Detached garage cost in Green Bay, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $29,200 – $58,600
- Per sq ft
- $50.50 – $101
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +1%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #99
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to build a detached garage in Green Bay, plan on $29,200 to $58,600 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. Carpenters earn a median of $29.00 an hour in the Green Bay area, 0% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Green Bay, WI, standard level
$38,000 to $49,800
About $65.50 to $85.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 53% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,600 | $23,000 |
| Labor | $20,200 | $26,400 |
| Permits and fees | $240 | $370 |
| Total | $38,000 | $49,800 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Green Bay, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,500 | $20,300 | $27,000 | 46% |
| Labor | $15,500 | $23,300 | $31,100 | 53% |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $300 | $470 | 1% |
| Total | $29,200 | $43,900 | $58,600 | 100% |
Why Green Bay 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, Green Bay wages are 1.08 times the national level. Labor makes up about 53% of the midpoint estimate (50% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Green Bay 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 (93.1) and land at $140 to $470.
Specs and site conditions that change a Green Bay 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.
What nearby projects cost in Green Bay
Because every project leans on different trades, Green Bay's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs +8% and garage door −2%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,550 – $5,300 | +2% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $700 – $3,600 | −2% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,850 – $9,950 | +8% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $39,400 – $79,600 | +3% |
Cost by quality level and size in Green Bay
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Green Bay 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
$29,200 to $40,900
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$38,000 to $49,800
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$46,800 to $58,600
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $12,200 – $17,200 | $16,000 – $20,900 | $19,700 – $24,700 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $29,200 – $40,900 | $38,000 – $49,800 | $46,800 – $58,600 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $36,500 – $51,100 | $47,400 – $62,100 | $58,400 – $73,100 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $45,500 – $63,800 | $59,200 – $77,500 | $73,000 – $91,200 |
Green Bay 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 Green Bay is 1.08 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $29.00 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.46 and $36.01 an hour. BLS counts 860 of them working in the area, 49.3 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 $26.39 an hour, 16% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.53 and $31.63 an hour. About 1,160 work in the metro. That is 66.5 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 $30.89 an hour, which is 13% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $28.37 and $37.30 an hour. BLS counts 310 of them working in the area, 17.8 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 $37.15 an hour, 22% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $24.79 and $44.59 an hour. About 910 work in the metro. That is 52.1 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 $28.52 an hour, which is 7% above the national $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $23.31 and $35.97 an hour. BLS counts 90 of them working in the area, 5.2 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 ($36.01 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $2,350. At the 25th percentile ($23.46) it shrinks by about $1,850. The total moves by 5.3% or 4.2%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 174,550 jobs in the Green Bay area. That makes it the 133rd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.11% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $23.46 | $29.00 | $36.01 | $29.12 | 1.00 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $28.37 | $30.89 | $37.30 | $27.41 | 1.13 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $22.53 | $26.39 | $31.63 | $22.66 | 1.16 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $24.79 | $37.15 | $44.59 | $30.38 | 1.22 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $23.31 | $28.52 | $35.97 | $26.65 | 1.07 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.08 | |||||
Climate in Green Bay: timing your detached garage job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Green Bay (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 Green Bay (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.
Green Bay gets about 32 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 56 inches of snow. The wettest months are June, July and August (4.1 inches in June). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.2 inches. The station averages about 6 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 | 26 | 11 | 1.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 29 | 13 | 1.2 | Cold |
| Mar | 40 | 24 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 35 | 3.0 | Cold |
| May | 67 | 46 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 77 | 56 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Jul | 81 | 60 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Aug | 79 | 58 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 50 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 58 | 40 | 2.7 | Cold |
| Nov | 44 | 29 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 31 | 18 | 1.8 | Cold |
Is Green Bay cheap or dear? The local comparison
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 $40,900 to $48,000 across Green Bay and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay, WIthis page | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | |
| Appleton, WI20 miles | $29,700 – $59,600 | $44,600 | +2% |
| Oshkosh, WI45 miles | $31,900 – $64,000 | $48,000 | +9% |
| Sheboygan, WI50 miles | $29,700 – $59,500 | $44,600 | +2% |
| Wausau, WI90 miles | $27,900 – $56,000 | $41,900 | −4% |
| Muskegon, MI105 miles | $27,200 – $54,500 | $40,900 | −7% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $29,500 – $59,100 | $44,300 | +1% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | −1% |
Across 300 US metros, Green Bay comes in at #99 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $57,900; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $35,500 (midpoints, 576 sq ft). Statewide, Green Bay is 1% below the Wisconsin figure.
Other Wisconsin metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 820,780 jobs | $30,200 – $60,500 | $45,300 | +3% |
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $29,800 – $59,800 | $44,800 | +2% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $29,700 – $59,600 | $44,600 | +2% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $31,900 – $64,000 | $48,000 | +9% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $28,900 – $58,000 | $43,400 | −1% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $29,200 – $58,600 | $43,900 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Green Bay's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Green Bay against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA | 174,670 jobs | $28,800 – $57,700 | $43,300 | −1% |
| Naples, FL | 173,880 jobs | $26,600 – $53,500 | $40,100 | −9% |
| Anchorage, AK | 177,050 jobs | $33,900 – $68,000 | $51,000 | +16% |
| Mobile, AL | 172,550 jobs | $25,800 – $51,700 | $38,700 | −12% |
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Detached garage in Green Bay: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Green Bay?
For 576 sq ft, expect $29,200 to $58,600 in the Green Bay area. A standard-spec job lands at $38,000 to $49,800. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Green Bay?
About $50.50 to $101 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $140 to $470 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Green Bay or Appleton?
Appleton is 20 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $44,600, which is 2% more than Green Bay ($43,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Green Bay?
About 53% at the midpoint, or $23,300 out of $43,900. Materials are 46% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Green Bay?
$36,500 to $73,100. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Green Bay?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $140 to $470 for fees in the Green Bay area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Green Bay expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Green Bay is 1% 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 Green Bay?
The BLS median is $29.00 an hour in the Green Bay area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.46 to $36.01.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Green Bay?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $29,200 to $40,900 and premium work $46,800 to $58,600. 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 Green Bay?
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 Green Bay
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).