How much does a container home cost?

A container home is a unique and affordable alternative to a traditionally built home. Customers will typically pay between $25,000 and $250,000 on container home costs, depending on size, style, and building materials. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Do shipping container homes cost more than traditional houses?

Shipping container homes cost less than traditional houses. The materials are already on site, and the structure is pre-fabricated. The cost savings can be significant—if you opt for a small house with few amenities or shipping container homes that don’t need extra plumbing or wiring. Shipping container homes also need less labor.

How much does a shipping container home foundation cost?

Typically, a shipping container home foundation costs between $3,000 to $19,350 on average, though this depends on the size and material used to make the foundation. The most commonly used material and the most affordable is a concrete slab foundation, which generally costs between $5.75 and $13.50 per square foot.

How much does it cost to build a 20ft container home?

For a basic 20ft container home with standard finishes, expect material costs around $18,000-20,000 and labor costs around $15,000-22,500. A 40ft container typically doubles these amounts. High-end builds with custom features can reach $35,000 in materials for a 20ft container and $55,000 for a 40ft container, with labor adding $22,500-45,000.

What is a custom container home?

Custom container homes give the homeowner the ability to select from a range of customization options. Generally, the homeowner will work with one of the best tiny-home builders or container home builders and an architect or design firm to come up with the final plan for the custom container construction.

How big is a shipping container home?

They are typically 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high, though there are also high-cube containers, which, at a foot taller than standard shipping containers, will offer the homeowner a little extra headroom inside the shipping container home. By cutting and welding the shipping containers, builders can use multiple containers to make larger homes.