Detached garage cost in Mobile, AL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $25,800 – $51,700
- Per sq ft
- $44.50 – $89
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −11%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #251
- 1 = most expensive
A detached garage in Mobile, AL usually costs $25,800 to $51,700 for 576 sq ft. That works out to about $44.50 to $89 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $4,800 less. Carpenters earn a median of $23.34 an hour in the Mobile area, 20% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Mobile, AL, standard level
$33,500 to $43,900
About $58 to $75.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 46% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18,000 | $23,600 |
| Labor | $15,300 | $20,000 |
| Permits and fees | $220 | $350 |
| Total | $33,500 | $43,900 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Mobile, AL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,900 | $20,800 | $27,800 | 54% |
| Labor | $11,800 | $17,600 | $23,500 | 46% |
| Permits and fees | $130 | $290 | $440 | 1% |
| Total | $25,800 | $38,700 | $51,700 | 100% |
Where the Mobile price comes from
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 45% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $23.34 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Mobile is 0.82 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 46% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Mobile is at 96.4 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $21,600 nationally becomes $20,800 here (midpoint, 576 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 88.1: $130 to $440.
Detached garage: what moves the price in Mobile
Garage apartments
A garage with living space is a different project: HomeGuide puts them at $80,000-$300,000.
Permits
You need a permit for a detached garage: $150-$500 on average, with separate electrical or plumbing permits if those are involved.
Electrical
Running power to a detached garage costs $1,000-$3,800 for a standard build and $5,000 or more for a long trench or amperage upgrade (Angi, Trusscore).
Is Mobile cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Mobile. Hattiesburg is the lowest at about $38,000 (midpoint, 576 sq ft), 70 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, ALthis page | $25,800 – $51,700 | $38,700 | |
| Daphne, AL25 miles | $25,400 – $51,100 | $38,300 | −1% |
| Gulfport, MS50 miles | $25,700 – $51,600 | $38,600 | level |
| Pensacola, FL60 miles | $25,900 – $52,000 | $39,000 | +1% |
| Hattiesburg, MS70 miles | $25,300 – $50,700 | $38,000 | −2% |
| Slidell, LA105 miles | $25,600 – $51,300 | $38,400 | −1% |
| Alabama (statewide) | $25,600 – $51,300 | $38,500 | −1% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +12% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Mobile ranks #251 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Mobile is 1% above the Alabama figure.
Elsewhere in Alabama
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 520,290 jobs | $26,000 – $52,200 | $39,100 | +1% |
| Huntsville, AL | 266,650 jobs | $25,900 – $51,900 | $38,900 | level |
| Montgomery, AL | 165,550 jobs | $25,300 – $50,800 | $38,100 | −2% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $25,700 – $51,600 | $38,600 | level |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $25,400 – $51,100 | $38,300 | −1% |
| Auburn, AL | 72,710 jobs | $25,400 – $51,000 | $38,200 | −1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Mobile against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naples, FL | 173,880 jobs | $26,600 – $53,500 | $40,100 | +3% |
| Visalia, CA | 171,140 jobs | $30,300 – $60,700 | $45,500 | +17% |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | +13% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 170,820 jobs | $26,200 – $52,700 | $39,500 | +2% |
Planning more than one job in Mobile?
Jobs that often go together with detached garage are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Mobile wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, garage door comes out highest (−8%) and concrete driveway lowest (−16%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,150 – $4,650 | −11% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $640 – $3,400 | −8% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,150 – $7,700 | −16% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $33,300 – $67,500 | −12% |
What local crews earn in Mobile
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 5 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Mobile the blend is 0.82.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $23.34 an hour, 20% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $20.96 and $27.51 an hour. About 630 work in the metro. That is 36.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 20%) the local median is $17.71 an hour, which is 22% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $14.69 and $21.21 an hour. BLS counts 2,050 of them working in the area, 118.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 15% of the weighting: a median of $21.80 an hour, 20% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $18.09 and $27.10 an hour. About 230 work in the metro. That is 13.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For electricians (47-2111, weighted 10%) the local median is $29.68 an hour, which is in line with the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $23.42 and $31.44 an hour. BLS counts 1,360 of them working in the area, 78.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Roofers (47-2181), 10% of the weighting: a median of $21.90 an hour, 18% below the US median of $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $18.90 and $22.23 an hour. About 120 work in the metro. That is 7.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 8.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $1,400 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $790. That is a swing of roughly 2.1% to 3.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Mobile has 172,550 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 135th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $20.96 | $23.34 | $27.51 | $29.12 | 0.80 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $18.09 | $21.80 | $27.10 | $27.41 | 0.80 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $14.69 | $17.71 | $21.21 | $22.66 | 0.78 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $23.42 | $29.68 | $31.44 | $30.38 | 0.98 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $18.90 | $21.90 | $22.23 | $26.65 | 0.82 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.82 | |||||
Mobile weather and the detached garage calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Mobile Dwtn Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Mobile are September through May: 9 of 12. Outside them, June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in June, July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Mobile gets about 61 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, July and August (7.1 inches in August). Inside the workable window, February and October are the driest, at 3.8 and 3.8 inches. The station averages about 73 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62 | 43 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Feb | 66 | 46 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Mar | 72 | 52 | 5.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 78 | 59 | 4.9 | Workable |
| May | 85 | 66 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 90 | 73 | 5.8 | Hot |
| Jul | 92 | 75 | 6.6 | Hot |
| Aug | 92 | 75 | 7.1 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 72 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 81 | 61 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 72 | 50 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 64 | 45 | 5.3 | Workable |
Cost by quality level and size in Mobile
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Mobile. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft to 3-car (900 sq ft).
Basic
$25,800 to $36,100
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$33,500 to $43,900
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$41,300 to $51,700
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $10,800 – $15,200 | $14,100 – $18,500 | $17,400 – $21,800 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $25,800 – $36,100 | $33,500 – $43,900 | $41,300 – $51,700 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $32,200 – $45,100 | $41,900 – $54,800 | $51,600 – $64,500 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $40,200 – $56,300 | $52,300 – $68,400 | $64,400 – $80,500 |
Get 3 local quotes
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Detailed detached garage report for Mobile, AL, $9
The report lays out the detached garage numbers for Mobile, AL line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Detached garage in Mobile: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Mobile?
For 576 sq ft, expect $25,800 to $51,700 in the Mobile area. A standard-spec job lands at $33,500 to $43,900. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Mobile?
About $44.50 to $89 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $130 to $440 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Mobile or Daphne?
Daphne is 25 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $38,300, which is 1% less than Mobile ($38,700). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Mobile?
About 46% at the midpoint, or $17,600 out of $38,700. Materials are 54% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Mobile?
$32,200 to $64,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Mobile?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $130 to $440 for fees in the Mobile area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Mobile expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Alabama?
Mobile is 1% above the Alabama statewide estimate ($38,500 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Alabama; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Mobile?
The BLS median is $23.34 an hour in the Mobile area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $20.96 to $27.51.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Mobile?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $25,800 to $36,100 and premium work $41,300 to $51,700. Basic means: basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door. Premium means: insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes.
+When is the best time to build a detached garage in Mobile?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Detached garage near Mobile
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Detached Garage Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Trusscore: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garage? 2026 Price Guide (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Detached Garage? [2026 Data] (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = installed range / 1.6, because Angi puts professional labor at roughly an additional 60% of the materials cost (materials about 62.5% of the total).