Updated October 2026. Prices are pulled from our live catalog.
The short answer: A finished shipping container home from Bob’s Containers starts at $45,357 for a 20 ft studio. 40 ft homes start at $58,643, two-bedroom homes at $64,241, and three-bedroom homes at $136,723. DIY kits start at $36,749. You can browse every shipping container home for sale with today’s prices. On top of the home, budget for a foundation, utility connections, site prep, delivery and permits. Site, foundation and utility work alone can run under $15,000 on a lot with utilities close by, or $35,000 to $40,000+ on raw rural land.
That puts most single-container projects at roughly $60,000 to $100,000 before land, delivery and permits. The rest of this guide shows where every dollar goes, using our real model prices and the cost ranges from our site prep and utility cost guide. New to container homes? Start with our shipping container homes guide.
On this page: Cost at a glance · Prices by size · Prices by bedroom · Every model and price · What’s included · Upgrade costs · Site, foundation and utilities · Delivery and permits · Cost per square foot · Sample budgets · Container vs. traditional construction · DIY vs. turnkey · Lowering your cost · Financing · FAQ
Container Home Cost at a Glance
| Cost item | Typical range | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| The container home (finished) | $45,357 – $272,898 | Bob’s Containers |
| DIY kit (you finish the interior) | $36,749 – $44,050 | Bob’s Containers, then you |
| Foundation | $3,600 – $5,100 (piers) or $1,920 – $6,400 (slab, 320 sq ft) | Your local contractor |
| Electrical | $1,200 – $2,000 (panel upgrade) up to ~$12,250 (new service, 500 ft run) | Licensed electrician / utility |
| Water | $248 – $422 per run (existing line) or ~$1,800 – $24,500 (well) | Plumber / well driller |
| Sewer or septic | $1,000 – $15,000 (sewer) or $3,610 – $12,412 (septic) | Plumber / septic installer |
| Clearing, grading, soil testing, driveway | ~$3,500 – $15,000 combined | Local site contractor |
| Delivery | Depends on your location and build. Contact us for a delivery quote. | Bob’s Containers and our logistics partners |
| Permits and inspections | Varies by city and county | You and your local professionals |
Site, foundation and utility ranges come from our site prep and utility cost guide. Your local quotes will vary with terrain, access and labor rates.
Container Home Prices by Size
| Size / type | Starting price | Price range in our catalog | Footprint | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY kit (20 ft or 40 ft) | $36,749 | $36,749 – $44,050 | 20 ft × 8 ft or 40 ft × 8 ft | DIY kits |
| 20 ft container home | $45,357 | $45,357 – $81,311 | 160 sq ft (220 sq ft with The Oak’s bump-out) | 20 ft homes |
| 40 ft container home | $58,643 | $58,643 – $141,041 | 40 ft × 8 ft (320 sq ft) | 40 ft homes |
| 53 ft container home | $73,304 | The Redwood | 13 ft longer than our 40 ft models | The Redwood |
| Multi-container / multi-unit | $73,304 | $73,304 – $272,898 | 450 to 600+ sq ft and up | Multi-unit homes |
| Luxury 40 ft | $100,255 | $100,255 – $141,041 | 40 ft × 8 ft plus decks | Luxury homes |
| Fully custom | Custom quote | n/a | Any | Custom container home |
Footprint is the container’s outside dimensions. Interior living space is slightly smaller because of wall framing and insulation.
