A 30 x 30 garage costs about $55,200 to build in 2026 with a contractor, or roughly $61 per square foot for a standard large two-car or three-car garage with a concrete slab, asphalt shingles, vinyl siding, one 16 x 8 ft insulated steel door with an opener, and basic lights and outlets. Most homeowners pay between $48,600 and $63,500 depending on location, finishes and site work. Doing much of the work yourself can bring the cost down to about $27,700.
30 x 30 Garage Cost by Build Level
| Build level | Total cost | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (basic door, budget materials) | $50,500 | $56 |
| Standard shell (most common) | $55,200 | $61 |
| Standard with insulation and drywall | $68,300 | $76 |
| Premium (metal roof, fiber cement siding, premium door) | $73,100 | $81 |
| Standard, you act as general contractor | $49,400 | $55 |
| DIY most of the work, electrician hired | $27,700 | $31 |
Cost Breakdown
Here is where the money goes on a standard 30 x 30 garage built by a contractor:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Site prep and grading | $2,100 |
| Foundation (monolithic concrete slab) | $9,900 |
| Framing and roof structure | $15,480 |
| Roofing | $5,430 |
| Siding and trim | $5,590 |
| Garage door and openers | $3,150 |
| Entry door and windows | $1,800 |
| Electrical (lights and outlets) | $4,950 |
| Permits and plan review | $970 |
| Contractor overhead and profit | $5,810 |
| Total | $55,180 |
Materials make up about $23,800 and labor about $24,600 of the total before permits and contractor overhead. Lumber, concrete and the garage door are the biggest material costs; framing and concrete finishing are the biggest labor costs. Price the foundation on its own with our concrete slab cost calculator.
What Fits in a 30 x 30 Garage?
A 30 x 30 garage gives you 900 sq ft: two cars with a full workshop on the side, or three cars side by side with a tight fit. The 30 ft depth fits a full-size pickup with room for a bench at the back. Many owners use this size for a shop with a lift, so consider 10 or 12 ft walls.
Tip: For three bays, add a 9 ft single door beside the double door. For a car lift, plan 12 ft walls and a thicker slab under the posts.
Options That Change the Price
- Frost wall foundation (required in many cold climates): about $5,100 more, for a total near $60,300.
- Sloped or difficult site: about $7,400 more for extra grading and fill.
- Metal roofing instead of shingles: about $2,700 more.
- Insulation and drywall: about $13,100 more. Compare options with the garage insulation cost calculator.
- Storage loft with attic trusses: about $12,300 more.
- Location: about $52,500 in the South and Midwest, and about $63,000 in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
- Driveway, EV charger and heat are extra. See the driveway, EV charger and heater calculators.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a general contractor to manage everything costs about $55,200. Managing the trades yourself saves roughly $5,800, and doing most of the work yourself, while hiring a licensed electrician, brings the total to about $27,700. Most DIY builders still hire out the concrete slab and often the roof trusses. Construction typically takes 6 to 8 weeks once the permit is approved.
Ready for real numbers? Get quotes from local garage builders and compare at least three bids for the same plans. If you still need plans, browse detached garage plans in this size.
Considering post-frame? At 30 x 30 and larger, a pole barn style building with wide clear spans is often cheaper per square foot than a stick-framed garage. Compare with the pole barn cost calculator. For an existing large garage that needs a new roof, see the garage roof replacement cost calculator.
Compare Other Garage Sizes
| Garage size | Standard cost | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 24 garage | $28,100 | $98 |
| 16 x 24 garage | $32,200 | $84 |
| 20 x 20 garage | $33,600 | $84 |
| 24 x 24 garage | $41,800 | $73 |
| 30 x 30 garage (this page) | $55,200 | $61 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 30 x 30 garage?
About $55,200 with a contractor in 2026, with most projects between $48,600 and $63,500. A DIY build costs about $27,700.
Can a 30 x 30 garage fit three cars?
Yes, but it is tight. Three cars need about 30 ft of width with 9 ft doors and little room between them. For three cars plus storage, 36 x 26 or wider is more comfortable.
How much does a 30 x 30 garage cost per square foot?
About $61 per square foot for a standard contractor-built garage. Larger garages cost less per square foot because doors, electrical and permits are spread over more space.
Is a pole barn cheaper than a stick-built 30 x 30 garage?
Often, yes, especially for a simple shop with metal siding. Price both with our pole barn cost calculator and the garage cost calculator.
Prices updated October 2026 using the GarageCalculator.com cost model and national-average material and labor rates. Prices vary by region, site and contractor; always get written quotes.
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