Issue #8
Hey friend,
We’ve all seen the headlines:
Build a Tiny Home for $5000
or
Go Off-Grid for Less Than a Used Car
Sometimes, that’s true—but not always. The real cost of going tiny depends on how you do it, where you live, and what kind of lifestyle you’re aiming for.
So today, we’re going to break down the real numbers—from DIY builds to turnkey setups—and talk about the sneaky costs people forget.
You deserve the full picture.
But first, here is the…
🛠️ Tip of the Week
Build your budget before you start to build your home.
Include a 15–20% buffer for the unexpected (it always shows up). A simple spreadsheet can save you thousands in the long run.
If you’re done thinking about going tiny and your ready to step into a more peaceful way of life, we’re ready to invite you to come live in the Rio Grande Estates Tiny Home Community here in The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. Bring your off-grid ready tiny home on wheels or come live in one of our cozy container homes. Send us an email and tell us a little bit about where you are on your tiny living journey and we’ll work with you to make tiny home living a reality for you. Here’s our email address: [email protected].
đź’¸ The True Cost of Tiny Living
Let’s start with the basics. A tiny home typically ranges from 100 to 400 square feet. And depending on your approach, your costs might look something like this:
🛠️ 1. DIY Build – $15,000 to $40,000
You buy the trailer, materials, and do the work yourself (with maybe a little help from YouTube and some friends).
âś… Pros: Custom, cost-effective, major pride in your build
⚠️ Watch for: Mistakes can cost big later—especially with water, electric, or insulation
Common extra costs:
Tools ($1,000–$3,000 if you don’t already own them)
Permits or inspections (if local laws require them)
Time: DIY builds often take 6–18 months if you’re part-time
🏡 2. Shell + Finish Yourself – $30,000 to $60,000
You buy the structure already built (framed and weatherproof), then finish the interior yourself.
âś… Pros: Faster, fewer structural risks
⚠️ Watch for: Need some building skill and tool access
🔑 3. Turnkey Tiny Home – $50,000 to $150,000+
Fully built, wired, plumbed, and delivered. Move-in ready.
âś… Pros: Professional, quick, beautiful
⚠️ Watch for: Long wait times from popular builders
🧱 Bonus Option: Off-Grid Container Home – $60,000 to $90,000
A fully built 8x20 container home delivered right to your prepared site.
đźšš Built by companies that specialize in off-grid living
🌞 Often includes solar power, water catchment, and composting toilet
🪵 Just drop it onto your concrete slab or pylons and start living
âś… Pros: Fast, rugged, off-grid ready
⚠️ Watch for: Site prep (foundation slab, water storage, permits) may add to cost
Category | Monthly/One-Time Estimate |
Land or Parking Rent | $0–$1,000/month |
Utilities (water, power, propane) | $50–$250/month |
Composting Toilet | $800–$1,500 |
Solar Setup | $5,000–$15,000 |
Insurance (home + tow) | $30–$100/month |
Maintenance | $500–$1,000/year |
Here’s to knowing the cost and paying the price for success,
Your Friendz at Trendz
The Ultimate Guide to Living a
Sustainable, Off Grid, Tiny Home Lifestyle
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This full color, deeply researched completely comprehensive guide leaves no stone unturned. It will not only increase your knowledge about what it takes to go tiny, it will catapult your confidence too.
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