Written by
Kristen Cramer
May 10,
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Shipping container homes cost $25,000 to $80,000 for a single-container model or $80,000 to $250,000+ for a multi-container house. The average cost to build a container home is $150 to $350 per square foot, depending on the size and features. Shipping container prices are $1,200 to $10,000 for the container alone.
Shipping container home cost Size >Square feet Containers Average cost Home office 80 &#; 100 1 $10,000 &#; $20,000 Studio 160 1 $15,000 &#; $25,000 1 bed 1 bath 320 1 &#; 2 $25,000 &#; $82,000 2 bed 1 bath 640 2 &#; 3 $80,000 &#; $130,000 2 bed 2 bath 960 3 &#; 4 $100,000 &#; $180,000 3 bed 2 bath 4 $150,000 &#; $220,000+ 3 bed 2.5 bath 5 $180,000 &#; $250,000+ 4 bed 2.5 bath 6 $190,000 &#; $300,000+ 5 bed 3 bath 8 $200,000 &#; $400,000+Shipping containers are 8' wide by 8.5' high and come in three standard lengths: 10', 20', and 40'.
Compared to a shipping container home, the cost to build a house is $178,000 to $416,000 on average for a traditional home.
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A prefab container house costs $120 to $300 per square foot, while a custom-designed container house costs $250 to $400+ per square foot. Total costs depend on the home&#;s size, features, number of shipping containers, and number of stories.
Shipping container home cost per square foot - ChartCost to build a prefab vs. custom container home Type Cost per square foot Considerations Prefab container house $150 &#; $300Most prefab container homes are single-story, while custom container homes can be configured with multiple stories and in a variety of layouts.
Many builders offer single-container structures for use as a separate home office, guest house, in-law suite, or rental unit placed on the same property as an existing traditional home.
In most states, a single-container residential unit placed on the same property as an existing home qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
*Including materials and labor.
A shipping container costs $1,700 to $8,200 on average, depending on the size, condition, and features. A single container can be used to build a tiny home, or multiple containers can be stacked on top of each other or placed side-by-side to create a larger home.
Shipping containers come in 10', 20', and 40' lengths. A standard container is 8' wide x 8'6" high with interior dimensions of 7'8" wide x 7'10" high before adding insulation, framing, or drywall. A high cube container is 9'6" high and provides more interior space for higher ceilings or ductwork.
Shipping container cost by size Size (L x W x H) Square feet Average cost* 10' x 8' x 8.5' 80 $1,700 &#; $3,000 20' x 8' x 8.5' 160 $2,000 &#; $4,000 20' x 8' x 9.5' (high cube) 160 $2,200 &#; $4,500 40' x 8' x 8.5' 320 $2,700 &#; $8,000 40' x 8' x 9.5' (high cube) 320 $3,000 &#; $8,200*For a one-trip shipping container with delivery
Before purchasing a used shipping container to build a house, confirm there is no rust or structural damage and the container was not used to transport toxic substances.
Most shipping container homes are placed on a permanent foundation, requiring land in an area with compatible zoning regulations. Land costs $5,000 to $18,000 per acre on average, depending on the location. Land surveys and site prep involve additional expenses:
A land survey costs $200 to $1,200 on average, depending on the survey type, property size, and terrain.
Land clearing costs $1,500 to $6,700 per acre to remove trees, stumps, brush, and rocks.
Excavation costs $1,000 to $2,500 to dig a foundation for a tiny home.
Grading land costs $500 to $1,000 to level a small area or contour the slope for proper drainage.
A building permit costs $500 to $2,000 for new construction.
Many cities do not allow tiny shipping container homes. Check local zoning regulations and building codes before investing in a container home.
A shipping container home foundation costs $3,000 to $19,350, depending on the type and size. A concrete slab foundation is the most common and cheapest at $5.75 to $13.50 per square foot, while pier footings and crawlspace foundations are priced at the higher end of the range.
Designing, planning, and constructing a shipping container home involves professional labor from a variety of industries:
A shipping container home with a second story and rooftop deck.Keep these considerations in mind when buying appliances and furniture for a tiny shipping container home:
Interior designer &#; Interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour or $500 to $1,500 to design a single-container house interior, not including furnishings or appliances. Look for an interior designer with extensive experience designing small, multi-use spaces.
Appliances &#; Many manufacturers offer smaller versions of appliances that are ideal for tiny homes, though the smaller size often comes at a premium price.
Furniture &#; Consider multi-purpose furniture that doubles as storage space, a convertible couch that can double as a bed for guests, and fold-down tables or desks to maximize space usage.
Connecting a shipping container house to local utilities involves additional costs:
Water and sewer
Installing a new water main costs $32 to $53 per linear foot, not including the new meter. Some cities charge as much as $2,000 to $3,000+ for the meter itself.