Container Home Prices by Number of Bedrooms
| Bedrooms | Starting price | Example models | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $45,357 | The Abilene ($45,357), The Beaumont ($47,544) | Affordable homes |
| 1 bedroom | $47,675 | The Cleveland ($47,675), The Kerrville ($54,687), The Alpine ($58,643) | 1 bedroom homes |
| 2 bedrooms | $64,241 | The Elgin and The Evergreen ($64,241), The Redwood ($73,304), 40 ft Duplex ($95,000) | 2 bedroom homes |
| 3 bedrooms | $136,723 | The Marble Falls ($136,723), The Horseshoe ($175,000), The Casey ($217,583), The Hawthorne ($272,898) | 3 bedroom homes |
| 4+ bedrooms | Custom quote | Built by combining containers | Custom home |
About 4-bedroom homes: We don’t list a standard 4-bedroom model. Larger homes are built by combining several containers and are quoted individually. As our FAQ explains, large multi-container builds are often more expensive than a traditional stick-and-frame home and may need different permits. The best prices come from not connecting the containers directly, which avoids costly on-site welding.
Every Standard Model and Its Starting Price
Prices as of October 20, 2026. Prices change with the market (see why container prices fluctuate), so check the model page for today’s price, or see all container homes for sale.
| Model | Configuration | Bedrooms / sleeps | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Abilene DIY Kit | 20 ft, DIY | Studio | $36,749 |
| The Alpine DIY Kit | 40 ft, DIY | Open floor plan | $44,050 |
| The Abilene | 20 ft | Studio, sleeps 2 | $45,357 |
| The Beaumont | 20 ft | Studio, sleeps 2 | $47,544 |
| The Cleveland | 20 ft | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $47,675 |
| The Kerrville | 20 ft | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $54,687 |
| The Dripping Springs | 20 ft cabin | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $56,687 |
| The Alpine | 40 ft | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $58,643 |
| The Cedar | 40 ft, open floor plan | Sleeps 2–4 | $61,608 |
| The Bluegrass | 40 ft | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $62,047 |
| The Elgin | 40 ft | 2 BR, sleeps 4 | $64,241 |
| The Evergreen | 40 ft | 2 BR, sleeps 4 | $64,241 |
| “The Mason” Pool House | 20 ft | Sleeps 2 | $64,649 |
| The Birch | 40 ft | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $66,047 |
| The Oak | 20 ft with bump-out (220 sq ft) | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $68,026 |
| The Redwood | 53 ft | 2 BR, sleeps 4–6 | $73,304 |
| The Maple | Two 20 ft containers, double-wide | 1 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $81,311 |
| Workforce Housing Duplex | 40 ft duplex | Duplex | $87,334 |
| The Lubbock | Two 20 ft containers, L-shape | 1 BR, sleeps 2 | $88,245 |
| Cold Climate Container Home | Built for cold climates | Sleeps 2–4 | $94,500 |
| 40 ft Container Duplex | 40 ft | 2 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $95,000 |
| The Joshua | 40 ft luxury | 1 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $100,255 |
| The Burnet | 40 ft luxury | 1 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $118,148 |
| The Elm | Double-wide, 600+ sq ft | 2 BR, sleeps 3–6 | $118,811 |
| The Magnolia | 40 ft luxury | 1 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $119,803 |
| The Taylor | One 20 ft + one 40 ft, 450+ sq ft | 2 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $127,667 |
| The Marble Falls | 20 ft stacked on a 40 ft | 3 BR | $136,723 |
| The Porter | 40 ft luxury, rooftop deck | 1 BR, sleeps 2–4 | $141,041 |
| The Olive | Two 40 ft containers, duplex | 2 BR, sleeps 2–4 per unit | $155,074 |
| The Horseshoe | One 40 ft + two 20 ft, U-shape | 3 BR | $175,000 |
| The Casey | Multi-unit, 40 ft rooftop deck | 3 BR, sleeps 6–8 | $217,583 |
| The Hawthorne | 2-story | 3 BR, sleeps 4–6+ | $272,898 |
Not sure which layout fits? Compare floor plans side by side, or see units ready to ship now. Make us an offer on those. Prefer a finished home? See all our container houses for sale with current prices.
