Detached garage cost in Baltimore, MD
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $29,300 – $58,900
- Per sq ft
- $50.50 – $101
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +1%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #96
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to build a detached garage in Baltimore, plan on $29,300 to $58,900 for 576 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $50.50 to $101 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint lands close to the national one. Building materials run about 2% above the US average here (BEA goods price index 102.4).
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Baltimore, MD, standard level
$38,200 to $50,000
About $66 to $86 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 49% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $19,200 | $25,100 |
| Labor | $18,800 | $24,600 |
| Permits and fees | $270 | $410 |
| Total | $38,200 | $50,000 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Baltimore, MD
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $14,700 | $22,100 | $29,500 | 50% |
| Labor | $14,400 | $21,700 | $28,900 | 49% |
| Permits and fees | $160 | $340 | $520 | 1% |
| Total | $29,300 | $44,100 | $58,900 | 100% |
What is behind the Baltimore number
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 45% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $29.99 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Baltimore is 1.00 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 49% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Baltimore metro is 102.4 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 576 sq ft comes to $22,100, compared with $21,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (104.5) and land at $160 to $520.
Baltimore 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 Baltimore is 1.00 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $29.99 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $24.96 and $36.06 an hour. BLS counts 3,870 of them working in the area, 28.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 20% of the weighting: a median of $22.34 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.72 and $26.66 an hour. About 10,520 work in the metro. That is 77.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 15%) the local median is $24.98 an hour, which is 9% below the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $22.75 and $28.44 an hour. BLS counts 1,390 of them working in the area, 10.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $31.54 an hour, 4% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $26.96 and $44.20 an hour. About 6,930 work in the metro. That is 51.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For roofers (47-2181, weighted 10%) the local median is $27.11 an hour, which is in line with the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $22.79 and $32.98 an hour. BLS counts 890 of them working in the area, 6.6 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 ($36.06 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $2,050. At the 25th percentile ($24.96) it shrinks by about $1,700. The total moves by 4.6% or 3.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 1,356,680 jobs in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area. That makes it the 22nd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.87% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $24.96 | $29.99 | $36.06 | $29.12 | 1.03 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $22.75 | $24.98 | $28.44 | $27.41 | 0.91 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $18.72 | $22.34 | $26.66 | $22.66 | 0.99 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $26.96 | $31.54 | $44.20 | $30.38 | 1.04 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $22.79 | $27.11 | $32.98 | $26.65 | 1.02 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.00 | |||||
Baltimore against nearby metros and the rest of Maryland
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 576 sq ft range from $41,000 to $45,300 across Baltimore and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MDthis page | $29,300 – $58,900 | $44,100 | |
| York, PA45 miles | $29,300 – $58,900 | $44,100 | level |
| Lancaster, PA55 miles | $28,700 – $57,500 | $43,100 | −2% |
| Dover, DE60 miles | $27,300 – $54,800 | $41,000 | −7% |
| Washington, DC60 miles | $30,100 – $60,500 | $45,300 | +3% |
| Lexington Park, MD70 miles | $28,900 – $58,100 | $43,500 | −1% |
| Maryland (statewide) | $29,700 – $59,700 | $44,700 | +1% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | −1% |
Across 300 US metros, Baltimore comes in at #96 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Baltimore is 1% below the Maryland figure.
Other Maryland metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown, MD | 107,170 jobs | $27,500 – $55,200 | $41,300 | −6% |
| Lexington Park, MD | 70,650 jobs | $28,900 – $58,100 | $43,500 | −1% |
Cities with a workforce like Baltimore's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Baltimore against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $26,700 – $53,700 | $40,200 | −9% |
| St. Louis, MO | 1,341,320 jobs | $31,800 – $63,800 | $47,800 | +8% |
| Orlando, FL | 1,411,730 jobs | $26,000 – $52,300 | $39,100 | −11% |
| Austin, TX | 1,293,690 jobs | $26,200 – $52,600 | $39,400 | −11% |
Cost by quality level and size in Baltimore
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Baltimore 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 $41,200
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$38,200 to $50,000
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$47,100 to $58,900
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 – $41,200 | $38,200 – $50,000 | $47,100 – $58,900 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $36,600 – $51,400 | $47,700 – $62,400 | $58,700 – $73,500 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $45,800 – $64,100 | $59,500 – $77,900 | $73,300 – $91,700 |
Climate in Baltimore: timing your detached garage job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Md Sci Ctr Baltimore (in the city). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
April through June and August through November are the stretches where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Baltimore (7 of 12 months). January, February, March and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below; July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
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.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in July, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Baltimore gets about 44 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are July, August and September (4.7 inches in July). Inside the workable window, June and November are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.0 inches. The station averages about 43 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 | 44 | 30 | 3.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 47 | 32 | 2.8 | Cold |
| Mar | 55 | 39 | 3.9 | Cold |
| Apr | 67 | 48 | 3.5 | Workable |
| May | 76 | 58 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 85 | 68 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 73 | 4.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 87 | 71 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Sep | 80 | 65 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 69 | 53 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Nov | 58 | 43 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Dec | 48 | 35 | 3.7 | Cold |
What nearby projects cost in Baltimore
Because every project leans on different trades, Baltimore's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, garage door runs +3% and concrete driveway −2%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,450 – $5,200 | level |
| Garage door | 1 door | $720 – $3,800 | +3% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $8,950 | −2% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $38,100 – $77,300 | level |
Specs and site conditions that change a Baltimore bid
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.
Garage apartments
A garage with living space is a different project: HomeGuide puts them at $80,000-$300,000.
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 Baltimore, MD is attached.
Detailed detached garage report for Baltimore, MD, $9
The report lays out the detached garage numbers for Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Baltimore?
For 576 sq ft, expect $29,300 to $58,900 in the Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
About $50.50 to $101 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $160 to $520 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Baltimore or York?
York is 45 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $44,100, which is 0% more than Baltimore ($44,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Baltimore?
About 49% at the midpoint, or $21,700 out of $44,100. Materials are 50% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Baltimore?
$36,600 to $73,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Baltimore?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $160 to $520 for fees in the Baltimore area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Baltimore expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Maryland?
Baltimore is 1% below the Maryland statewide estimate ($44,700 at the midpoint). We cover 3 metros in Maryland; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Baltimore?
The BLS median is $29.99 an hour in the Baltimore area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.96 to $36.06.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Baltimore?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $29,300 to $41,200 and premium work $47,100 to $58,900. 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 Baltimore?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through June and August through November. June and November 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 Baltimore
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).