Shipping Container Home Cost: What You Need to Know

Dreaming of a unique, affordable home? Shipping container homes have surged in popularity, offering a blend of modern design, sustainability, and cost savings. But how much does it really cost to turn a steel box into a cozy living space? From the price of the container itself to construction and customization, the total expense can vary widely. In this guide, we’ll break down the shipping container home cost, key factors affecting it, and tips to keep your budget in check.

Cost to Build a Container Home

Container homes are a popular choice for those looking to build an affordable and unique living space. The cost of a shipping container home varies, with single-container homes ranging from $25,000 to $80,000 and multi-container homes from $80,000 to $250,000 or more. The average construction cost lies between $150 to $350 per square foot, depending on size and additional features.

Here’s a breakdown of container home costs based on size and number of containers:

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	1280	4	$150,000 – $220,000+
3 Bed, 2.5 Bath	1600	5	$180,000 – $250,000+
4 Bed, 2.5 Bath	1920	6	$190,000 – $300,000+
5 Bed, 3 Bath	2560	8	$200,000 – $400,000+

Shipping containers typically measure 8′ wide by 8.5′ high and are available in three standard lengths: 10′, 20′, and 40′. Container costs alone range from $1,200 to $10,000.

When comparing container homes to traditional homes, the latter usually costs $178,000 to $416,000 on average to build. To get an estimate for a specific container home project, consult with local shipping container home builders.

Custom vs. Prefab Shipping Container Home Prices

When comparing custom and prefab shipping container homes, there are notable differences in their costs and design possibilities. A prefab container home typically costs $120 to $300 per square foot, whereas a custom-designed container house ranges from $250 to $400+ per square foot. The total cost varies based on factors such as the home’s size, features, number of shipping containers, and number of stories.

Prefab container homes offer a more affordable option, with costs between $150 and $300 per square foot. These homes come with a finished interior and exterior, including fixtures and appliances, and are made at a factory. They require assembly on-site, particularly for homes constructed from multiple containers. Despite their affordability, prefab homes have limited customization options. However, high-end models can feature luxury finishes.

On the other hand, custom container homes cost $250 to $400+ per square foot. They provide a unique design from an architect or a design/build firm, with flexible size and layout options. The interior finishing options are limited only by the homeowner’s budget. Custom homes allow for more two-story configurations compared to prefab homes, which are predominantly single-story.

Moreover, custom container homes can cater to various functions, such as additional living areas, home offices, or eco-friendly studios. Many builders offer single-container structures suitable 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, these single-container residential units qualify as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) when placed on an existing property.

Shipping Container Home Cost Calculator & Breakdown

Cost of Shipping Containers

Shipping container home cost calculator

Factor	Average cost*
Land	$5,000 – $18,000 per acre
Foundation	$3,000 – $19,350
Roofing	$1,000 – $12,000
Door & windows	$1,000 – $6,000
Insulation	$1,000 – $8,000
Electrical wiring	$1,000 – $7,800
Interior framing	$1,000 – $14,000
Drywall	$500 – $15,000
Painting	$500 – $6,900
Flooring	$300 – $4,600
Plumbing labor	$500 – $12,000
Shower	$300 – $9,000
Water heater	$300 – $3,500
Toilet	$100 – $750
Septic or sewer	$1,500 – $5,000
Fixtures (lights, fans, sinks)	$600 – $6,000
Appliances	$500 – $5,000
HVAC / Ductless mini-split system	$2,000 – $10,000
Interior finishing	$1,000 – $10,000
Solar panels	$3,500 – $26,500
Permits	$500 – $2,000
Design plans	$100 – $2,000
Utilities hookup	$4,000 – $12,000

Shipping containers range from $1,200 to $10,000 based on size and condition. They come in standard sizes, such as 10′, 20′, and 40′, with widths of 8′ and heights of 8’6″ (standard) or 9’6″ (high cube). The container’s interior dimensions will be smaller after insulation, framing, or drywall is added.

Land, Permits, and Zoning for Container Houses

Land for a container home ranges between $5,000 and $18,000 per acre. Before installing a shipping container home, check local zoning regulations and building codes to ensure compliance. Additional costs for land surveys, clearing, excavation and grading range between $200 and $6,700 per acre. A building permit may cost between $500 and $2,000.

Foundation Costs for Shipping Container Homes

The foundation for a shipping container home costs between $3,000 and $19,350. Concrete slab foundations cost around $5.75 to $13.50 per square foot, whereas pier footings and crawlspace foundations are more expensive.