What’s Included in a Bob’s Container Home Price
Here’s what the starting price includes on our most popular model, The Alpine ($58,643):
- Structure: a new 40 ft high-cube container framed with 2×4 wood studs on 16 in centers and finished in orange-peel textured drywall
- Insulation: closed-cell spray foam (R21 ceiling, R13 walls, R7 floor), adjustable for your climate
- Electrical: a 200 amp panel, outlets throughout (including dedicated circuits for a refrigerator and stovetop), interior lights, a ceiling fan and an exterior flood light
- Heating and cooling: a one-ton (12,000 BTU) ductless mini-split
- Plumbing: insulated PEX, a 13 kW Rheem tankless water heater, and grey and black water stub-outs ready to connect to sewer or an RV hookup
- Kitchenette: 6 ft shaker base cabinets with butcher block counters, a stainless sink with pull-down faucet, and a two-burner electric stovetop
- 3/4 bathroom: shower stall, vanity sink, toilet and vent fan
- Windows and doors: double-pane, argon-sealed Low-E windows, a sliding glass door and pocket doors
- Flooring: Lifeproof vinyl over a vapor barrier
- Exterior: painted in your choice of color
Specs vary by model. Check each model’s Features & Specs section for details.
Not included in the home price:
- Furnishings and appliances such as the refrigerator, beds and couches. We provide fixtures but not furnishings (see our FAQ).
- Foundation, site prep and utility connections. Preparing the site and providing a suitable foundation and truck access are the buyer’s responsibility, handled by your local contractors.
- Permits, inspections and any engineering, which you handle with your licensed professionals (see our permitting guide)
Delivery: Delivery cost depends on your location and your build. Contact us for a delivery quote.
Warranty: See warranty coverage for the coverage options on our container homes.
How Much Do Upgrades Add?
Upgrade prices are listed right in our configurator. These are the current upgrade prices on The Alpine (40 ft):
| Upgrade | Added cost |
|---|---|
| Tub shower with 4 integrated shelves | $1,960 |
| Tile stand-up shower | $4,590 |
| Sliding glass door behind cargo doors | $2,124 |
| Full-glass French door behind cargo doors | $3,429 |
| 8 recessed LED lights | $1,306 |
| 2 faux ceiling beams | $946 |
| White shiplap / roughcut shiplap / grey barn wood shiplap | $5,811 / $6,166 / $8,105 |
| Hurricane glass | $7,707 |
| 20 ft rooftop party deck | $10,126 |
| 40 ft rooftop party deck | $14,816 |
| Exterior cabin cladding (natural, ebony or cedar) | $12,959 |
Adding cabin cladding, a 40 ft deck, grey barn wood shiplap and a tile shower to The Alpine adds $40,470. That’s how one model can range from under $60,000 to about $100,000. Upgrade options and prices differ by model, so check the configurator on each model page.
Costs Beyond the Home: Site, Foundation and Utilities
These ranges come from our site prep and utility cost guide. Get local quotes before you finalize a budget.
Foundation
- Piers (typical for container homes): about $600–$850 per pier, usually 6 per container, so $3,600–$5,100. Best for uneven ground, minimal excavation and quicker installs.
- Concrete slab: about $6–$20 per sq ft, or $1,920–$6,400 for 320 sq ft. Best for permanent placements and flood-prone areas.
- Our FAQ also lists gravel pads and railroad-tie foundations as options. Your jurisdiction and your licensed professionals decide what’s required.
Electrical
- Upgrading existing service (when your main panel has capacity): $1,200–$2,000
- New electrical service: about $12,250 for a 500 ft run, common for ADUs that need their own meter
- Solar: a typical residential system averages about $21,816 (about $3.03 per watt), useful off-grid
Water and Sewer
- Connect to an existing water line: $248–$422 per piping run
- Drill a new well: about $5,500 on average, ranging from $1,800 to $24,500
- Connect to existing sewer: $1,000–$15,000, less when the line is close
- Septic system: $3,610–$12,412 for rural land without municipal sewer
Site Prep
- Clearing and grading: $1,000–$5,000, more for wooded or sloped lots
- Soil testing and compaction: $500–$2,000, often required for permits
- Access road or driveway: $2,000–$8,000, so delivery trucks and equipment can reach the site
- Retaining walls or drainage: $2,000–$10,000+ on hillsides, in flood zones or in heavy-rain areas
Delivery and Permit Costs
Delivery. Delivery cost depends on your location and build, and it can climb quickly over long distances, so share your address early. Our logistics partners usually use a flatbed tilt trailer to set the unit in place. As long as a truck can back into the space, the unit can be dropped there. Crane and forklift placement are also available if needed. We also arrange international and island shipping by ocean freight. Contact us for a delivery quote.
Permits. Permit requirements and costs depend on your city or county and on how you’ll use the home (full-time residence, ADU or short-term rental). Some jurisdictions require engineered plans, while some rural counties require very little. Before you buy, confirm zoning, permitted use, setbacks, deed restrictions and HOA rules. We provide the product specifications your permitting office or engineer may request. See our permitting guide.
Container Home Cost per Square Foot
| Example | Home price | Footprint | Home-only cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Alpine (40 ft) | $58,643 | 320 sq ft | ~$183 |
| The Abilene (20 ft) | $45,357 | 160 sq ft | ~$283 |
| The Elm (double-wide) | $118,811 | 600+ sq ft | under ~$198 |
Smaller homes cost more per square foot because every home needs the same core pieces (bathroom, kitchenette, electrical panel, heating and cooling, water heater) no matter how small the floor plan is. When you compare value, look at the total project cost for the space you actually need, not just the per-foot number.
Sample All-In Budgets (Before Land)
These use our starting prices and the midpoint of the site cost ranges above. Delivery and permits aren’t included because they depend on your location.
| Project | Home | Site, foundation and utilities | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard ADU, 20 ft, utilities nearby | The Abilene, $45,357 | Piers, panel upgrade, water line, sewer connection: ~$14,300 | ~$60,000 |
| 2-bedroom home on a suburban lot | The Elgin, $64,241 | Slab, panel upgrade, sewer, water line, light clearing: ~$17,100 | ~$81,000 |
| 40 ft rental on raw rural land | The Alpine, $58,643 | Piers, new electrical, septic, well, clearing, driveway: ~$38,100 | ~$97,000 |
Are Container Homes Cheaper to Build Than Traditional Homes?
Usually cheaper in total, but not cheaper per square foot.
- According to the National Association of Home Builders’ Cost of Constructing a Home 2024 survey, construction alone on a typical 2,647 sq ft single-family home averaged $428,215, about $162 per sq ft. That figure excludes the lot and the builder’s overhead and profit, and the average sales price was $665,298.
- A 40 ft Bob’s home like The Alpine is $58,643, about $183 per sq ft, for a finished, fixtured unit before site work.
So per square foot, a container home costs about the same as traditional construction or more, especially for compact units. The savings come from:
- Building only the space you need. A $60,000–$100,000 container home project is a fraction of the cost of a $400,000+ house.
- Building off-site. Your unit is built off-site while you prepare your land, instead of tying up your property with months of on-site construction. That matters if you’re paying rent or waiting on rental income (see container home ADUs).
- A durable steel shell. Steel containers are built to stand up to harsh weather.
Where container homes aren’t cheaper: large multi-container builds with welded connections, custom architecture, or raw land that needs a well, septic and a long power run. Read the full pros and cons of shipping container homes.
DIY Kit vs. Turnkey Container Home
| DIY kit | Finished home | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | The Abilene DIY Kit, $36,749 | The Abilene, $45,357 |
| 40 ft | The Alpine DIY Kit, $44,050 | The Alpine, $58,643 |
| Price difference | n/a | about $8,600 (20 ft) to $14,600 (40 ft) more |
| What you get | A basic build with an open area you finish out yourself | A finished home with kitchenette, bathroom, electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling installed |
| Best for | Buyers with building skills and time | Anyone who wants a predictable, move-in-ready result |
See each DIY kit page for its floor plan and what’s built in.
