How Much Does Garage Conversion Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Garage Conversion Include?
A garage conversion transforms your existing garage into livable space — typically a bedroom, home office, rental unit (ADU), or family room. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to add square footage since the structure already exists.
The national average cost for garage conversion is $18,000 per project. Most homeowners pay between $8,000 and $30,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Scope
Basic (insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical): $8,000-$15,000. Full conversion with bathroom: $20,000-$35,000. Full ADU with kitchen: $30,000-$60,000
Foundation
Garage floors may need leveling or moisture barrier: $1,000-$3,000
Permits
Permits and plans: $500-$3,000 depending on city. Some areas restrict garage conversions.
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Conversion scope (basic vs full)
- ✓Intended use (bedroom, ADU, office)
- ✓HVAC requirements
- ✓Plumbing needs (if adding bathroom)
- ✓Permits and zoning
- ✓Insulation and drywall
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Check local ADU laws — many cities now fast-track garage conversion permits
- 2.Keep the garage door opening and frame it in (saves $2,000-$4,000 vs structural wall)
- 3.Skip the bathroom if it's a home office or playroom to save $5,000-$10,000
- 4.Ductless mini-split AC/heat ($3,000-$5,000) is cheaper than extending existing HVAC
📈 Garage Conversion Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $15,289 | — |
| 2021 | $15,931 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $16,967 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $17,442 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $18,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Garage Conversion Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,560 | $14,760 | $24,600 |
| Alaska | $10,240 | $23,040 | $38,400 |
| Arizona | $7,600 | $17,100 | $28,500 |
| Arkansas | $6,400 | $14,400 | $24,000 |
| California | $10,800 | $24,300 | $40,500 |
| Colorado | $8,640 | $19,440 | $32,400 |
| Connecticut | $9,760 | $21,960 | $36,600 |
| Delaware | $8,400 | $18,900 | $31,500 |
| Florida | $7,840 | $17,640 | $29,400 |
| Georgia | $7,200 | $16,200 | $27,000 |
| Hawaii | $11,360 | $25,560 | $42,600 |
| Idaho | $7,360 | $16,560 | $27,600 |
| Illinois | $8,400 | $18,900 | $31,500 |
| Indiana | $7,040 | $15,840 | $26,400 |
| Iowa | $6,880 | $15,480 | $25,800 |
| Kansas | $6,800 | $15,300 | $25,500 |
| Kentucky | $6,720 | $15,120 | $25,200 |
| Louisiana | $6,960 | $15,660 | $26,100 |
| Maine | $8,160 | $18,360 | $30,600 |
| Maryland | $9,200 | $20,700 | $34,500 |
| Massachusetts | $10,400 | $23,400 | $39,000 |
| Michigan | $7,360 | $16,560 | $27,600 |
| Minnesota | $8,160 | $18,360 | $30,600 |
| Mississippi | $6,240 | $14,040 | $23,400 |
| Missouri | $6,960 | $15,660 | $26,100 |
| Montana | $7,600 | $17,100 | $28,500 |
| Nebraska | $7,040 | $15,840 | $26,400 |
| Nevada | $8,160 | $18,360 | $30,600 |
| New Hampshire | $8,960 | $20,160 | $33,600 |
| New Jersey | $10,000 | $22,500 | $37,500 |
| New Mexico | $7,200 | $16,200 | $27,000 |
| New York | $10,560 | $23,760 | $39,600 |
| North Carolina | $7,200 | $16,200 | $27,000 |
| North Dakota | $7,200 | $16,200 | $27,000 |
| Ohio | $7,200 | $16,200 | $27,000 |
| Oklahoma | $6,640 | $14,940 | $24,900 |
| Oregon | $8,800 | $19,800 | $33,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $8,160 | $18,360 | $30,600 |
| Rhode Island | $9,200 | $20,700 | $34,500 |
| South Carolina | $6,960 | $15,660 | $26,100 |
| South Dakota | $6,800 | $15,300 | $25,500 |
| Tennessee | $6,880 | $15,480 | $25,800 |
| Texas | $7,440 | $16,740 | $27,900 |
| Utah | $7,600 | $17,100 | $28,500 |
| Vermont | $8,640 | $19,440 | $32,400 |
| Virginia | $8,400 | $18,900 | $31,500 |
| Washington | $9,200 | $20,700 | $34,500 |
| West Virginia | $6,400 | $14,400 | $24,000 |
| Wisconsin | $7,520 | $16,920 | $28,200 |
| Wyoming | $7,360 | $16,560 | $27,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a garage conversion add home value?
Yes, typically returning 80-130% of the investment. Converting a 2-car garage adds 400-500 sq ft of living space. However, losing garage parking can reduce value in some markets.
Do I need a permit for a garage conversion?
Almost always yes. Converting a garage to living space requires building permits for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural changes. Unpermitted conversions can cause issues when selling.
🏙️ Garage Conversion Cost by City
Compare garage conversion costs in the most popular US cities:
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