Cost to Build a Garage (2026)

By the Home Building Cost Calculator team · Updated November 2026

A garage costs about $35 to $70 per sq ft to build, and a typical 2-car garage costs about $20,000 to $30,000 in 2026. Larger or more finished garages cost more: HomeAdvisor-based estimates put a 2-car garage at $23,000 to $40,300. Attached garages run about 10% to 15% cheaper than detached ones.

How much does a garage cost by size?

GarageTypical sizeAt $35/sq ftAt $70/sq ft
1-carabout 12×22 (264 sq ft)$9,240$18,480
2-carabout 24×24 (576 sq ft)$20,160$40,320
3-carabout 36×24 (864 sq ft)$30,240$60,480

Sizes are typical layouts; your plan may differ.

Attached or detached?

An attached garage shares a wall, and often the roof line, with the house, so it is usually 10% to 15% cheaper. A detached garage needs four walls, its own foundation and a longer electrical run, but gives more flexibility on placement and can add space for a workshop or an ADU above.

What drives the cost of a garage?

  • Foundation: a concrete slab is standard; poor soil or slopes add cost.
  • Framing and roof: wood framing is common; metal and pole-frame garages can be cheaper.
  • Doors: insulated or custom garage doors and openers.
  • Electrical: lighting and outlets, or a subpanel and EV charger.
  • Finishing: insulation, drywall, heating and a finished floor raise the cost per sq ft.
  • Permits: required in most places for a new garage.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to build a garage or buy a prefab kit?

Kits can lower material costs, but you still pay for the slab, erection, electrical and permits.

How much does a garage add to the cost of a new house?

Our calculator adds a 1-, 2- or 3-car attached garage as an option. Try it on the house cost calculator.

Compare other house types

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