In the United States, for example, the cost of a house in the 1700s ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. A modest wooden house in a rural area might cost around $500, while a larger, well-built house in a town or city might cost several thousand dollars. In Boston, for instance, a typical house cost around $1,000 in the mid-1700s. In rural areas, however, a house could be built for as little as $200.
In Europe, the cost of a house also varied considerably from country to country and region to region. In England, for instance, a small cottage might cost around £50, while a larger, more substantial house could cost several hundred pounds. In France, the cost of a house ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand livres.
Of course, the cost of a house also depended on the materials used in its construction. Wooden houses were generally less expensive than brick or stone houses. Houses made of stone were the most expensive, but they were also more durable and fire-resistant.
In addition to the cost of construction, the value of a house was also influenced by its location. Houses in desirable locations, such as near town centers or along rivers, were generally more expensive than houses in more rural areas.
Overall, houses were more affordable in the 1700s than they are today. However, it is important to remember that the value of money was also different in the 1700s. A dollar or a pound in the 1700s had much greater purchasing power than it does today.