Build costs, cost per square foot, garage conversions and rents across 7 Texas cities, from each city’s own cost guide.
Building an ADU in Texas costs $125,000–$350,000 all-in across the 7 cities we cover (2026), or about $225–$450 per square foot. The middle of the 7 city ranges below sits around $225,000. Converting an existing garage runs $30,000–$110,000.
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| City | Typical build cost | Cost per sq ft | Garage conversion | 2-BR rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $150,000-$350,000 | $250-$450 | $30,000-$100,000 | $1,600-$2,300/mo |
| Dallas | $130,000-$320,000 | $250-$400 | $30,000-$100,000 | $1,750-$1,900/mo |
| Fort Worth | $130,000-$320,000 | $250-$400 | $30,000-$100,000 | $1,550-$1,750/mo |
| Frisco | $140,000-$350,000 | $250-$400 | $30,000-$100,000 | $2,000-$2,600/mo |
| Houston | $140,000-$260,000 | $225-$350 | $60,000-$110,000 | $1,500-$2,250/mo |
| Plano | $140,000-$350,000 | $250-$400 | $30,000-$100,000 | $1,900-$2,500/mo |
| San Antonio | $125,000-$320,000 | $225-$400 | $30,000-$90,000 | $1,200-$1,500/mo |
Each figure is the city’s own cost guide; click a city for what is included, permit fees and the sources behind it.
Not in the table: Richardson — ADUs there are not allowed yet or the rules are still being written, so a build cost would mislead.
Across the 7 Texas cities we cover, building a new ADU runs $125,000 to $350,000 all-in, depending on the city, size and finish. The middle of the city ranges sits around $225,000. Houston has the lowest published range ($140,000-$260,000) and Austin the highest ($150,000-$350,000).
$225 to $450 per square foot across the 7 Texas cities we cover. Smaller units cost more per square foot, because the kitchen and bathroom are the expensive rooms.
Usually. Converting an existing garage runs $30,000 to $110,000 in the Texas cities we cover, against $125,000 to $350,000 for a new detached unit, because the foundation, walls and roof already exist.
A two-bedroom unit rents for about $1,200 to $2,600 a month across these cities. Each city's cost page shows its own rent figure and source.
Yes. An ADU is a home, so it needs a building permit, and the zoning rules, fees and review times are set city by city. Our Texas ADU laws page compares them.
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