Real construction costs for backyard casitas across the Southwest - and what they rent for.
A new detached casita typically costs $110,000–$280,000 to build in the Southwest (2026) — roughly $135–$400 per square foot depending on your city, the size, and finish level. Garage conversions come in well under that; high-end markets like Scottsdale run above it. A 2-bedroom casita rents for $1,400–$2,600/mo in the cities below.
See what this means for your lot — ask your city ADU builders for a quote →
| City | Typical build cost | Cost per sq ft | 2-BR rental income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $120,000-$240,000 | $160-$320 | $1,350-$1,700/mo |
| Avondale, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,650-$1,950/mo |
| Buckeye, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,700-$2,150/mo |
| Chandler, AZ | $125,000-$250,000 | $140-$280 | $1,600-$2,000/mo |
| Gilbert, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,850-$2,300/mo |
| Glendale, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,400-$2,050/mo |
| Goodyear, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,700-$2,100/mo |
| Henderson, NEV | $110,000-$260,000 | $180-$330 | $1,600-$2,250/mo |
| Las Vegas, NEV | $110,000-$230,000 | $180-$330 | $1,450-$2,000/mo |
| Mesa, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,500-$1,750/mo |
| North Las Vegas, NEV | $100,000-$220,000 | $180-$330 | $1,550-$2,050/mo |
| Paradise Valley, AZ | $300,000-$600,000 | $350-$750 | $2,250-$2,400/mo |
| Peoria, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,650-$2,300/mo |
| Phoenix, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $200-$350 | $1,500-$1,750/mo |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $160,000-$320,000 | $200-$400 | $1,950-$2,600/mo |
| Surprise, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,650-$2,250/mo |
| Tempe, AZ | $150,000-$280,000 | $175-$350 | $1,700-$2,100/mo |
| Tucson, AZ | $150,000-$250,000 | $150-$300 | $1,200-$1,700/mo |
Costs reflect a new detached casita, all-in (design, permits, construction, utility connections). Click a city for the full cost breakdown.
"Casita" is the Southwest's word for what your city's zoning code calls an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — so the rules that govern your casita are the ADU rules. Arizona's HB 2720 "casita law" now requires larger AZ cities to allow one on most single-family lots. Check your city's exact size caps, setbacks, and permit steps: Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Las Vegas, Henderson.
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