7 Ways to Lower Your Container Home Cost
- Start with a DIY kit if you can handle the interior finish-out.
- Pick the size you need. A well-planned 20 ft or 40 ft layout usually beats a multi-unit build on total cost.
- Choose land with utilities close by. Wells, septic and long electrical runs are where budgets grow.
- Don’t connect multiple containers directly. Skipping on-site welding keeps costs down.
- Check our ready-to-ship units. Call us and make an offer.
- Ask about a used container. Whether your home uses a new or used container is up to you, and our used containers are cargo-worthy grade: no holes, solid floors, working doors, and wind and watertight. They cost less but have some cosmetic dings and dents (see new vs. used containers).
- Use financing to spread out the cost.
Financing a Container Home
We work with a pool of lenders offering personal, commercial and community development financing. Personal financing includes instant pre-approvals, a soft credit pull with no impact on your credit, and the option for multiple people (a spouse, family member or roommate) to apply together. Explore financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a container home?
A finished container home from Bob’s Containers starts at $45,357 for a 20 ft unit and $58,643 for a 40 ft unit, and DIY kits start at $36,749. Once you add foundation, utilities and site prep, most single-container projects land around $60,000 to $100,000, before land, delivery and permits.
How much does a container home cost per square foot?
For the home itself, about $183 per square foot for a 40 ft model like The Alpine ($58,643, 320 sq ft) and about $283 per square foot for a 20 ft model like The Abilene ($45,357, 160 sq ft). Smaller units cost more per square foot because every home needs a bathroom, kitchenette, electrical and heating and cooling.
Are container homes cheaper to build than traditional houses?
Usually cheaper in total, because they’re smaller and built off-site. Per square foot they cost about the same as traditional construction or more. NAHB’s 2024 survey put average construction cost at about $162 per square foot, excluding the lot and builder overhead and profit.
How much does a 2 bedroom container home cost?
Our 2-bedroom models start at $64,241 for The Elgin and The Evergreen, both 40 ft. Larger 2-bedroom layouts include The Redwood ($73,304), The Elm ($118,811) and The Taylor ($127,667).
How much does a 3 bedroom shipping container home cost?
Our 3-bedroom models start at $136,723 for The Marble Falls, a 40 ft container with a 20 ft unit stacked on top. The U-shaped Horseshoe is $175,000, The Casey is $217,583 and the 2-story Hawthorne is $272,898.
How much does a 4 bedroom container home cost?
We don’t sell a standard 4-bedroom model. Four-bedroom homes are custom multi-container builds and are quoted individually. Expect them to cost noticeably more than our standard models. Keeping the containers unconnected where possible avoids costly on-site welding.
What is the cheapest container home?
Our lowest-priced finished home is The Abilene, a 20 ft studio with a 3/4 bath, at $45,357. The Abilene DIY Kit starts at $36,749 if you finish the interior yourself.
What’s not included in the price of a container home?
The home price covers the finished unit with its fixtures, insulation, electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling. Furnishings and appliances like the refrigerator aren’t included. Foundation, utility connections, site prep and permits are handled by you and your local professionals. Delivery cost depends on your location, so contact us for a delivery quote.
How long does it take to get a container home?
Our model pages list a typical lead time of 8 to 12 weeks. You can prepare your site while your unit is being built. Contact us for the current production schedule.
Can I finance a container home?
Yes. We work with a pool of lenders offering personal, commercial and community development financing. Personal financing includes instant pre-approvals with a soft credit pull that won’t affect your credit.
Get an Exact Price for Your Project
Every site is different. Call 833-265-3269, email sales@bobscontainers.com, or contact us with your location and the model you’re considering, and we’ll help you build a realistic budget.
By Mitch Flax, Bob’s Containers