How Much Does an ADU Cost in Davis?
Updated June 12, 2026 · Upside ADU
Quick answer
A detached ADU in Davis costs about $131,250–$453,600 turnkey in 2026, or roughly $263–$378 per square foot (design, permits, and construction included). A 750 sq ft 2-bedroom unit averages $196,875–$283,500; garage conversions and Junior ADUs cost less. Davis runs roughly 5% above the central-Sacramento baseline, driven mostly by site conditions and finish expectations in this submarket.
What does each ADU type cost in Davis?
Price is driven first by type, because type decides how much new structure you build. The ranges below are Davis-specific for 2026 — the regional market adjusted for this submarket's higher build costs.
Davis ADU cost by type — 2026 turnkey ranges
| ADU type | Typical size | $ / sq ft | Turnkey range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 500–1200 sq ft | $263–$378 | $131,250–$453,600 |
| Garage Conversion ADU | 380–620 sq ft | $189–$294 | $71,820–$182,280 |
| Attached ADU | 450–850 sq ft | $252–$357 | $113,400–$303,450 |
| Junior ADU (JADU) | 220–500 sq ft | $210–$336 | $46,200–$168,000 |
| Multigenerational ADU | 600–1200 sq ft | $263–$389 | $157,500–$466,200 |
See also:Upside's published pricing · ADU builder in Davis
What does an ADU cost per square foot in Davis?
Smaller units cost more per foot — fixed costs like a kitchen, bath, utility hookup, and permit spread across fewer square feet. Here is a detached build at Davis pricing.
Davis detached ADU cost by size (2026)
| Size | Typical config | $ / sq ft | Estimated turnkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft | Studio / JADU | $263–$378 | $105,000–$151,200 |
| 600 sq ft | 1 bedroom | $263–$378 | $157,500–$226,800 |
| 750 sq ft | 2 bedroom | $263–$378 | $196,875–$283,500 |
| 1000 sq ft | 2–3 bedroom | $263–$378 | $262,500–$378,000 |
What drives ADU cost up or down in Davis?
Davis runs roughly 5% above the central-Sacramento baseline, driven mostly by site conditions and finish expectations in this submarket.
Davis lots: Central and South Davis have modest infill lots; Mace Ranch and Wildhorse offer newer, larger parcels with room for a full detached unit.
Local permitting: Davis permits through its Community Development & Sustainability department in Yolo County and is among the more ADU-friendly jurisdictions, with streamlined review. Note that JADUs here carry an owner-occupancy requirement, and energy/sustainability standards run above the state minimum.
The single biggest cost lever is size: keeping a unit under 750 sq ft exempts it from local impact fees. Site conditions (slope, soil, utility runs) and finish level move the rest.
Know your Davis budget — get an exact, all-in number for your lot.
Free feasibility check, no commitment. We confirm site conditions, permit fees, and your build range before you sign anything.
What will an ADU in Davis rent for, and when does it pay back?
A typical Davis ADU rents for $1,700–$2,800 a month in 2026. UC Davis demand keeps occupancy high and rents resilient year-round; by-the-room student leasing can push effective yield well above a standard single-tenant ADU. Run your specific numbers with the calculator below, or see the full payback math in the ROI guide.
Tools & guides:ADU cost calculator · ROI & rent estimator · ADU rental income & ROI guide
How Davis ADU cost compares across the region
Davis sits in the Yolo County market. The regional baseline is central Sacramento; foothill and estate submarkets (El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, Folsom) run highest, while Galt, Woodland, and Citrus Heights run lowest. For the full regional cost breakdown and methodology, see our Sacramento ADU cost guide, or compare every city on the ADU cost by city index.
Figures are 2026 Davis-area market estimates, not a fixed quote. Your exact price depends on your lot, design, and finish level — we confirm it with a free feasibility check.
Sources & references
- Accessory Dwelling Units — official guidance — California Dept. of Housing & Community Development (HCD)
- City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability — permits & fees — City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability