Detached garage cost in Cedar Rapids, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $27,500 – $55,200
- Per sq ft
- $47.50 – $95
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −5%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #156
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a detached garage in the Cedar Rapids area: $27,500 to $55,200 for 576 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 5% lower than the US figure. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Cedar Rapids, IA, standard level
$35,800 to $46,900
About $62 to $81 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 50% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,500 | $22,900 |
| Labor | $18,000 | $23,600 |
| Permits and fees | $230 | $350 |
| Total | $35,800 | $46,900 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,500 | $20,200 | $27,000 | 49% |
| Labor | $13,900 | $20,800 | $27,700 | 50% |
| Permits and fees | $130 | $290 | $440 | 1% |
| Total | $27,500 | $41,300 | $55,200 | 100% |
What is behind the Cedar Rapids number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 5 trades: carpenters at 45%, cement masons and concrete finishers at 15%, construction laborers at 20%, electricians at 10%, roofers at 10%. Weighted together, Cedar Rapids wages are 0.96 times the national level. Labor makes up about 50% of the midpoint estimate (50% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Cedar Rapids is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $21,600 nationally becomes $20,200 here (midpoint, 576 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 89.0: $130 to $440.
Who does the work: Cedar Rapids trade wages
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 Cedar Rapids the blend is 0.96.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $28.33 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.11 and $31.75 an hour. About 530 work in the metro. That is 38.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 20%) the local median is $23.40 an hour, which is 3% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.73 and $28.57 an hour. BLS counts 990 of them working in the area, 71.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 15% of the weighting: a median of $27.96 an hour, in line with the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.53 and $32.31 an hour. About 130 work in the metro. That is 9.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For electricians (47-2111, weighted 10%) the local median is $24.15 an hour, which is 21% below the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $19.28 and $30.12 an hour. BLS counts 1,690 of them working in the area, 121.4 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 $23.00 an hour, 14% below the US median of $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $22.42 and $29.18 an hour. About 120 work in the metro. That is 8.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 8.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $1,150 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $1,750. That is a swing of roughly 4.2% to 2.8% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Cedar Rapids has 139,260 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 160th 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% | $23.11 | $28.33 | $31.75 | $29.12 | 0.97 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $23.53 | $27.96 | $32.31 | $27.41 | 1.02 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $21.73 | $23.40 | $28.57 | $22.66 | 1.03 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $19.28 | $24.15 | $30.12 | $30.38 | 0.79 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $22.42 | $23.00 | $29.18 | $26.65 | 0.86 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.96 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Cedar Rapids?
Jobs that often go together with detached garage are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Cedar Rapids wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete driveway comes out highest (level) and garage door lowest (−6%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,050 | −3% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $660 – $3,450 | −6% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,200 | level |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $36,500 – $73,800 | −4% |
Why two Cedar Rapids quotes can differ
Foundation
A slab is cheapest. A frost-depth foundation in cold states costs more.
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.
Is Cedar Rapids cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 1 is cheaper than Cedar Rapids. Iowa City is the lowest at about $40,100 (midpoint, 576 sq ft), 40 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IAthis page | $27,500 – $55,200 | $41,300 | |
| Iowa City, IA40 miles | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | −3% |
| Dubuque, IA45 miles | $27,900 – $56,000 | $42,000 | +2% |
| Waterloo, IA55 miles | $27,600 – $55,400 | $41,500 | level |
| Davenport, IA75 miles | $28,800 – $57,800 | $43,300 | +5% |
| La Crosse, WI115 miles | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | +6% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $27,600 – $55,400 | $41,500 | level |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +5% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Cedar Rapids ranks #156 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Cedar Rapids is 0% below the Iowa figure.
Elsewhere in Iowa
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $28,200 – $56,600 | $42,400 | +3% |
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $28,800 – $57,800 | $43,300 | +5% |
| Iowa City, IA | 93,760 jobs | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | −3% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $27,600 – $55,400 | $41,500 | level |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $27,200 – $54,500 | $40,900 | −1% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $27,900 – $56,000 | $42,000 | +2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Cedar Rapids against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington, WV | 140,740 jobs | $27,200 – $54,500 | $40,900 | −1% |
| Rockford, IL | 137,650 jobs | $31,600 – $63,500 | $47,600 | +15% |
| Vallejo, CA | 144,130 jobs | $33,000 – $66,300 | $49,600 | +20% |
| Evansville, IN | 135,250 jobs | $29,700 – $59,500 | $44,600 | +8% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: detached garage pricing in Cedar Rapids
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Cedar Rapids. 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
$27,500 to $38,600
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$35,800 to $46,900
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$44,100 to $55,200
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $11,500 – $16,200 | $15,100 – $19,700 | $18,600 – $23,200 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $27,500 – $38,600 | $35,800 – $46,900 | $44,100 – $55,200 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $34,300 – $48,100 | $44,700 – $58,500 | $55,100 – $68,900 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $42,900 – $60,100 | $55,800 – $73,000 | $68,700 – $86,000 |
The best months for detached garage in Cedar Rapids
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Cedar Rapids Muni 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 Cedar Rapids are May through September: 5 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, April, October, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Cedar Rapids gets about 36 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and July (5.6 inches in June). Inside the workable window, August and September are the driest, at 4.1 and 3.4 inches. The station averages about 12 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 | 28 | 11 | 0.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 33 | 16 | 1.2 | Cold |
| Mar | 46 | 27 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 60 | 38 | 3.6 | Cold |
| May | 71 | 50 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Jun | 80 | 60 | 5.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 83 | 63 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Aug | 81 | 60 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Sep | 75 | 52 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 62 | 40 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Nov | 46 | 28 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 33 | 17 | 1.6 | Cold |
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Detached garage in Cedar Rapids: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Cedar Rapids?
For 576 sq ft, expect $27,500 to $55,200 in the Cedar Rapids area. A standard-spec job lands at $35,800 to $46,900. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Cedar Rapids?
About $47.50 to $95 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 Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
Iowa City is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $40,100, which is 3% less than Cedar Rapids ($41,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Cedar Rapids?
About 50% at the midpoint, or $20,800 out of $41,300. Materials are 49% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Cedar Rapids?
$34,300 to $68,900. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Cedar Rapids?
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 Cedar Rapids area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Cedar Rapids expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Iowa?
Cedar Rapids is 0% below the Iowa statewide estimate ($41,500 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Cedar Rapids?
The BLS median is $28.33 an hour in the Cedar Rapids area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.11 to $31.75.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Cedar Rapids?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $27,500 to $38,600 and premium work $44,100 to $55,200. 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 Cedar Rapids?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. August and September 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 Cedar Rapids
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).