yup, it depends.... however, various examples can be given, and having started with no experience myself, i think "some" idea is better than no idea, as far as what you might expect. so now i have "some" experience, so far!
i'll be experiencing both a low cost building experience and a higher cost one.
first we are building a 14x14 practice structure, before we build a large house on the same property. the 14x14 can then be used as a storage shed. since it is being built in the same style as the house we plan to build, it is great practice.
the 14x14 is nearing completion and i estimate it will end up costing just over $5,000.
here's a list of materials used. i'm not counting the cost of tools, just materials. and this shed will not be plumbed or have electricity or a septic system.
Logs (from tree farm 24 mi. away)--$2,000
Log Delivery-- $100
Concrete, delivered & poured-- $900
Pier forms (plywood, etc, from HD)-- $250
Rebar (craigslist)-- $300
T&G, roof & floor(craigslist)-- $550
2 Uhaul trailer rentals to get T&G-- $60
Floor joists(w/delivery, lumberyard)--$111
Entry Door (pre-hung, from HD)-- $139
Board & Batten (Home Depot)-- $75
2 rolls of tar paper for roof (HD)-- $60
________
So far..............................................$4,555

i think the metal roof will be about $600, and we may get a couple windows on craigslist for $50 each, and we need chinking, which shouldn't be too bad for a structure this small.
we saved on some materials by reusing the plywood from the pier forms to cover the gable ends before putting up board & batten, and ripped 2x4 for gable framing from damaged leftover 2x6 T&G, and also milled our own 4x8 rafters from leftover logs, using an alaskan mill.
also, our county allows a structure under 200 square feet without a building permit, so we saved a lot by not having to get permits for this structure.

... by contrast, for the house we will build, which will be just over 2600 sf interior, the permit alone cost $5800.
permit costs can vary a lot depending on where you build, as can septic systems and many other things, hence the "it depends" answer from many of us, understandably. :)
but i estimate the house will cost us about 20 times what the shed costs us to build, if all goes well. still much better than any other option out there for me, someone who enjoys paying in sweat and time, as opposed to $$$.

hope that helps!

edit-- i didn't keep track of very small cost items like joist hangers & nails. i don't think they added up to very much.

 Sheeri,

A very common log there in the mountains is a species that is commonly called Eastern White Pine. It's reasonable in price and looks good. Jay over in Marshall is building with it. 

Keith

• land bought
• clearing begun

you cant be to far from me, I am building just outside of Roanoke, VA you can track me down through the links in my sig. lines the best way to explain the building process goes like this, "you can have it in 1 of 3 ways. 1st, fast and cheap= wont be good, 2nd fast and good=wont be cheap 3rd, good and cheap=wont be fast" if you pay full retail for everything, it will be expensive. if you buy land that already has suitable trees and have a friend with a mill....well then, you might just get a home for around $7500

This sounds very much like what I tell my clients:
"The legal system strives for fast, inexpensive justice. In practice, one out of three is all you can expect."

DGC