Detached garage cost in Knoxville, TN
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $26,500 – $53,100
- Per sq ft
- $45.50 – $91.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −9%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #209
- 1 = most expensive
Knoxville homeowners pay roughly $26,500 to $53,100 to build a detached garage at 576 sq ft, or $45.50 to $91.50 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Knoxville is 9% lower. Carpenters earn a median of $24.23 an hour in the Knoxville area, 17% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Knoxville, TN, standard level
$34,400 to $45,100
About $59.50 to $77.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 47% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18,000 | $23,600 |
| Labor | $16,200 | $21,200 |
| Permits and fees | $240 | $370 |
| Total | $34,400 | $45,100 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Knoxville, TN
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,900 | $20,800 | $27,700 | 52% |
| Labor | $12,500 | $18,700 | $24,900 | 47% |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $300 | $460 | 1% |
| Total | $26,500 | $39,800 | $53,100 | 100% |
What is behind the Knoxville 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, Knoxville wages are 0.87 times the national level. Labor makes up about 47% of the midpoint estimate (50% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Knoxville metro is 96.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 576 sq ft comes to $20,800, compared with $21,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (92.6) and land at $140 to $460.
Why two Knoxville quotes can differ
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.
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).
What nearby projects cost in Knoxville
Because every project leans on different trades, Knoxville's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, garage door runs −7% and home addition −12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,250 – $4,800 | −8% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $650 – $3,450 | −7% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,200 | −11% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $33,600 – $68,100 | −12% |
When to schedule detached garage in Knoxville
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Knoxville Mcghee Tyson Ap (10 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
April through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Knoxville (7 of 12 months). January, February, March, 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.
Knoxville gets about 52 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 5 inches of snow. The wettest months are March, July and December (5.3 inches in July). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.5 and 2.8 inches. The station averages about 37 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 | 48 | 30 | 4.8 | Cold |
| Feb | 53 | 33 | 4.8 | Cold |
| Mar | 61 | 40 | 4.9 | Cold |
| Apr | 71 | 48 | 4.7 | Workable |
| May | 79 | 57 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Jun | 86 | 65 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 88 | 69 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Aug | 88 | 68 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 83 | 61 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 72 | 49 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 60 | 38 | 4.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 51 | 33 | 5.0 | Cold |
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 Knoxville is 0.87 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $24.23 an hour, which is 17% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.11 and $28.56 an hour. BLS counts 1,280 of them working in the area, 30.1 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 $22.18 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.16 and $25.87 an hour. About 3,640 work in the metro. That is 85.7 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 $22.10 an hour, which is 19% below the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $20.71 and $23.82 an hour. BLS counts 550 of them working in the area, 13.0 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 $28.19 an hour, 7% below the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.79 and $34.73 an hour. About 2,170 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 $21.65 an hour, which is 19% below the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $17.89 and $22.80 an hour. BLS counts 440 of them working in the area, 10.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 8.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($28.56 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,450. At the 25th percentile ($22.11) it shrinks by about $710. The total moves by 3.6% or 1.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 424,600 jobs in the Knoxville area. That makes it the 59th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.27% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $22.11 | $24.23 | $28.56 | $29.12 | 0.83 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $20.71 | $22.10 | $23.82 | $27.41 | 0.81 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $18.16 | $22.18 | $25.87 | $22.66 | 0.98 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $22.79 | $28.19 | $34.73 | $30.38 | 0.93 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $17.89 | $21.65 | $22.80 | $26.65 | 0.81 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.87 | |||||
Knoxville: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Knoxville 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
$26,500 to $37,100
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$34,400 to $45,100
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$42,400 to $53,100
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 | $34,400 – $45,100 | $42,400 – $53,100 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $33,000 – $46,300 | $43,000 – $56,300 | $53,000 – $66,300 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $41,300 – $57,800 | $53,700 – $70,300 | $66,100 – $82,700 |
Is Knoxville cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (576 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Asheville is the priciest of the group at $40,100. Dalton is the cheapest at $37,600.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TNthis page | $26,500 – $53,100 | $39,800 | |
| Asheville, NC95 miles | $26,700 – $53,600 | $40,100 | +1% |
| Dalton, GA95 miles | $25,000 – $50,200 | $37,600 | −6% |
| Chattanooga, TN95 miles | $26,600 – $53,400 | $40,000 | level |
| Johnson City, TN100 miles | $25,800 – $51,800 | $38,800 | −2% |
| Kingsport, TN100 miles | $26,000 – $52,100 | $39,000 | −2% |
| Tennessee (statewide) | $26,600 – $53,300 | $40,000 | level |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | +9% |
Across 300 US metros, Knoxville comes in at #209 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Knoxville is 0% below the Tennessee figure.
Other Tennessee metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 1,099,300 jobs | $27,300 – $54,900 | $41,100 | +3% |
| Memphis, TN | 611,670 jobs | $26,600 – $53,500 | $40,000 | +1% |
| Chattanooga, TN | 268,750 jobs | $26,600 – $53,400 | $40,000 | level |
| Kingsport, TN | 119,560 jobs | $26,000 – $52,100 | $39,000 | −2% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $26,200 – $52,500 | $39,300 | −1% |
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $26,100 – $52,300 | $39,200 | −2% |
Cities with a workforce like Knoxville's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Knoxville against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, SC | 434,900 jobs | $26,600 – $53,300 | $40,000 | level |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $27,000 – $54,200 | $40,600 | +2% |
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $25,900 – $52,000 | $39,000 | −2% |
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $29,800 – $59,800 | $44,800 | +13% |
Get 3 local quotes
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Detached garage in Knoxville: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Knoxville?
For 576 sq ft, expect $26,500 to $53,100 in the Knoxville area. A standard-spec job lands at $34,400 to $45,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Knoxville?
About $45.50 to $91.50 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 Knoxville or Asheville?
Asheville is 95 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $40,100, which is 1% more than Knoxville ($39,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Knoxville?
About 47% at the midpoint, or $18,700 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 Knoxville?
$33,000 to $66,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Knoxville?
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 Knoxville area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Knoxville expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Tennessee?
Knoxville is 0% below the Tennessee statewide estimate ($40,000 at the midpoint). We cover 8 metros in Tennessee; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Knoxville?
The BLS median is $24.23 an hour in the Knoxville area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.11 to $28.56.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Knoxville?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $26,500 to $37,100 and premium work $42,400 to $53,100. 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 Knoxville?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. September and October 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 Knoxville
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).