Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in Cambridge, MA — Costs $97,510 to $568,808
What does accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction cost in Cambridge? Average $243,775, ranging $97,510–$568,808. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 63% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Cambridge, MA Market
+63% vs nationalLabor Rate
$54.31/hr
Material Index
144
Avg Permit Cost
$3,017
Median Home Price
$607,888
Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 63% above the national average, Cambridge is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $607,888, this accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction represents just 40.1% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.
Low Estimate
$97,510
National: $60,000
Mid-Range
$243,775
National: $150,000
High End
$568,808
National: $350,000
Per Sq Ft
$406
National: $250
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction Cost Calculator for Cambridge
Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Cambridge
$243,775
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Cambridge market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)
Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction vs. Home Value in Cambridge
| Metric | Cambridge | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction (Mid-Range) | $243,775 | $150,000 |
| Median Home Price | $607,888 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 40.1% | 42.9% |
| Estimated ROI | 80% | 80% |
| Median Household Income | $98,948 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Cambridge
- 1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
- 2Material cost index (144 vs national 100)
- 3Attached vs detached
- 4Size and bedroom count
- 5Kitchen and bath quality
- 6Local ADU regulations
Popular Upgrades
- Full kitchen
- Separate entrance
- Solar panels for energy independence
Other Projects in Cambridge, MA
Second Story Addition
$325,033
Room Addition
$146,265
Swimming Pool Installation
$103,229
Garage Addition
$89,384
Home Addition
$128,532
Inground Swimming Pool
$102,025
Attic Conversion
$90,403
Swimming Pool Construction
$82,184
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in Other Massachusetts Cities
Planning a Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction in Cambridge
Building permits are typically required for a accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction in Cambridge. The average permit fee in this area is $3,017, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 6-18 months from start to finish.
A accessory dwelling unit (adu) construction is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $243,775 represents 246% of the typical household's annual income.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
All Construction Costs in Cambridge
View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Cambridge, MA.
Explore All Project Cost Guides
Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.
View All Project Costs