This Is the Average Cost of a Tiny House in 2022

Two people sitting at a dining table next to a fire pit outside their A-frame tiny home in with trees and mountains in the background. The costs of buying a home have skyrocketed since the pandemic. The average sales price in the country is $507,800, hitting an all-time high. With mortgage rates also virtually doubling since the beginning of the year, the cost of buying a new home continues to become more unaffordable. As a result, more home buyers are looking at buying tiny houses. Tiny houses have been growing in popularity as more people adopt a minimalist lifestyle and look for more affordable places to live.

How much is a tiny house?

The average single-family house in the United States has grown in size since 2000. The maximum peak was 2,467 square feet in 2015 and it has currently fallen to 2,261 square feet. However, tiny houses range between 100 to 400 square feet, a fraction of a typical home.

The nationwide average cost of a tiny home is $300 per square foot, double that of a traditional home of $150 per square foot. But tiny houses are still cheaper to build. The average cost of a tiny home is $45,000, ranging from $30,000 to $60,000.

Cost factors for a tiny house

The costs for a tiny house can be as low as $8,000 and as high as $150,000. The wide price range is based on a number of factors.

Size of house: Tiny houses are ones typically less than 400 square feet, and can be as small as 60 square feet.
Foundation of house: Foundations for a tiny house can range from $5,000 to $8,000. Tiny houses built on wheels generally do not require a foundation.
Type of building materials: Materials for a tiny home range from around $14,050 to $54,800. Many tiny houses are van, bus, or shipping container conversions.
Building permit costs: A tiny house on a trailer typically does not need a permit, since it is considered personal property, not real estate. A tiny house built on a foundation will require a permit, which costs on average $1,350.
Access to utilities: If your tiny house is in a rural area, you may have to install pre-existing electrical lines that cost $250 to $5,000.
Type of amenities: Expensive tiny homes typically have more luxurious amenities, such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and other higher-end fixtures.

Hidden costs of a tiny house

There are other costs associated with a tiny house that can add up quickly. Here are other costs that many homeowners may not take into account.

Zoning laws: Zoning laws are based on where you live and can add extra costs.
Contractors and other professionals: Depending on where you live and what work you want done, contractors charge different rates.
Storage: If your tiny house doesn’t fit all of your belongings, you may need a storage unit.
Mortgages: Traditional lenders typically do not make mortgages on tiny houses. Some tiny house manufacturers partner with finance companies to offer financing.
Insurance: Getting tiny home insurance can be difficult and costly.
Homeowners association fees: Tiny house owners may be in a community that charges one.
Value of tiny houses: The resale value is not the same as that of a traditional house. Tiny houses may be more difficult to sell later down the line and in some cases can depreciate.

Tiny homes not only cost a fraction of a traditional home but offer other financial benefits. Utility costs are less since you don’t have to spend as much on cooling and heating a smaller space. Property taxes are lower as well. A minimalist lifestyle can also be mentally beneficial. Less physical clutter can lead to a less stressful life. Before taking the leap on a tiny house, make sure you know what the costs are.

This article was written by David Chang from The Motley Fool and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.