Detached garage cost in Wilmington, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $26,500 – $53,200
- Per sq ft
- $45.50 – $91.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −9%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #206
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a detached garage in the Wilmington area: $26,500 to $53,200 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 9% lower than the US figure. Carpenters earn a median of $24.44 an hour in the Wilmington area, 16% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Wilmington, NC, standard level
$34,500 to $45,200
About $59.50 to $77.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 47% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18,100 | $23,700 |
| Labor | $16,100 | $21,100 |
| Permits and fees | $250 | $380 |
| Total | $34,500 | $45,200 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Wilmington, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,900 | $20,900 | $27,800 | 52% |
| Labor | $12,400 | $18,600 | $24,800 | 47% |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $310 | $480 | 1% |
| Total | $26,500 | $39,800 | $53,200 | 100% |
Why Wilmington prices look the way they do
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, Wilmington wages are 0.86 times the national level. Labor makes up about 47% of the midpoint estimate (50% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Wilmington is at 96.6 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $21,600 nationally becomes $20,900 here (midpoint, 576 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 96.4: $140 to $480.
Pick a size, pick a tier: detached garage pricing in Wilmington
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Wilmington. 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
$26,500 to $37,100
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$34,500 to $45,200
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$42,500 to $53,200
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $11,100 – $15,600 | $14,500 – $19,000 | $17,900 – $22,400 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $26,500 – $37,100 | $34,500 – $45,200 | $42,500 – $53,200 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $33,100 – $46,400 | $43,000 – $56,300 | $53,000 – $66,300 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $41,300 – $57,900 | $53,700 – $70,300 | $66,200 – $82,800 |
Who does the work: Wilmington 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 Wilmington the blend is 0.86.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $24.44 an hour, 16% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.06 and $28.70 an hour. About 640 work in the metro. That is 33.5 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 $22.16 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.02 and $26.94 an hour. BLS counts 1,870 of them working in the area, 97.8 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 $21.17 an hour, 23% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $17.91 and $23.49 an hour. About 150 work in the metro. That is 7.8 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 $26.00 an hour, which is 14% below the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.07 and $28.87 an hour. BLS counts 910 of them working in the area, 47.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is about average.
Roofers (47-2181), 10% of the weighting: a median of $23.43 an hour, 12% below the US median of $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $18.76 and $24.20 an hour. About 170 work in the metro. That is 8.9 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 $1,400 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $790. That is a swing of roughly 2.0% to 3.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Wilmington has 191,280 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 120th 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% | $22.06 | $24.44 | $28.70 | $29.12 | 0.84 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $17.91 | $21.17 | $23.49 | $27.41 | 0.77 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $18.02 | $22.16 | $26.94 | $22.66 | 0.98 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $22.07 | $26.00 | $28.87 | $30.38 | 0.86 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $18.76 | $23.43 | $24.20 | $26.65 | 0.88 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.86 | |||||
The best months for detached garage in Wilmington
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Wilmington Intl 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 Wilmington are March through June and August through November: 8 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and 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.
Wilmington gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are July, August and September (8.7 inches in September). Inside the workable window, April and November are the driest, at 3.1 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 45 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 | 57 | 36 | 3.8 | Cold |
| Feb | 60 | 38 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 67 | 44 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 75 | 53 | 3.1 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 61 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 69 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 73 | 6.9 | Hot |
| Aug | 88 | 72 | 8.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 84 | 67 | 8.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 76 | 56 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 67 | 45 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Dec | 60 | 39 | 3.7 | Cold |
How Wilmington compares
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Wilmington. Myrtle Beach is the lowest at about $38,400 (midpoint, 576 sq ft), 60 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NCthis page | $26,500 – $53,200 | $39,800 | |
| Myrtle Beach, SC60 miles | $25,600 – $51,300 | $38,400 | −3% |
| Fayetteville, NC75 miles | $25,700 – $51,700 | $38,700 | −3% |
| Greenville, NC100 miles | $25,600 – $51,400 | $38,500 | −3% |
| Florence, SC100 miles | $26,300 – $52,800 | $39,500 | −1% |
| Raleigh, NC105 miles | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | +1% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $26,400 – $53,000 | $39,700 | level |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +9% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Wilmington ranks #206 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Wilmington is 0% above the North Carolina figure.
Elsewhere in North Carolina
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $26,700 – $53,700 | $40,200 | +1% |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | +1% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $26,200 – $52,600 | $39,400 | −1% |
| Durham, NC | 344,020 jobs | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,200 | +1% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $26,200 – $52,600 | $39,400 | −1% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Wilmington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 192,390 jobs | $28,500 – $57,200 | $42,900 | +8% |
| Pensacola, FL | 190,480 jobs | $25,900 – $52,000 | $39,000 | −2% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 192,580 jobs | $25,500 – $51,200 | $38,300 | −4% |
| Salem, OR | 188,620 jobs | $31,200 – $62,700 | $46,900 | +18% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Wilmington bid
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.
Related projects, priced for Wilmington
Jobs that often go together with detached garage are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Wilmington wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, garage door comes out highest (−7%) and concrete driveway lowest (−12%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,200 – $4,800 | −9% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $640 – $3,450 | −7% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,100 | −12% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $33,900 – $68,800 | −11% |
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 $34,500 to $45,200 for Wilmington, NC is attached.
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Detached garage in Wilmington: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Wilmington?
For 576 sq ft, expect $26,500 to $53,200 in the Wilmington area. A standard-spec job lands at $34,500 to $45,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Wilmington?
About $45.50 to $91.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $140 to $480 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Wilmington or Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $38,400, which is 3% less than Wilmington ($39,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Wilmington?
About 47% at the midpoint, or $18,600 out of $39,800. Materials are 52% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Wilmington?
$33,100 to $66,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Wilmington?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $140 to $480 for fees in the Wilmington area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Wilmington expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Wilmington is 0% above the North Carolina statewide estimate ($39,700 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Wilmington?
The BLS median is $24.44 an hour in the Wilmington area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.06 to $28.70.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Wilmington?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $26,500 to $37,100 and premium work $42,500 to $53,200. 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 Wilmington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and August through November. April 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 Wilmington
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).