Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Delivers comprehensive construction cost management with budgeting, forecasting, commitment tracking, and change order processing.
- 2#2: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Provides integrated cost tracking, budgeting, and financial forecasting within a full BIM-enabled construction platform.
- 3#3: Buildertrend - Offers user-friendly job costing, expense tracking, and budgeting tools optimized for residential and small commercial projects.
- 4#4: Knowify - Specializes in job costing, invoicing, and payment tracking for trade contractors and general contractors.
- 5#5: Foundation - Provides robust construction accounting with detailed job cost tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
- 6#6: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Delivers advanced job cost management, budgeting, and accounts payable/payable integration for mid-to-large construction firms.
- 7#7: Trimble Viewpoint Vista - Offers enterprise-level job costing, subcontract management, and real-time financial visibility for large-scale projects.
- 8#8: CMiC - Integrates ERP-level cost control, budgeting, and forecasting with project management for complex construction operations.
- 9#9: eSUB - Focuses on subcontractor job costing, time tracking, and billing with cloud-based field-to-office connectivity.
- 10#10: Corecon - Supports estimating, job costing, and invoicing with customizable workflows for construction professionals.
Tools were evaluated based on feature depth (including budgeting, forecasting, and subcontractor management), usability, quality of support, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique needs of small to large-scale construction projects.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights key features of top construction cost tracking software, featuring Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Buildertrend, Knowify, Foundation, and more. It breaks down functionality, integration options, and user experience to help teams determine the best fit for their project management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Delivers comprehensive construction cost management with budgeting, forecasting, commitment tracking, and change order processing. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Provides integrated cost tracking, budgeting, and financial forecasting within a full BIM-enabled construction platform. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Buildertrend Offers user-friendly job costing, expense tracking, and budgeting tools optimized for residential and small commercial projects. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Knowify Specializes in job costing, invoicing, and payment tracking for trade contractors and general contractors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Foundation Provides robust construction accounting with detailed job cost tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Delivers advanced job cost management, budgeting, and accounts payable/payable integration for mid-to-large construction firms. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Trimble Viewpoint Vista Offers enterprise-level job costing, subcontract management, and real-time financial visibility for large-scale projects. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | CMiC Integrates ERP-level cost control, budgeting, and forecasting with project management for complex construction operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | eSUB Focuses on subcontractor job costing, time tracking, and billing with cloud-based field-to-office connectivity. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Corecon Supports estimating, job costing, and invoicing with customizable workflows for construction professionals. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Delivers comprehensive construction cost management with budgeting, forecasting, commitment tracking, and change order processing.
Provides integrated cost tracking, budgeting, and financial forecasting within a full BIM-enabled construction platform.
Offers user-friendly job costing, expense tracking, and budgeting tools optimized for residential and small commercial projects.
Specializes in job costing, invoicing, and payment tracking for trade contractors and general contractors.
Provides robust construction accounting with detailed job cost tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
Delivers advanced job cost management, budgeting, and accounts payable/payable integration for mid-to-large construction firms.
Offers enterprise-level job costing, subcontract management, and real-time financial visibility for large-scale projects.
Integrates ERP-level cost control, budgeting, and forecasting with project management for complex construction operations.
Focuses on subcontractor job costing, time tracking, and billing with cloud-based field-to-office connectivity.
Supports estimating, job costing, and invoicing with customizable workflows for construction professionals.
Procore
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive construction cost management with budgeting, forecasting, commitment tracking, and change order processing.
Integrated Forecasting tool that uses AI-driven projections and historical data to predict cash flow and cost overruns dynamically
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform renowned for its robust Financials suite tailored to cost tracking. It enables detailed budget creation, real-time commitment management for subcontracts and purchase orders, change order processing, and advanced forecasting with variance analysis. The software provides customizable dashboards, job costing reports, and seamless integrations with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage for accurate financial oversight across projects.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time cost visibility with line-item budgeting and automated variance tracking
- Deep integrations with ERP/accounting software for streamlined data flow
- Scalable for enterprise-level projects with mobile access and customizable reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- High cost may not suit small contractors
- Customization can require admin support or training
Best For
Large construction firms and general contractors handling complex, multi-phase projects that demand precise financial control and forecasting.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $500-$700+ per month per project or user, with tiers scaling by features and team size.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseProvides integrated cost tracking, budgeting, and financial forecasting within a full BIM-enabled construction platform.
