Cost to build a shed in Chicago: 2023 spending
The Census AHS published a median of $3,400 for this category in Chicago.
2023 household spending
$3,400
For owner-occupied homes and work completed in the two years before the 2023 interview. This is historical spending, not a current quote or a price per square foot.
Published margin of error: ±$1,533 at the survey’s 90% confidence level.
How Chicago compares
- National median, same category
- $3,000
- Rank, highest median first
- Tied at 2 of 8 published metros
- Metro figures available
- 8 of 15
7 of the 15 metros have no published median for this category; ranks exclude those unknown values. Equal medians share a rank. This compares survey results, not the price of identical work.
What this figure includes
Sheds, detached garages and other buildings are grouped. Attached garages belong to a separate category.
The Census category is “Shed/detached garage/other building” within “Lot or Yard Additions and Replacements.” Different project sizes, specifications and amounts of work contribute to the median. The survey does not hold those features constant.
Use it beside a written scope
Does the quote include the foundation, structure, openings and utility work?
A difference between this figure and your quote does not by itself make the quote high or low. Separate material quantities, removal, preparation, access and excluded work before comparing contractors.
Start with the material calculator to put measured quantities next to the scope. Then use your project budget worksheet to keep actual prices and unresolved work separate.