Detached garage cost in Eau Claire, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $28,900 – $58,000
- Per sq ft
- $50 – $100
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- Level
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #111
- 1 = most expensive
Eau Claire homeowners pay roughly $28,900 to $58,000 to build a detached garage at 576 sq ft, or $50 to $100 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Eau Claire is almost level. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.8).
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Eau Claire, WI, standard level
$37,600 to $49,200
About $65 to $85 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 53% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,600 | $23,000 |
| Labor | $19,800 | $25,900 |
| Permits and fees | $240 | $370 |
| Total | $37,600 | $49,200 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Eau Claire, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,500 | $20,300 | $27,000 | 47% |
| Labor | $15,200 | $22,900 | $30,500 | 53% |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $300 | $460 | 1% |
| Total | $28,900 | $43,400 | $58,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Eau Claire number
Labor is 53% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (45%), cement masons and concrete finishers (15%), construction laborers (20%), electricians (10%), roofers (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Eau Claire the blended ratio comes out at 1.06.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Eau Claire metro is 93.8 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 576 sq ft comes to $20,300, compared with $21,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (92.8) and land at $140 to $460.
Why two Eau Claire quotes can differ
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).
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.
Related projects, priced for Eau Claire
Because every project leans on different trades, Eau Claire's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs +7% and garage door −3%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,550 – $5,250 | +2% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $690 – $3,550 | −3% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,850 – $9,900 | +7% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $38,600 – $78,000 | +1% |
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 Eau Claire is 1.06 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $28.41 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.39 and $38.28 an hour. BLS counts 360 of them working in the area, 41.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 20% of the weighting: a median of $28.00 an hour, 24% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.33 and $36.35 an hour. About 640 work in the metro. That is 74.4 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 $29.33 an hour, which is 7% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.80 and $36.87 an hour. BLS counts 210 of them working in the area, 24.4 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 $36.24 an hour, 19% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $29.33 and $42.73 an hour. About 350 work in the metro. That is 40.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For roofers (47-2181, weighted 10%) the local median is $24.70 an hour, which is 7% below the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $23.01 and $30.28 an hour. BLS counts 70 of them working in the area, 8.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 8.7), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($38.28 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $3,300. At the 25th percentile ($23.39) it shrinks by about $1,700. The total moves by 7.6% or 3.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 86,060 jobs in the Eau Claire area. That makes it the 226th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.06% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $23.39 | $28.41 | $38.28 | $29.12 | 0.98 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $23.80 | $29.33 | $36.87 | $27.41 | 1.07 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $22.33 | $28.00 | $36.35 | $22.66 | 1.24 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $29.33 | $36.24 | $42.73 | $30.38 | 1.19 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $23.01 | $24.70 | $30.28 | $26.65 | 0.93 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.06 | |||||
When to schedule detached garage in Eau Claire
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Eau Claire Rgnl Ap (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 Eau Claire (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.
Eau Claire gets about 33 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 55 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and August (4.8 inches in June). Inside the workable window, July and September are the driest, at 3.6 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 10 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 | 6 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 28 | 9 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 21 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 57 | 33 | 3.1 | Cold |
| May | 70 | 45 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 56 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Jul | 83 | 60 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 58 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 49 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Oct | 58 | 37 | 2.5 | Cold |
| Nov | 42 | 25 | 1.8 | Cold |
| Dec | 29 | 13 | 1.4 | Cold |
How Eau Claire compares
Same job, same size (576 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Minneapolis is the priciest of the group at $50,000. Wausau is the cheapest at $41,900.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire, WIthis page | $28,900 – $58,000 | $43,400 | |
| Wausau, WI75 miles | $27,900 – $56,000 | $41,900 | −3% |
| Rochester, MN85 miles | $30,500 – $61,100 | $45,800 | +5% |
| La Crosse, WI85 miles | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | +1% |
| Minneapolis, MN100 miles | $33,300 – $66,800 | $50,000 | +15% |
| Oshkosh, WI140 miles | $31,900 – $64,000 | $48,000 | +10% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $29,500 – $59,100 | $44,300 | +2% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | level |
Across 300 US metros, Eau Claire comes in at #111 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Eau Claire is 2% below the Wisconsin figure.
Other Wisconsin metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 820,780 jobs | $30,200 – $60,500 | $45,300 | +4% |
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $29,800 – $59,800 | $44,800 | +3% |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | +1% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $29,700 – $59,600 | $44,600 | +3% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $31,900 – $64,000 | $48,000 | +10% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | +1% |
Cities with a workforce like Eau Claire's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Eau Claire against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $25,400 – $51,100 | $38,300 | −12% |
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $26,100 – $52,300 | $39,200 | −10% |
| Joplin, MO | 87,190 jobs | $26,600 – $53,400 | $40,000 | −8% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | +1% |
Eau Claire: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Eau Claire 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
$28,900 to $40,500
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$37,600 to $49,200
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$46,300 to $58,000
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $12,100 – $17,000 | $15,800 – $20,700 | $19,500 – $24,400 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $28,900 – $40,500 | $37,600 – $49,200 | $46,300 – $58,000 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $36,100 – $50,600 | $47,000 – $61,500 | $57,800 – $72,300 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $45,100 – $63,200 | $58,600 – $76,700 | $72,200 – $90,300 |
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 $37,600 to $49,200 for Eau Claire, WI is attached.
Detailed detached garage report for Eau Claire, WI, $9
Multi-page report for Eau Claire, WI: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. 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 Eau Claire: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Eau Claire?
For 576 sq ft, expect $28,900 to $58,000 in the Eau Claire area. A standard-spec job lands at $37,600 to $49,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Eau Claire?
About $50 to $100 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 Eau Claire or Wausau?
Wausau is 75 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $41,900, which is 3% less than Eau Claire ($43,400). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Eau Claire?
About 53% at the midpoint, or $22,900 out of $43,400. Materials are 47% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Eau Claire?
$36,100 to $72,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Eau Claire?
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 Eau Claire area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Eau Claire expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Eau Claire is 2% below the Wisconsin statewide estimate ($44,300 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Wisconsin; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Eau Claire?
The BLS median is $28.41 an hour in the Eau Claire area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.39 to $38.28.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Eau Claire?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $28,900 to $40,500 and premium work $46,300 to $58,000. 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 Eau Claire?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. July 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 Eau Claire
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).