The most common question we hear from homeowners considering an ADU is: "What can I rent it for?" We've compiled rental data from across our service areas to give you realistic expectations for ADU income in San Diego, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.
ADU Rental Rates by Region
Rental rates vary significantly based on location, unit size, finishes, and whether utilities are included. Here's what we're seeing in late 2024/early 2025:
San Diego County
| ADU Size | Monthly Rent Range | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (400-500 sq ft) | $1,800 - $2,400 | $2,100 |
| 1 Bedroom (500-700 sq ft) | $2,200 - $2,800 | $2,500 |
| 2 Bedroom (800-1,200 sq ft) | $2,800 - $3,500 | $3,100 |
Coastal areas (La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas) command 15-25% premiums. Inland areas (Escondido, Poway) trend toward the lower end.
Ventura County
| ADU Size | Monthly Rent Range | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (400-500 sq ft) | $1,600 - $2,200 | $1,900 |
| 1 Bedroom (500-700 sq ft) | $2,000 - $2,600 | $2,300 |
| 2 Bedroom (800-1,200 sq ft) | $2,500 - $3,200 | $2,850 |
Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village are at the higher end; Oxnard and Ventura city are more moderate.
San Luis Obispo County
| ADU Size | Monthly Rent Range | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (400-500 sq ft) | $1,400 - $1,900 | $1,650 |
| 1 Bedroom (500-700 sq ft) | $1,800 - $2,400 | $2,100 |
| 2 Bedroom (800-1,200 sq ft) | $2,300 - $2,900 | $2,600 |
SLO city proper has strong demand from Cal Poly students and faculty. Paso Robles and coastal communities also perform well.
Calculating Your ROI
A typical detached ADU costs $250,000-$350,000 to build in our service areas. Here's a simplified ROI calculation:
Example: 1-Bedroom ADU in San Diego
Construction cost: $275,000
Monthly rent: $2,500
Annual gross income: $30,000
Less vacancy (5%): -$1,500
Less expenses (10%): -$2,850
Net annual income: $25,650
Cash-on-cash return: 9.3%
This doesn't include property value appreciation from the added square footage, which can be substantial in California markets.
Factors That Increase Rental Value
- Private entrance and outdoor space — Patios and separate access command premiums
- In-unit washer/dryer — Worth $100-150/month in most markets
- Parking — Dedicated parking is essential in urban areas
- Quality finishes — Higher-end materials attract higher-paying tenants
- Energy efficiency — Tenants value lower utility costs
Get a Free ADU Feasibility Assessment
We'll evaluate your property and provide a preliminary cost estimate
(619) 488-4748