Detached garage cost in Portland, ME
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $29,300 – $58,800
- Per sq ft
- $50.50 – $101
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +1%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #97
- 1 = most expensive
Portland homeowners pay roughly $29,300 to $58,800 to build a detached garage at 576 sq ft, or $50.50 to $101 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Portland is almost level. Carpenters earn a median of $30.91 an hour in the Portland area, 6% above the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Portland, ME, standard level
$38,200 to $50,000
About $66 to $86 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 52% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18,200 | $23,800 |
| Labor | $19,700 | $25,800 |
| Permits and fees | $260 | $400 |
| Total | $38,200 | $50,000 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Portland, ME
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $14,000 | $21,000 | $28,000 | 48% |
| Labor | $15,200 | $22,800 | $30,300 | 52% |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $330 | $510 | 1% |
| Total | $29,300 | $44,100 | $58,800 | 100% |
What is behind the Portland number
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 45% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $30.91 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Portland is 1.05 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 52% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Portland metro is 97.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 576 sq ft comes to $21,000, compared with $21,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (101.9) and land at $150 to $510.
When to schedule detached garage in Portland
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Portland Intl Jetport (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Portland (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, 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.
Portland gets about 48 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 69 inches of snow. The wettest months are April, October and December (5.3 inches in October). Inside the workable window, July and August are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 5 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 | 32 | 16 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 35 | 17 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 42 | 26 | 4.1 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 35 | 4.4 | Cold |
| May | 64 | 46 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jun | 74 | 55 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 80 | 61 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Aug | 79 | 60 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 71 | 52 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Oct | 60 | 41 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Nov | 48 | 32 | 4.3 | Cold |
| Dec | 38 | 22 | 4.5 | Cold |
How Portland compares
Same job, same size (576 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Worcester is the priciest of the group at $48,900. Manchester is the cheapest at $43,300.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, MEthis page | $29,300 – $58,800 | $44,100 | |
| Manchester, NH85 miles | $28,800 – $57,800 | $43,300 | −2% |
| Boston, MA85 miles | $32,400 – $64,900 | $48,600 | +10% |
| Worcester, MA120 miles | $32,600 – $65,300 | $48,900 | +11% |
| Barnstable, MA135 miles | $31,400 – $63,100 | $47,300 | +7% |
| Providence, RI140 miles | $30,100 – $60,300 | $45,200 | +3% |
| Maine (statewide) | $28,800 – $57,700 | $43,200 | −2% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | −1% |
Across 300 US metros, Portland comes in at #97 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Portland is 2% above the Maine figure.
Other Maine metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 72,270 jobs | $27,400 – $54,900 | $41,100 | −7% |
Cities with a workforce like Portland's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Portland against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton, CA | 289,660 jobs | $31,700 – $63,700 | $47,700 | +8% |
| Lexington, KY | 286,910 jobs | $26,900 – $53,900 | $40,400 | −8% |
| Toledo, OH | 291,530 jobs | $28,800 – $57,800 | $43,300 | −2% |
| New Haven, CT | 281,410 jobs | $30,600 – $61,400 | $46,000 | +4% |
Local wages behind the labor line
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 Portland is 1.05 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $30.91 an hour, which is 6% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $28.45 and $35.95 an hour. BLS counts 2,230 of them working in the area, 77.3 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 $23.31 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.50 and $27.46 an hour. About 1,470 work in the metro. That is 51.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 15%) the local median is $30.01 an hour, which is 9% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $24.70 and $31.25 an hour. BLS counts 330 of them working in the area, 11.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is about average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $34.45 an hour, 13% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $30.72 and $38.12 an hour. About 1,870 work in the metro. That is 64.8 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 $24.61 an hour, which is 8% below the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $22.84 and $29.30 an hour. BLS counts 140 of them working in the area, 4.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 8.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($35.95 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,700. At the 25th percentile ($28.45) it shrinks by about $820. The total moves by 3.8% or 1.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 288,480 jobs in the Portland-South Portland area. That makes it the 89th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.19% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $28.45 | $30.91 | $35.95 | $29.12 | 1.06 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $24.70 | $30.01 | $31.25 | $27.41 | 1.09 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $21.50 | $23.31 | $27.46 | $22.66 | 1.03 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $30.72 | $34.45 | $38.12 | $30.38 | 1.13 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $22.84 | $24.61 | $29.30 | $26.65 | 0.92 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.05 | |||||
Related projects, priced for Portland
Because every project leans on different trades, Portland's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs +3% and garage door level.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,500 – $5,250 | +1% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $710 – $3,700 | level |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,750 – $9,550 | +3% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $38,900 – $78,800 | +2% |
Why two Portland 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.
Pick a size, pick a tier: detached garage pricing in Portland
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Portland 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
$29,300 to $41,100
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$38,200 to $50,000
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$47,000 to $58,800
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $12,300 – $17,300 | $16,100 – $21,100 | $19,800 – $24,800 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $29,300 – $41,100 | $38,200 – $50,000 | $47,000 – $58,800 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $36,600 – $51,300 | $47,600 – $62,400 | $58,700 – $73,400 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $45,700 – $64,100 | $59,500 – $77,900 | $73,300 – $91,600 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $38,200 to $50,000 for Portland, ME is attached.
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The report lays out the detached garage numbers for Portland, ME 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 Portland: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Portland?
For 576 sq ft, expect $29,300 to $58,800 in the Portland area. A standard-spec job lands at $38,200 to $50,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Portland?
About $50.50 to $101 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $150 to $510 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Portland or Manchester?
Manchester is 85 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $43,300, which is 2% less than Portland ($44,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Portland?
About 52% at the midpoint, or $22,800 out of $44,100. Materials are 48% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Portland?
$36,600 to $73,400. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Portland?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $150 to $510 for fees in the Portland area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Portland expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Maine?
Portland is 2% above the Maine statewide estimate ($43,200 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in Maine; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Portland?
The BLS median is $30.91 an hour in the Portland area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.45 to $35.95.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Portland?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $29,300 to $41,100 and premium work $47,000 to $58,800. 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 Portland?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. July and August 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 Portland
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).