Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer
Average cost to build a parking garage
The average cost to build a parking garage is $70 to $100 per square foot, or $21,000 to $30,000 per parking stall. Building a standard multi-story garage with 500 parking spots costs $10.5 to $15 million, depending on the location, construction labor, and whether any of it is underground.
| Size (square feet) | Car stalls | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 50,000 | 170 | $3.5 – $5 million |
| 100,000 | 330 | $7 – $10 million |
| 150,000 | 500 | $10.5 – $15 million |
| 200,000 | 670 | $14 – $20 million |
| 250,000 | 830 | $17.5 – $25 million |
*Includes standard traffic signs, 1 to 2 elevators, stairs, lighting, and a ticket kiosk
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Parking garage cost by type
Single-level parking garages are simpler and cheaper to build than multi-level ones, but they have bigger footprints and are less common. Most parking garages have at least 2 to 5 levels.
| Parking garage type | Average total cost per stall |
|---|---|
| Single level | $21,000 – $27,000 |
| Multi-level | $24,000 – $30,000 |
Most parking garages have 300 square feet per car. Each parking space is about 8’6” to 8’9” wide.
Parking garage cost calculator
Building a parking garage will involve different projects and professionals. The following factors affect the total construction cost:
Location: Parking garages built in crowded cities where land is at a premium will cost more than areas with plenty of open space. Land near restaurants, shopping centers, airports, or highways costs more.
Number of levels: Shorter parking structures with a larger footprint require more land, but they tend to cost less per space than a tall structure with a small footprint. Underground parking levels usually cost more to build than above-ground structures.
Land: Before you build a parking garage, you have to own the land itself. Land costs $1,500 to $200,000 per acre, depending on the location.
Materials: Parking garages are mostly made of concrete. Adding traffic signs, elevators, stairwells, kiosks, bathrooms, or gates requires more building materials.
Parking space striping: The cost to paint parking space lines is $4 to $5 for each standard parking stall and $25 to $40 for each handicapped parking stall. Additional painted features like stenciled letters or numbers, stop lines, and directional arrows increase the cost. The total construction cost typically includes this fee.
Demolition: If there is an existing structure or vegetation on your lot, you’ll need to remove it. Demolition costs $4 to $10 per square foot. Clearing wooded land costs $1,500 to $3,000 per acre.
Building permits: General contractors obtain permits during the construction process and include them in their labor fees.
Maintenance: After construction, you’ll need to pay for utilities, wages for attendants if applicable, and relevant maintenance fees for elevators or ticket booths.
Labor
Before you can start building a parking garage, you’ll have to hire professionals to help you design the structure, make sure the land and plans are safe, and build it. The rates of these contractors will affect the cost of commercial construction projects:
| Professional | Average hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Architect cost | $100 -$250 |
| Structural engineer cost | $100 – $220 |
| General contractor cost | $50 – $150 |
| Electrician cost | $50 – $130 |
| Plumber cost | $75 – $150 |
Parking garage FAQs
How long does it take to build a parking garage?
Building a parking garage takes anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on the size, number of levels, and features. Any delays from shortages, disputes, and inclement weather will hinder the progress of the project.
Can you build a parking garage under an existing building?
It is possible to build a parking garage under an existing building, but it’s uncommon and often cost-prohibitive. A structural engineer and contractors would need to reinforce the building, excavate, build the parking garage, and then remove the supports from the building.
What is the average square footage of a parking garage?
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The average size of a parking garage is about 300 square feet per car, or about 150,000 square feet total. The total size depends on the purpose of the adjoining building and how many cars you expect to park in the garage.
Getting estimates from parking garage construction companies
Before hiring an architect or a commercial construction company near you, remember to follow these steps:
Search for professionals with high reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask to see a portfolio of similar past projects.
Compare 3+ estimates from different contractors.
Choose licensed, bonded, insured, and experienced companies.
Get an itemized estimate and contract before making payments.
Questions to ask parking garage builders
When hiring contractors, ask these important questions:
How long have you been in business?
How many similar parking garage projects have you done?
Can you show me any pictures or testimonials from past clients?
Will you hire subcontractors, plumbers, and electricians?
How much input and feedback can I give you during the process?
What is your hourly rate or percentage?
Can you get me any discounts on materials?
Do you think there will be any delays or extra fees?
How much will it cost to include bathrooms in the garage?
Does this estimate include elevators? How many?
How much does maintenance cost for a parking garage this size?
Will you give me a written estimate and contract?
How we get this data
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.
