[jhj]

Construction costs here (Teton County, WY) are significantly higher than CA or most places in the US due to labor constraints (we have the highest average per capita income in the US, yet an ~80 : 1 median house price : median yearly income ratio, contractors have to commute in from 50+ miles away because unless you bought your home 20+ years ago it's hard to do so as a tradesperson now, etc). It's hard to construct SFHs here for less than $800/sq ft. The same I would imagine is true of other expensive resort places like Aspen or Park City as well.

My house is insured for more than I bought both the land and house for, as suggested by State Farm themselves due to ludicrous construction costs.