Is A Ranch House With A Finished Basement Cheaper To Build Than A Two Story House Of The Same Size?

CarlWe were told by a local builder that it is cheaper to build (and heat/cool) a raised ranch (ranch with a daylight basement that includes 3 of our 4 bedrooms and family room) rather than building a two story (4 bedrooms up) with an unfinished basement. The raised ranch would be 2400 square feet plus the daylight basement vs. the 3000 square foot 2 story (main floor approx 1800 square feet