How Much Do Container Houses Cost?

The price of container houses varies significantly depending on factors such as size, material, condition (new or used), configuration, and whether they are rented or purchased, with purchase prices ranging from 300 to 3000 yuan per square meter and daily rental prices starting at 3 yuan. Details are as follows:

Purchase Prices
The purchase price of container houses varies greatly depending on material, size, and configuration. Calculated by square meter, the cheapest temporary housing for construction sites is built with second-hand panels, with a total price of about 5000 yuan for an 18-square-meter unit, translating to less than 300 yuan per square meter. Mid-range products, primarily made of rock wool, cost between 600 and 1500 yuan per square meter. For example, an 18-square-meter packing-box unit sells for 8500 yuan, approximately 472 yuan per square meter. High-end custom models, equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, smart home systems, and other features, can cost between 1500 and 3000 yuan per square meter. Calculated by unit or room count, a standard-sized (3m x 3m x 2.8m, 9 square meters) new container house costs about 7500 yuan, with used models being cheaper. A new 6m x 3m x 2.8m (18 square meters) model costs about 11000 yuan, with used versions being even less expensive. A new 7m x 3m x 2.8m (21 square meters) model costs about 12600 yuan. Additionally, a 20-foot standard single-box prefabricated temporary building with basic fire and water resistance features is expected to have a reference purchase price of around 23,800 yuan starting in 2026.

Rental Prices
The rental cost of container houses is relatively low, making them suitable for short-term use. The daily rental price for a standard 6-meter-long container is about 6 yuan, while the daily rental price for a 9-square-meter (3m x 3m) unit starts at 3 yuan. Rental prices are generally related to the condition (new or used) and configuration level of the house, but the overall fluctuation range is smaller than that of purchase prices. For example, the daily rental price for a container house with basic functions may remain in the range of 3 to 6 yuan, while the rental price for units equipped with air conditioning, simple furniture, and other facilities will increase accordingly.

Core Factors Affecting Price Differences
In terms of material, second-hand panels have the lowest cost, rock wool offers a balance of fire resistance and sound insulation, and high-end custom models use eco-friendly or smart materials. Larger sizes generally result in lower unit area prices. Configuration level directly affects costs, with smart home systems, interior decoration, and other additional features significantly increasing prices. The choice between renting and purchasing should be based on the usage period, with renting being more economical for short-term needs and purchasing being more cost-effective for long-term use.