How Big Is 600 Square Feet? What to Expect From This Popular ADU Size

Six hundred square feet sits in a sweet spot for small living. It's compact enough to be efficient and affordable but large enough to feel like a real home rather than a glorified hotel room. For ADU projects in particular, 600 square feet has become one of the most popular sizes, and for good reason.

But what does 600 square feet actually look like? Let's put some concrete images to this abstract number.

Visualizing 600 Square Feet

When someone says "600 square feet," here's what you can picture:

A typical one-bedroom apartment in many cities runs between 550 and 700 square feet. If you've rented a one-bedroom in a mid-rise building, you've likely lived in roughly this amount of space.

A 20x30 rectangle gives you exactly 600 square feet. That's the size of a generous living room plus a dining room in a traditional home.

Two standard hotel rooms combined give you about 600 square feet. Think of it as having room to spread out compared to that one room you stay in while traveling.

A large master suite with bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet often approaches 600 square feet in newer homes. So this amount of space can accommodate those functions plus a full kitchen and living area.

One and a half two-car garages is another way to think about it. You could fit your two-car garage plus half of another one in 600 square feet.

Reference Point	Approximate Size
Typical one-bedroom apartment	550-700 sq ft
20 x 30 foot rectangle	600 sq ft exactly
Two hotel rooms	~600 sq ft
Large master suite	400-600 sq ft
Small cottage/bungalow	500-800 sq ft

What Fits in 600 Square Feet

This amount of space gives you real flexibility in layout. Unlike a 400 square foot studio where everything needs to be combined, 600 square feet allows for distinct zones and even separate rooms.

A well-planned 600 square foot home typically includes:

• A full kitchen with standard appliances, ample counter space, and room for a small dining table or breakfast bar
• A full bathroom with room for a standard shower or tub, plus storage
• A separate bedroom that can comfortably fit a queen or king bed with nightstands
• A living area with seating for three or four people
• Dedicated closet space, possibly a small walk-in
• Room for a stackable washer and dryer

The keyword at 600 square feet is "comfortable." You're not sacrificing everyday conveniences. You're just being thoughtful about what you include and how spaces flow together.

Common Floor Plan Layouts

The Classic One-Bedroom

This traditional layout puts the bedroom at one end, living areas in the middle, and kitchen at the other end. The bathroom typically sits between bedroom and living spaces.

This works well because noise from the living area and kitchen doesn't directly carry into the bedroom. It also creates clear separation between public and private spaces, which matters if you entertain or have guests.

The Open Concept

This layout combines kitchen, dining, and living into one flowing space, with the bedroom tucked behind a wall or half-wall. You get maximum openness and flexibility in the main living areas while still having a private sleeping space.

The open concept makes 600 square feet feel surprisingly large. Without walls breaking up the main space, light flows throughout and the overall impression is of generous living.

The Split Plan

For ADUs that might house two people who need privacy from each other, or for a work-from-home setup, a split plan puts the bedroom at one end and creates a potential office or second sleeping area at the other end.

This isn't quite a two-bedroom, but it gives flexibility. A Murphy bed or sofa bed in the second space allows it to serve as a guest room when needed.

Why 600 Square Feet Is Popular for ADUs

California homeowners building ADUs often land on 600 square feet as their target size. Here's why this number works so well:

It Qualifies for Fee Waivers

California law prevents cities from charging impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet. At 600 square feet, you're comfortably under this threshold, potentially saving thousands of dollars in permitting costs.

It Fits Most Lots

Setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions all constrain what you can build. A 600 square foot footprint (perhaps 20x30 or 24x25) fits on properties where larger structures wouldn't work.

It Rents Well

A one-bedroom ADU attracts a broader tenant pool than a studio. Singles, couples, and even small families will consider a well-designed one-bedroom. In Los Angeles, 600 square foot ADUs typically rent for $1,800 to $2,800 per month.

Construction Costs Stay Reasonable

The cost per square foot for construction is relatively consistent, so a 600 square foot ADU costs proportionally less than an 800 or 1,000 square foot unit. You're getting a complete home at a more accessible price point.

It Feels Like Home

Perhaps most importantly, 600 square feet is large enough to feel like a proper residence rather than an efficiency or studio. Tenants and family members occupying the space can settle in comfortably for long-term living.

Living in 600 Square Feet

Many people wonder if they could really live full-time in 600 square feet. The answer depends on your lifestyle, but for many, the answer is absolutely yes.

What Works Well

Couples without children often find 600 square feet ideal. There's room for a proper bedroom with the door closed, a living area where you can both spread out, and a kitchen where you can cook real meals together.

Single people find 600 square feet luxurious compared to urban studio apartments. You have room for a home office, exercise equipment, or hobbies that require space.

Older adults downsizing from larger homes appreciate the easy maintenance and efficient layout. Everything is within reach, and there's less house to clean and maintain.

What Requires Adjustment

If you're coming from a larger home, you'll need to edit your possessions. Not everything will fit. This is usually less painful than people expect because much of what fills larger homes is stuff that isn't actually used.

Working from home full-time requires intentional space planning. A desk in the living area or bedroom can work, but you need to be deliberate about creating a functional workspace.

Hosting large gatherings isn't practical. You can have a few friends over for dinner, but you're not throwing a party for twenty people. For most people, this is a reasonable trade-off.

Design Principles for 600 Square Feet

The same strategies that make any small space feel larger apply especially well at this size.

Create Flow

The spaces in a 600 square foot home need to connect logically. You shouldn't have to squeeze past furniture to move from room to room. Clear pathways make the space feel larger and function better.

Embrace Built-Ins

Built-in storage, seating, and even beds use space more efficiently than freestanding furniture. A built-in bench with storage underneath, cabinets that extend to the ceiling, and closet systems that maximize every inch all help.

Keep It Light

Light colors on walls and floors make spaces feel larger. Large windows and good artificial lighting eliminate dark corners that make rooms feel cramped.

Edit Ruthlessly

In 600 square feet, everything needs to earn its place. Furniture should be proportional to the space. Decorations should be intentional rather than accumulated. Empty space isn't wasted space. It's breathing room.

Cost and Return on Investment

Building a 600 square foot ADU in Southern California typically costs $150,000 to $250,000 depending on construction type and finishes. Garage conversions tend toward the lower end. New detached construction with premium finishes approaches the higher end.

At rental rates of $2,000 to $2,500 per month, you're generating $24,000 to $30,000 annually in gross rental income. After expenses, your net income might be $18,000 to $24,000 per year.

Over a decade, that's $180,000 to $240,000 in rental income, potentially exceeding your construction costs. Add in the property value increase from having a permitted ADU, and the financial case becomes compelling.

Is 600 Square Feet Right for Your Project?

This size works well for:

Rental units targeting singles, couples, or professional tenants who want more than a studio but don't need multiple bedrooms.

Family member housing for an aging parent or adult child who wants genuine independence while staying close.

Guest houses that will host extended visits where guests want to feel at home rather than temporarily accommodated.

Properties with moderate space where there's room for a real one-bedroom but not enough for a larger unit.

If your lot can accommodate it and your budget allows, 600 square feet gives you a complete home that appeals to a broad range of occupants and renters. It's one of the most versatile sizes you can build.

Sources cited:

• California Department of Housing and Community Development. (2023). "ADU Handbook."
• Apartment List. (2023). "Rent Estimates by City and Unit Size."