BIM-integrated cost tracking that links 3D models directly to budgets and forecasts for precise, model-driven cost control
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for construction project management, with robust cost tracking capabilities through its Autodesk Build module. It enables users to create detailed budgets, track commitments and expenses in real-time, manage change orders, and generate accurate cost forecasts using integrated data from the field and office. The software supports collaboration across teams with mobile access and seamless integration with Autodesk's BIM tools like Revit for model-based quantity takeoffs and cost estimation.
Pros
- Advanced cost management tools including real-time variance tracking, forecasting, and change order automation
- Seamless integration with BIM models for accurate quantity takeoffs and cost data linkage
- Strong mobile app for field data capture and collaboration across stakeholders
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and interface complexity
- High pricing that may not suit small projects or budgets
- Requires reliable internet and can feel overwhelming for basic cost tracking needs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms managing complex projects that require integrated BIM, cost tracking, and team collaboration.
Pricing
Subscription-based; Pro plan starts at ~$65/user/month, Premium at ~$85/user/month, with enterprise options and project-based licensing available.
Buildertrend
specializedOffers user-friendly job costing, expense tracking, and budgeting tools optimized for residential and small commercial projects.
Real-time budget vs. actuals variance dashboard with drill-down analytics
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with robust cost tracking capabilities, enabling users to create detailed budgets, monitor expenses, and track variances in real-time. It supports cost codes, purchase orders, time tracking, and financial reporting tailored for construction projects. The software integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting tools to streamline invoicing and profitability analysis, helping teams maintain financial control throughout the project lifecycle.
Pros
- Detailed budgeting with cost codes and variance reports
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accurate cost syncing
- Mobile app for on-site expense and time tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- High pricing not ideal for small teams
- Custom reports can require advanced setup
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies seeking integrated cost tracking within full project management workflows.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $99/user/month for Essentials plan, up to $399+/user/month for Enterprise; billed annually with add-ons available.
Knowify
specializedSpecializes in job costing, invoicing, and payment tracking for trade contractors and general contractors.
Real-time job costing dashboard with automated variance alerts and profit forecasting
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform designed primarily for subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, offering robust job costing and financial tracking tools. It enables real-time monitoring of labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor expenses against budgets, with detailed variance reporting to ensure project profitability. The software also handles invoicing, purchase orders, scheduling, and integrates deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting workflows.
Pros
- Real-time job costing with cost code-level tracking and profitability insights
- Strong QuickBooks integration for automated financial syncing
- Mobile app supports field data entry for expenses and time tracking
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex features and custom setups
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced needs
- Reporting customization lacks depth compared to enterprise alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized subcontractors and trade contractors prioritizing precise cost control and job profitability tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for basic plans, with Pro and Enterprise tiers at higher custom pricing based on users and features.
Foundation
enterpriseProvides robust construction accounting with detailed job cost tracking, payroll, and financial reporting.
Real-time Job Cost Dashboard with automatic variance analysis and committed cost tracking
Foundation by Foundation Software is a specialized construction accounting platform with powerful job cost tracking capabilities, enabling contractors to monitor budgets, actual expenses, committed costs, and variances across projects in real-time. It integrates job costing with general ledger accounting, payroll, and subcontract management to provide a unified financial view for construction firms. The software offers customizable reports, WIP schedules, and forecasting tools to help control costs and improve profitability on jobsites.
Pros
- Robust job costing with real-time tracking of labor, materials, and subcontractors
- Industry-specific features like change order billing and over/under billing reports
- Strong integration between accounting modules and project financials
Cons
- Dated user interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive and customizable nature
- Pricing is opaque and quote-based, potentially high for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies needing integrated accounting and detailed job cost tracking for multiple projects.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular subscriptions or perpetual licenses starting around $300-$600 per user/month for cloud versions, depending on modules and user count.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseDelivers advanced job cost management, budgeting, and accounts payable/payable integration for mid-to-large construction firms.
Multi-dimensional job cost ledger supporting unlimited cost codes, categories, and real-time variance tracking
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP platform tailored for mid-to-large construction and real estate firms, providing comprehensive job cost tracking, budgeting, and forecasting capabilities. It enables detailed monitoring of labor, material, and subcontractor costs across multiple projects with real-time variance analysis and profitability reporting. The software integrates job costing with accounting, payroll, and project management for end-to-end financial control.
