Are you thinking about building a container home but are worried about costs? You are not alone, given the many variables that can affect prices. If you want a simple and budget-friendly home or a luxurious design with lots of custom features, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what costs to expect.

In working with clients throughout various parts of the world, I have seen how different factors, such as customization and location, can move the dial in terms of container home costs. Just as I have helped others through that process, let me help you make informed decisions to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

In general, a container house will cost you somewhere between $150 to $350 per square foot. A one-container home would usually range from $25,000 and $80,000. Multi-container homes range from $80,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on factors, such as the cost of the container, the cost to buy the piece of property, the modifications you make, and the interior finish-out costs.

What Factors Affect How Much It Costs to Build a Container House?

Several different elements will affect how much it costs to build a container home, from lots of customization to the size of the project. For example, one of the biggest factors is the type of containers you buy—new or used. New containers run anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 each. Used containers are often cheaper but may need more repairs and modifications.

Another factor is wherever or not you are buying a prefabricated container home or having a custom one built. If you’re looking at prefab container homes, you are going to look at somewhere between $150 to $300 a square foot depending on the type of finish-out you want. If you go custom, you can spend somewhere around $400 or more a square foot because of unique designs and building with better materials.

How Do Labor Costs for Building Container Houses Vary?

The cost of labor will depend on your location and the complexity of the project. For example, places with cheap labor can make the whole project cheaper. On the flip side, if you are in a location with heavy regulations and lots of skilled labor, such as an urban area, labor costs could significantly increase. In developing countries like those in Southeast Asia, the labor costs for building a container home are lower than in the United States or Europe​​.

What Are the Differences Between Prefab and Custom Container Homes?

Prefab homes are built off-site and brought in for quick assembly. They tend to save money and get you into your house faster. What you give up in a prefab is the flexibility to be unique. With custom homes, you get all of the design flexibility you ever dreamed of. Of course, those custom options cost more money because of the labor and the materials, the on-site construction, and all the things that pride you in the ability to say, “This is something unique I’ve created.”

In short, the cost to build a container home is going to range from $25,000 for just a basic single container house on up as high as $400,000 or more, just depending on the level of customization, the size of the home, where you build it, whether it’s pre-approved land, and all the other factors involved. Whether you are looking for a simple, tight, green house or a high-end custom build, container homes can suit your budget and your needs​.