Detached garage cost in Bismarck, ND
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $27,700 – $55,600
- Per sq ft
- $48 – $95.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −4%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #151
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to build a detached garage in Bismarck, plan on $27,700 to $55,600 for 576 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $48 to $95.50 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 4% lower than the national one. Building materials run about 4% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 95.7).
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Bismarck, ND, standard level
$36,100 to $47,200
About $62 to $81.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 50% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,900 | $23,400 |
| Labor | $17,900 | $23,400 |
| Permits and fees | $230 | $360 |
| Total | $36,100 | $47,200 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Bismarck, ND
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,800 | $20,700 | $27,600 | 50% |
| Labor | $13,800 | $20,700 | $27,600 | 50% |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $300 | $460 | 1% |
| Total | $27,700 | $41,600 | $55,600 | 100% |
Why Bismarck 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, Bismarck wages are 0.96 times the national level. Labor makes up about 50% of the midpoint estimate (50% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Bismarck metro is 95.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 576 sq ft comes to $20,700, compared with $21,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (91.0) and land at $140 to $460.
Climate in Bismarck: timing your detached garage job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Bismarck (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through September is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Bismarck (5 of 12 months). 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.
Bismarck gets about 19 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 51 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (3.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 2.5 and 1.7 inches. The station averages about 21 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 | 23 | 2 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 28 | 7 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 19 | 0.8 | Cold |
| Apr | 56 | 30 | 1.3 | Cold |
| May | 68 | 42 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 78 | 53 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 85 | 58 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 56 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 46 | 1.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 57 | 33 | 1.4 | Cold |
| Nov | 41 | 19 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Dec | 28 | 8 | 0.6 | Cold |
How Bismarck compares
Same job, same size (576 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. St. Cloud is the priciest of the group at $45,300. Rapid City is the cheapest at $39,500.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, NDthis page | $27,700 – $55,600 | $41,600 | |
| Fargo, ND190 miles | $28,800 – $57,700 | $43,200 | +4% |
| Rapid City, SD210 miles | $26,300 – $52,800 | $39,500 | −5% |
| Sioux Falls, SD305 miles | $26,500 – $53,200 | $39,900 | −4% |
| St. Cloud, MN325 miles | $30,100 – $60,400 | $45,300 | +9% |
| Sioux City, IA380 miles | $27,200 – $54,500 | $40,900 | −2% |
| North Dakota (statewide) | $28,300 – $56,900 | $42,600 | +2% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +5% |
Across 300 US metros, Bismarck comes in at #151 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Bismarck is 2% below the North Dakota figure.
Other North Dakota metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | 148,660 jobs | $28,800 – $57,700 | $43,200 | +4% |
Cities with a workforce like Bismarck's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Bismarck against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CA | 71,550 jobs | $31,900 – $64,000 | $47,900 | +15% |
| Lexington Park, MD | 70,650 jobs | $28,900 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +4% |
| Bozeman, MT | 72,210 jobs | $29,900 – $60,100 | $45,000 | +8% |
| Janesville, WI | 69,870 jobs | $31,600 – $63,400 | $47,500 | +14% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: detached garage pricing in Bismarck
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Bismarck 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
$27,700 to $38,900
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$36,100 to $47,200
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$44,400 to $55,600
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $11,600 – $16,300 | $15,200 – $19,900 | $18,700 – $23,400 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $27,700 – $38,900 | $36,100 – $47,200 | $44,400 – $55,600 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $34,600 – $48,500 | $45,000 – $58,900 | $55,500 – $69,400 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $43,200 – $60,600 | $56,200 – $73,600 | $69,200 – $86,600 |
What nearby projects cost in Bismarck
Because every project leans on different trades, Bismarck's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs level and home addition −6%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,050 | −2% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $660 – $3,500 | −5% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,200 | level |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $35,600 – $72,100 | −6% |
Bismarck 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 Bismarck is 0.96 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $26.28 an hour, which is 10% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.75 and $30.71 an hour. BLS counts 510 of them working in the area, 71.6 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 $23.93 an hour, 6% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.87 and $29.41 an hour. About 620 work in the metro. That is 87.0 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 $27.66 an hour, which is in line with the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.01 and $30.05 an hour. BLS counts 190 of them working in the area, 26.7 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 $29.76 an hour, in line with the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $23.86 and $38.29 an hour. About 480 work in the metro. That is 67.3 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 $24.20 an hour, which is 9% below the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $23.37 and $33.96 an hour. BLS counts 50 of them working in the area, 7.0 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 ($30.71 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,500. At the 25th percentile ($22.75) it shrinks by about $1,200. The total moves by 3.6% or 2.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 71,270 jobs in the Bismarck area. That makes it the 258th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.05% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $22.75 | $26.28 | $30.71 | $29.12 | 0.90 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $23.01 | $27.66 | $30.05 | $27.41 | 1.01 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $21.87 | $23.93 | $29.41 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $23.86 | $29.76 | $38.29 | $30.38 | 0.98 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $23.37 | $24.20 | $33.96 | $26.65 | 0.91 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.96 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a Bismarck bid
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.
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 $36,100 to $47,200 for Bismarck, ND is attached.
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Detached garage in Bismarck: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Bismarck?
For 576 sq ft, expect $27,700 to $55,600 in the Bismarck area. A standard-spec job lands at $36,100 to $47,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Bismarck?
About $48 to $95.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $140 to $460 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Bismarck or Fargo?
Fargo is 190 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $43,200, which is 4% more than Bismarck ($41,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Bismarck?
About 50% at the midpoint, or $20,700 out of $41,600. Materials are 50% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Bismarck?
$34,600 to $69,400. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Bismarck?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $140 to $460 for fees in the Bismarck area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Bismarck expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of North Dakota?
Bismarck is 2% below the North Dakota statewide estimate ($42,600 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in North Dakota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Bismarck?
The BLS median is $26.28 an hour in the Bismarck area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.75 to $30.71.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Bismarck?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $27,700 to $38,900 and premium work $44,400 to $55,600. 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 Bismarck?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. May 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 Bismarck
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).