💰 How Much Does It Really Cost to Go Tiny?

Issue #8

Hello Friendz,

We’ve all seen the headlines:

❝

Build a Tiny Home for $5000

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 living sustainably, off-grid in a tiny home 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. We offer studio, 1 and 2 bedroom container homes. Click HERE to learn more and apply.

💸 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).

✅ 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.

✅ 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.

✅ 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.

🚚 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
✅ Pros: Fast, rugged, off-grid ready
⚠️ Watch for: Site prep (foundation slab, water storage, permits) may add to cost

📍 Hidden & Ongoing Costs to Consider:

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

Please tell us…

We want to know, what did you like? What didn’t you like? What would you like. We want to make this publication so valuable to you, you never want to leave.

What you think matters to us. So please, if you’re reading the email version hit reply. If you are reading the blog leave us a comment below. And, if you are listing to the podcast please reach out through your favorite platform. We want to thank you in advance, because we know you don’t have to, that makes your feedback a gift.