Pros
- Powerful job cost accounting with multi-level breakdowns and WIP reporting
- Seamless integration with Sage accounting and estimating tools
- Scalable for complex, multi-project environments with strong customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Dated UI compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring integrated ERP with advanced job cost tracking for multiple projects.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $10,000+ annually based on modules, users, and deployment (cloud or on-premise), requires quote.
Trimble Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseOffers enterprise-level job costing, subcontract management, and real-time financial visibility for large-scale projects.
Advanced multi-tiered cost code structure enabling granular, project-phase-level cost allocation and analysis
Trimble Viewpoint Vista is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction firms, excelling in job costing and cost tracking across projects. It enables real-time monitoring of labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs, with tools for variance analysis, forecasting, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting. Integrated with accounting, payroll, and project management modules, it provides comprehensive financial oversight for complex construction operations.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing with multi-level cost codes and real-time variance tracking
- Powerful customizable reporting and WIP schedules for accurate forecasting
- Seamless integration with Trimble's field and accounting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern SaaS options
- High upfront implementation and customization costs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies with complex projects needing enterprise-grade ERP-integrated cost tracking.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $150-$300/user/month plus $50K+ implementation fees, with on-premise or hosted options.
CMiC
enterpriseIntegrates ERP-level cost control, budgeting, and forecasting with project management for complex construction operations.
Unified single-database platform that eliminates data silos between finance, operations, and field teams for accurate cost tracking
CMiC is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for the construction industry, providing end-to-end management including robust cost tracking features like job costing, budgeting, forecasting, and change order processing. It integrates financials, project controls, and field operations to deliver real-time cost visibility and analytics. Designed for enterprise-scale operations, it helps contractors manage complex projects with accurate cost control and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and real-time forecasting tools
- Seamless integration with accounting and project management
- Scalable for large enterprises with advanced reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High implementation costs and long onboarding
- Less intuitive for small teams or simple projects
Best For
Large construction firms and general contractors needing an integrated ERP for enterprise-level cost tracking and financial management.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules and users.
eSUB
specializedFocuses on subcontractor job costing, time tracking, and billing with cloud-based field-to-office connectivity.
Seamless mobile timecard approval that automatically feeds into job costs for instant labor expense tracking
eSUB is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for subcontractors, offering robust tools for job costing, time tracking, and expense management to ensure accurate cost control on construction projects. It provides real-time visibility into budgets, labor costs, materials, and change orders through mobile-friendly apps and customizable reports. Ideal for trade contractors, it integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks to streamline financial tracking and profitability analysis.
Pros
- Real-time job costing and budgeting with mobile timecard entry
- Strong integrations with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage
- Customizable reports for detailed cost variance analysis
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be higher for smaller teams
- Steeper learning curve for non-subcontractor users
- Limited advanced forecasting tools compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Subcontractors and trade contractors seeking mobile-first cost tracking integrated with daily field operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts around $49/user/month for basic plans, scaling with features and users.
Corecon
specializedSupports estimating, job costing, and invoicing with customizable workflows for construction professionals.
Real-time job costing dashboard with automated variance alerts and forecasting tools
Corecon is a cloud-based construction management platform designed for job costing, estimating, and project financial tracking, enabling real-time monitoring of budgets versus actual costs. It supports change order management, expense tracking, subcontractor payments, and detailed reporting to help construction firms maintain profitability. With mobile access and integrations like QuickBooks, it streamlines cost control across office and field teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing with budget-to-actual variance tracking
- Strong mobile app for on-site time and expense entry
- Seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small teams
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and subcontractors needing integrated cost tracking within broader project management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500/month for basic plans with 5-10 users, scaling up to $1,500+/month for enterprise features.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools reviewed provide exceptional support for construction cost tracking, with Procore leading as the top choice, offering comprehensive management of budgeting, forecasting, and change orders. Autodesk Construction Cloud stands out for its integration with BIM platforms, while Buildertrend excels with user-friendly tools optimized for residential and small commercial projects—each a strong alternative depending on specific needs. Ultimately, regardless of the tool chosen, the selection ensures streamlined and efficient cost management in construction.
Take the first step in enhancing your cost tracking: explore Procore’s robust features, or consider Autodesk Construction Cloud or Buildertrend to find the ideal fit for your project requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison