How Much Does a Container Home Cost? [2024 Data]

Shipping Container Home Cost Breakdown

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Shipping container homes generally come with a lower cost than traditional modular homes, but they are similar in price to prefab homes. Several factors can increase the cost of building a container home. Typical costs are contingent on the size of the shipping container, the number of shipping containers you connect together, the structural elements that make the home safe, and the materials and finishes you use on both the interior and exterior.

Container Home Cost per Square Foot 

Most container homes cost between $150 and $350 per square foot (about the same as the cost of a standard ADU). Ordering a used shipping container is usually less expensive and is more sustainable than buying a brand-new one. Containers come in standard sizes so they can be easily transported on roads and cargo ships. Though you can get high-cube shipping containers with an extra foot of headroom, the standard dimensions of a shipping container are:

• 8-by-8 1/2-by-10 feet (80 square feet)

• 8-by-8 1/2-by-20 feet (160 square feet)

• 8-by-8 1/2-by-40 feet  (320 square feet)

Most shipping container homes combine multiple shipping containers together to create larger rooms, so when you decide what you want the square footage of your house to be, then you can calculate how many containers you’ll need to purchase.

In addition to buying the shipping container itself, you have to think about the costs of professional services you’ll need to make the space into living quarters as well as tools and materials to build it.

Number of Containers Used

Each container typically costs between $1,200 and $10,000—and that’s before you factor in labor and other materials. Most container homes use multiple shipping containers. You can make a space that feels more like a townhouse or duplex by adding multiple stories

Land Clearing and Grading 

Land preparation can add thousands to your shipping container house cost. Depending on the plot, you may need to clear away trees and stones and grade the land. Here are some common land prep expenses:

• Land leveling costs: $1,000–$3,500

• Land excavation costs: $1,500–$6,500

• Land clearing costs: $1,300–$5,800

Foundation

A concrete foundation is generally the best option for building a sturdy shipping container home. Concrete foundations cost anywhere between $5 to $37 per square foot, depending on the thickness and cost of the pro you hire to pour it.

Labor 

Container home prices are dependent on labor. This is one of the largest overall costs, and there are typically several professionals involved beyond a general contractor. Whether you’re budgeting to build a yurt or a four-story home, you’ll likely need an architect to look over the design before you can obtain a permit. The same goes for container homes. Here are some common labor expenses:

• Architects cost: $125–$250 per hour

• General contractors cost: 10% to 20% of the cost of the job

• Plumbers cost: $45–$150 per hour

• Electricians cost: $50–$100 per hour

• Landscapers cost: $50–$150 per hour

• Interior designers cost: $50–$200 per hour

• HVAC Installers cost: $50–$150 per hour

• Painters cost: $25–$100 per hour

Permits and Zoning 

Typically, your contractor will handle permits and zoning. On average, building permits cost $1,380—but it depends on the area. It could cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

Since different areas have different zoning laws, you may not be able to build a container home everywhere. For example, if you want to build a container home on a plot of land with an existing house, that’s typically considered an accessory dwelling unit. You’ll need to check that local law allows ADUs. 

Materials and Finishes

Like any other home you build, you’ll need to install electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, insulation, and drywall in order to make your shipping container home a functional living space. You will also need a roof on top of the home to withstand the elements. Here are some common finishing expenses.

Don’t forget to add the cost of appliances, furniture, and fixtures to your budget. A single light fixture could cost between $150 and $1,000, depending on the model. On average, installing a shower costs about $7,800. A new dishwasher will add another $970 on average. Furniture could cost a couple hundred per piece (if you choose a budget-friendly big-box retailer) or thousands each (if you choose antique, high-end, or custom pieces). 

Utility Connection

Before you install a container home, you’ll need to set up the land for utilities. In many cases, this involves extending utilities from the municipal system so you can connect them to your home, and it can incur a number of different costs.

Landscaping 

Once your container home is installed and connected to utilities, you’ll need to think about landscaping. Many homeowners choose to save cash and do the landscaping on their own. If you don’t have a green thumb, the cost of landscaping is usually between $4.50 and $12 per square foot. It could cost as much as $40 per square foot for a major remodel. 

Keep in mind that elements like the price of a swim spa, patio, koi pond, or backyard shed will each come with their own cost factors. Some homeowners choose to spend thousands on ornamental trees and other landscaping features.

Cost of Container Home by Type 

There are two types of container homes—prefabricated homes and custom homes. Prefab homes are manufactured off-site and have fixed sizes and shapes. With custom homes, the sky's the limit. The plans are up to an architect and homeowner.

Prefabricated 

A prefabricated container home costs about $150 to $300. This type of home is less expensive than a custom home because it usually includes fixtures and appliances. It also comes in standard sizes and is typically just a single story. 

By nature, prefabricated container homes cut down on some of the extraneous labor costs that you’d normally incur building a home from the ground up. That doesn’t necessarily have to sacrifice quality, either. You can choose a high-end prefab home the same way you can choose a wallet-friendly prefab home.

Custom

A custom shipping container house costs around $250 to more than $400 per square foot. This type of home is fully customizable—up to the discretion of your architect. Rather than picking from a catalog of sizes and layouts, you can create your dream home. You can even make it multiple stories or add a container pool. 

If you do go custom, hire an experienced custom home builder near you. Not every contractor is experienced with the nuances of installing a container home.

Cost to Build a Container Home Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro 

Unless you have experience working in construction, building any house from scratch generally always requires a licensed general contractor or custom home builder. Because this will be your home and primary shelter, you likely won’t want to take any chances for things to go wrong during the build. In addition to the home builder, you will also need to hire professionals who specialize in interior necessities such as an electrician, plumber, and heating and cooling contractor.

To save money and time, you may be able to find a home builder who offers prefabricated shipping container homes, which cost more up-front but won’t require hiring as many pros to complete.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Building a Container Home 

Building any type of home isn’t exactly a budget-friendly project. Container homes are some of the most affordable, but you’ll still have to spend thousands on things like plumbing and electricity. Nonetheless, there are some ways you can tighten your budget. These tips will help you save money on the cost to build a container home:

• Choose a prefab home: Prefab shipping container homes cost thousands less than custom homes—plus, you’ll save on labor costs since they’re simpler to construct.

• Choose used containers: Used or recycled shipping containers cost less than purchasing a brand-new container. Just make sure you choose a high-quality used container and not one that’s worse for the wear.

• Choose affordable fixtures, furnishings, and finishes: Instead of splurging for high-end flooring and luxury light fixtures, choose sturdy but affordable options. You can even buy secondhand fixtures and furniture to further cut costs.

• Search for sales: Certain retailers may offer sales at certain times of the year. This is especially true for things like furniture and fixtures, but you may also be able to find discounted tile or flooring if it’s an older or discontinued product line.

• Skip the extras: Build the home you need. If you don’t need four bedrooms, choose a smaller design rather than springing for a large house. If you want two bathrooms, consider making one a half bath. Keep the design minimal.

Leah Lopez Cardenas contributed to this piece.