Detached garage cost in Phoenix, AZ
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $28,000 – $56,300
- Per sq ft
- $48.50 – $97
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −3%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #137
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to build a detached garage in Phoenix, plan on $28,000 to $56,300 for 576 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $48.50 to $97 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 3% lower than the national one. Building materials run about 5% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 95.0).
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Phoenix, AZ, standard level
$36,500 to $47,800
About $63 to $82.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 51% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,800 | $23,300 |
| Labor | $18,500 | $24,100 |
| Permits and fees | $260 | $410 |
| Total | $36,500 | $47,800 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Phoenix, AZ
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,700 | $20,500 | $27,400 | 49% |
| Labor | $14,200 | $21,300 | $28,400 | 51% |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $340 | $520 | 1% |
| Total | $28,000 | $42,200 | $56,300 | 100% |
What is behind the Phoenix number
Labor is 51% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (45%), cement masons and concrete finishers (15%), construction laborers (20%), electricians (10%), roofers (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Phoenix the blended ratio comes out at 0.99.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Phoenix metro is 95.0 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 576 sq ft comes to $20,500, compared with $21,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (103.3) and land at $150 to $520.
Why two Phoenix quotes can differ
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).
Size and finish level
HomeGuide puts a 2-car detached garage at $20,000-$57,600, with the spread driven by how finished it is.
Foundation
A slab is cheapest. A frost-depth foundation in cold states costs more.
Climate in Phoenix: timing your detached garage job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Phoenix Deer Valley Muni Ap (10 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
October through April is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Phoenix (7 of 12 months). May, June, July, August and September 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 May, June, July, August and September, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Phoenix gets about 9 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, February and March (1.2 inches in February). Inside the workable window, April and October are the driest, at 0.3 and 0.7 inches. The station averages about 159 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65 | 44 | 1.2 | Workable |
| Feb | 68 | 46 | 1.2 | Workable |
| Mar | 75 | 51 | 1.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 83 | 57 | 0.3 | Workable |
| May | 92 | 65 | 0.2 | Hot |
| Jun | 102 | 73 | 0.0 | Hot |
| Jul | 104 | 81 | 0.8 | Hot |
| Aug | 103 | 81 | 1.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 98 | 75 | 0.7 | Hot |
| Oct | 86 | 63 | 0.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 74 | 51 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 64 | 43 | 0.8 | Workable |
What nearby projects cost in Phoenix
Because every project leans on different trades, Phoenix's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs level and garage door −3%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,100 | −1% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $680 – $3,550 | −3% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,650 – $9,250 | level |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $36,700 – $74,500 | −3% |
Cost by quality level and size in Phoenix
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Phoenix wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$28,000 to $39,300
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$36,500 to $47,800
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$45,000 to $56,300
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $11,800 – $16,600 | $15,400 – $20,200 | $19,000 – $23,800 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $28,000 – $39,300 | $36,500 – $47,800 | $45,000 – $56,300 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $35,000 – $49,100 | $45,600 – $59,700 | $56,100 – $70,200 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $43,700 – $61,300 | $56,900 – $74,500 | $70,100 – $87,700 |
Phoenix against nearby metros and the rest of Arizona
Same job, same size (576 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. El Centro is the priciest of the group at $47,900. Yuma is the cheapest at $39,400.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZthis page | $28,000 – $56,300 | $42,200 | |
| Tucson, AZ75 miles | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | −5% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ105 miles | $27,300 – $54,800 | $41,100 | −3% |
| Yuma, AZ110 miles | $26,200 – $52,600 | $39,400 | −7% |
| Flagstaff, AZ185 miles | $27,700 – $55,600 | $41,600 | −1% |
| El Centro, CA190 miles | $31,900 – $63,900 | $47,900 | +14% |
| Arizona (statewide) | $27,900 – $55,900 | $41,900 | −1% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +3% |
Across 300 US metros, Phoenix comes in at #137 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Phoenix is 1% above the Arizona figure.
Other Arizona metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | 389,630 jobs | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | −5% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | 72,300 jobs | $27,300 – $54,800 | $41,100 | −3% |
| Yuma, AZ | 68,880 jobs | $26,200 – $52,600 | $39,400 | −7% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 66,610 jobs | $27,700 – $55,600 | $41,600 | −1% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | 56,490 jobs | $26,100 – $52,300 | $39,200 | −7% |
Cities with a workforce like Phoenix's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Phoenix against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | 2,703,890 jobs | $32,400 – $64,900 | $48,600 | +15% |
| San Francisco, CA | 2,373,920 jobs | $36,700 – $73,600 | $55,200 | +31% |
| Miami, FL | 2,819,940 jobs | $27,800 – $55,900 | $41,800 | −1% |
| Seattle, WA | 2,086,210 jobs | $34,000 – $68,200 | $51,100 | +21% |
Phoenix labor market for detached garage
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 5 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Phoenix is 0.99 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $29.00 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.36 and $35.30 an hour. BLS counts 12,710 of them working in the area, 53.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 20% of the weighting: a median of $22.56 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.79 and $24.90 an hour. About 29,230 work in the metro. That is 123.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 15%) the local median is $28.49 an hour, which is 4% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.79 and $32.02 an hour. BLS counts 6,120 of them working in the area, 25.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $29.43 an hour, 3% below the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $23.51 and $37.05 an hour. About 17,240 work in the metro. That is 72.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For roofers (47-2181, weighted 10%) the local median is $22.96 an hour, which is 14% below the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $21.74 and $28.80 an hour. BLS counts 2,700 of them working in the area, 11.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 8.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($35.30 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $2,100. At the 25th percentile ($23.36) it shrinks by about $1,900. The total moves by 5.0% or 4.5%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 2,375,760 jobs in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler area. That makes it the 11th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 1.53% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $23.36 | $29.00 | $35.30 | $29.12 | 1.00 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $23.79 | $28.49 | $32.02 | $27.41 | 1.04 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $19.79 | $22.56 | $24.90 | $22.66 | 1.00 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $23.51 | $29.43 | $37.05 | $30.38 | 0.97 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $21.74 | $22.96 | $28.80 | $26.65 | 0.86 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.99 | |||||
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Detached garage in Phoenix: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Phoenix?
For 576 sq ft, expect $28,000 to $56,300 in the Phoenix area. A standard-spec job lands at $36,500 to $47,800. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Phoenix?
About $48.50 to $97 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $150 to $520 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Phoenix or Tucson?
Tucson is 75 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $40,100, which is 5% less than Phoenix ($42,200). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Phoenix?
About 51% at the midpoint, or $21,300 out of $42,200. Materials are 49% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Phoenix?
$35,000 to $70,200. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Phoenix?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $150 to $520 for fees in the Phoenix area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Phoenix expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Arizona?
Phoenix is 1% above the Arizona statewide estimate ($41,900 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Arizona; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Phoenix?
The BLS median is $29.00 an hour in the Phoenix area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.36 to $35.30.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Phoenix?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $28,000 to $39,300 and premium work $45,000 to $56,300. 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 Phoenix?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are October through April. April 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 Phoenix
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).