your business here, but it also is less expensive to build your new building. The Roanoke area is well below the national average in construction costs, according to the 2005 RS Means Building Construction Cost Data Book. The Means Construction Cost Index measures the difference in construction costs of more than 700 communities, based upon such factors as materials, labor, climate and local building codes. 
| | | Roanoke Valley | 76.5 | | Austin, TX | 79.8 | | Lexington, KY | 82.7 | | Richmond, VA | 87.1 | | Birmingham, AL | 87.4 | | Atlanta, GA | 89.8 | | Cleveland, OH | 101.1 | | Los Angeles, CA | 106.8 | | Detroit, MI | 107.0 | | National Average | 100 |
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