A septic tank system costs $3,500 to $8,500 installed.
A sewer line costs $40 to $180 per linear foot installed, depending on the pipe width and the distance from the home to the street. A house without a septic system typically must be connected to the city's sewer line.
Electrical
Connecting a house to the local electrical grid costs
$250 to $1,500+, depending on the distance to the nearest utility pole, and typically requires installing a new utility company meter. Running new lines to a house on rural property may cost $2,000 to $5,000+.
Solar panels cost $10,600 to $26,500 for a 6 kW to 12 kW system with installation after subtracting the 30% federal tax credit.
Shipping container houses are subject to local property taxes, which vary by location.
Homeowners insurance for a shipping container house costs $50 to $150 per month, depending on the home&#;s size and features. To qualify for standard homeowners insurance, the home must meet all local building codes. Some insurance companies only allow mobile home policies for shipping container homes.
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A tiny house costs $30,000 to $70,000+ on average, depending on if it&#;s a prefab model or custom-built house. A standard tiny house can be constructed in different sizes and dimensions with a variety of building materials, while a shipping container home is limited by the container&#;s steel exterior.
A modern tiny house on wheelsGet free estimates from shipping container home builders near you.
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The International Residential Code (IRC) considers any house that is 400 square feet or less a tiny home. A house built from a single shipping container is 160 to 320 square feet and qualifies as a tiny home.
A container home is a house built with one or more shipping containers forming the home&#;s structure. Because shipping containers are designed to transport cargo around the world, they are made of heavy-duty steel and are durable and weather-resistant.
Shipping container homes are considered modular homes but differ from manufactured homes. A shipping container house must meet traditional building codes, while a manufactured house may follow the U.S. Department of Housing Development (HUD) code instead.
Container homes built with recycled shipping containers use less construction materials, making them an eco-friendly, sustainable housing option.
A shipping container home is a cost-effective alternative to a traditional house and may be worth it for those seeking an eco-friendly building option. However, heating and air-conditioning a steel container home is costly, and the thick insulation required reduces the amount of available living space.
Pros and cons of a shipping container home Pros ConsThough most states allow shipping container homes built on a permanent foundation, the regulations and zoning restrictions vary in each city and state and are typically strictest for tiny container homes. Check your local zoning laws and building codes before investing in a shipping container house.
Rural areas typically have fewer zoning restrictions than urban or suburban areas.
Building a container home takes 3 to 6 months on average, depending on the size, style, and features. A prefab shipping container home typically takes less time to build than a custom-designed home.
A shipping container home lasts 25 to 30 years on average without requiring major maintenance, depending on the local climate and weather. Regular maintenance, inspections, and painting prevent rust and extend the home&#;s lifespan.
Shipping container homes typically hold their resale value or appreciate in value if well-maintained. Reselling a single-container home that is not permanently attached to a foundation is often easy because it can be loaded onto a truck and transported to a new location.
Shipping container homes are popular on vacation rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, providing an alternative method to recoup your investment.
Container homes are as safe as traditional homes in extreme weather, tornadoes, and earthquakes, and are highly wind-resistant. However, a used shipping container may have transported toxic chemicals or pesticides that can cause health issues. Test the container for contaminants before purchasing it.
You can finance a container home if it meets all local building codes and zoning regulations. However, financing options depend on the home&#;s size, features, and location:
A large, multi-container home typically qualifies for a standard mortgage because its size is comparable to a traditionally built home.
Most mortgage lenders will not finance a shipping container tiny home. Tiny home financing options include builder loans, mobile home loans, or unsecured personal bank loans.
Some lenders treat container homes of all sizes as mobile homes, limiting the available mortgage options.
A shipping container house built as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on property shared with an existing home may be eligible for mortgage financing through Freddie Mac.
Before hiring a container home builder near you or purchasing a prefab container home, be sure to:
Search online for container home styles and models that appeal to you.
Look for builders specializing in container homes.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Browse the builder's online portfolio and tour their house models in person.
Ask for references from past customers. Contact each reference and ask what they are happy and unhappy with about their home, what it was like working with the builder, how the team handled problems, and whether they were communicative.
Discuss your space needs and lifestyle with the builder.
Get a complete set of architectural drawings and specifications.
Get a detailed contract, schedule, materials list, and warranty in writing before the project begins.
Develop a payment schedule tied to progress. Don't make the final payment until the home has passed all inspections and you are completely satisfied.
How long have you been in business?
How many container homes have you built?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have a portfolio of homes I can review?
Do you have any pre-built models I can tour in person?
Can you provide references I can contact?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
Are there any finishes, fixtures, or appliances I'll need to purchase separately?
How long will it take to build my home?
Will you handle all the permits and inspections?
How much do you charge to deliver the finished home to my location?
Do you offer financing?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what does it cover?
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 40ft expandable container house. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.