The cost to build a detached garage depends on the size, materials, labor, and more. Read this guide to learn more about detached garage costs.
Cost to Build a Garage in Boston [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $31,544 - $68,321
The cost to build a garage in Boston, Massachusetts, is $49,933 on average but ranges between $31,544 and $68,321 depending on its size.
How we get this data
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Patricia Marroquin / Moment / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Adding a garage to your Boston home can significantly increase your home’s value and make it easier to sell.
Boston’s small average lot size may limit the garage size and style you can build.
A qualified Boston garage builder will ensure your garage is well-built and compliant with all local codes.
A building permit costs $50 plus $10 for every $1,000 or fraction thereof of the estimated cost of work.
Boston can be a tough city for parking, so adding a garage to your Boston home can add significant value to your home as well as protect your vehicles from the area’s varied weather conditions. Building a garage in Boston costs an average of $49,933, with most homeowners paying between $31,544 and $68,321. We break down some cost factors determining how much you’ll pay for a garage.
Garage Building Cost Factors
One of the most common questions about building a garage for Boston homeowners is how much to budget for the project. Multiple factors, including garage size and type, material, add-ons, and more, determine your total cost. Take a look at how these factors can affect the cost to build a garage in Boston, Massachusetts.
Size
You'll pay about $85 per square foot on average between labor and materials when working with a professional. However, you'll find prices as low as $51 per square foot for simple, attached garages and up to $203 per square foot for detached, high-end garages with all the bells and whistles. Size can also affect how long it takes to build your garage, which can affect your labor costs for the project.
Below, we've listed the average cost to build a garage by size:
| Garage Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 12x20 | $12,175–$48,675 |
| 18x20 | $18,250–$73,000 |
| 20x20 | $20,275–$81,125 |
| 20x22 | $22,300–$89,225 |
| 22x22 | $24,500–$98,200 |
| 32x22 | $35,650–$142,800 |
| 32x34 | $38,875–$155,825 |
Materials
Boston experiences regular winter snowfall, extreme temperatures in the summer and winter, and a wide variety of other weather conditions throughout the year. A garage made of durable materials like brick or cinderblock can stand up to the area’s climate, but costs more than budget-friendly materials like metal or brick veneer. A stick-built garage that matches your home’s aesthetics costs more than other options, but it will look like an original part of your house.
| Garage Material | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | $30–$45 | Extremely durable | High initial cost |
| Brick-veneered | $5–$30 | Brick look with lower cost | Susceptible to leaks |
| Cinderblock | $30–$65 | Fire resistant | Prone to cracking |
| Metal | $15–$35 | Resistant to pests, fire, and rot | Noisy during rain or hail |
| Stick-built | $40–$70 | Match home’s aesthetics | Higher cost |
| Prefab pole barn | $11–$40 | Fast installation | Less durable |
Type
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With Boston’s relatively small average lot size, homeowners may be limited in the type of garage they can build. A detached garage costs more than one attached to your home, and may take up more space than you have to spare in your yard. A one-car garage costs less than one accommodating multiple cars and may fit better with space limitations.
| Type of Garage | Cost to Build |
|---|---|
| One-car | $17,750–$45,625 |
| Two-car | $25,350–$67,600 |
| Three-car | $47,325–$96,325 |
| Attached | $18,250–$110,600 |
| Detached | $24,350–$129,050 |
Permits
To build a garage in Boston, you’ll need a building permit from the city’s Inspectional Services Department. Permit fees are $50 plus $10 for every $1,000 or fraction thereof of the estimated cost of work. Be sure to confirm you have the proper permits before starting work—unpermitted work will result in double the permit fees, plus possible daily fees, a stop work order, or the removal of the unpermitted construction.
Accessibility
If you plan on making your garage more accessible, you may need to hire a local ramp installation pro to install a ramp over the concrete foundation. This may require extra landscaping renovations.
Add-Ons
Any features you add to your new garage will add to the total cost. Installing a garage door opener, windows, or an exterior door are common add-ons, as is insulation if you want your garage to stay warm in the winter. Adding living space in or above your garage can be an investment—this add-on comes at a significant cost but can boost your home’s value by quite a bit.
| Type of Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Windows | $300–$2,500 |
| Automatic door | $750–$5,000 |
| Exterior door | $150–$1,400 |
| Insulation | $1,900–$7,700 |
| Flooring | $2–$12 per sq. ft. |
| Storage | $500–$2,200 |
| Security | $300–$2,000 |
| Living space | $125–$250 per sq. ft. |
Garage Builder Costs
Labor costs to hire a garage builder in Boston, Massachusetts, will make up about 50% to 70% of your total project cost. Building a garage is a job best left to the pros—a qualified builder will know how to navigate the permit process, building codes, and more to build a garage with all the features you’re looking for.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Depending on the details of your garage, you may need to hire some additional pros for specific projects. A structural engineer can review your building plans to ensure the project is structurally sound—this pro can cost from $200 to $1,500, depending on the scope of work.
Hiring an electrician to run wiring for an automatic door opener, lights, and outlets can cost from $50 to $100 an hour. Want to install a utility sink or sump pump? A plumber will charge $75 to $200 an hour.
Angi Tip
Installing a garage door without prior experience can be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous. It's highly recommended to contact a pro if you need a garage door installed.
Does Building a Garage Increase Home Value?
A new garage will add value to your home and has one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) of any home improvement project at 60% to 85%. In Boston’s competitive real estate market, a garage is a highly sought-after feature, so adding one to your home can set your property apart when it comes time to sell and allow you to set a higher asking price.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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