US Data Center Construction Surges to $42B Annualized, Nearing Office Building Investments
Data center construction in the US has accelerated dramatically, reaching a record $42 billion annualized by October 2025—an 18.5% year-over-year increase. The sector now nearly matches the $45 billion spent on office buildings, reflecting a seismic shift in infrastructure priorities since ChatGPT's 2022 debut triggered a tripling of data center investments.
Office construction has collapsed 40% amid post-pandemic market softening, while hyperscale facilities demand strategic land and power allocations. Build costs now range from $600-$1,100 per square foot, with major projects commanding $250-$500 million budgets. At current growth rates, data centers will eclipse office construction spending by 2026.