
Key Takeaways:
Container house prices in the Philippines vary depending on the following:
- Type of container house
- Finish: Wall, Flooring, Additional Cladding, etc.
- Amount of On-site Customization
If you’re on the lookout for an innovative and cost-effective housing solution in the Philippines, container homes might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of container housing, explore price ranges, and provide insights into finding affordable container house options.


Container house prices can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Design and Complexity: The design intricacy and complexity of your container home play a significant role in determining its cost. Customized designs or more intricate layouts may require additional investment.
2. Materials and Quality: The quality of materials used in your container house can impact the price. High-quality containers and premium building materials may come at a slightly higher cost but can ensure longevity and durability.
3. Additional Features: If you desire special features like energy-efficient systems, luxurious finishes, or unique architectural elements, expect the price to reflect these additions.
Container House Price
Container house architecture has been steadily gaining popularity in the Philippines as a smart alternative to conventional housing. In general, container house prices are generally low cost.
These container houses are meticulously crafted with modularity in mind, allowing for versatile and customizable arrangements. This modular design approach ensures that you can easily adapt and expand your living space to suit your evolving needs and preferences.
Detachable Home Price
A detachable container house is the most common type of container house in the Philippines. It is made of steel that can withstand strong winds and extreme weather conditions.
This is the most affordable prefabricated container house with a price ranging from 190,000PHP to 220,000PHP. Price fluctuations within this range can be attributed to factors such as the choice of materials, overall quality, column thickness, and flooring options.
Overall, if you’re opting to build a container house in the Philippines, expect the cost range to be Php 19,000 to Php 35,000 per square meter as of 2023. This is usually based on factors like size, design, materials, and location.
Choosing Your Wall Construction and Finish
Insulation Types | Wall Thickness | Steel Plate Thickness | Characteristics |
EPS Foam Sandwich Panel | 50mm/75mm/100mm | 0.326mm/0.426mm | Economical insulation option with a shorter lifespan; ideal for temporary structures |
Rockwool Sandwich Panel | 50mm/75mm/100mm | 0.326mm/0.426mm | Offers a balanced blend of affordability and quality; fire-resistant, making it suitable for housing |
PU Sandwich Panel | 50mm/75mm/100mm | 0.326mm/0.426mm | Premium choice often used in prefab warehouse construction; boasts enhanced aesthetics and durability |
Floor Board Options
Options | Price | Characteristics |
Glass Fiber Magnesium Board | General | Offers standard pricing with a sturdy and durable flooring option |
Composite Wood Floor | Customized | Can be tailored to your preferences and budget, providing a customizable look |
Solid Wood Floor | Customized | Customizable to your design preferences, offering a classic and timeless appearance |
Cement Floor | Customized | Provides durability and strength; a solid foundation for your space |
Vinyl Floor | Customized | Offers customization options with a balance of affordability and aesthetics |
Quantity of Containers
A standard 20-ft container house boasts interior dimensions of 5.95m x 3m, equating to approximately 17.85 square meters of floor space for a single unit. This area is well-suited for accommodating the fundamental components of a home, including a bed, compact countertop, dining table, and a modest comfort room.
Concerned that the space within a single 20-ft container house might be too limited for your needs? You can easily expand your living area by incorporating additional units into your design. However, it’s crucial to factor in your available lot area and adhere to the minimum setback requirements outlined in the National Building Code of the Philippines.
Additional Add-Ons and Considerations
When planning your container house project, keep in mind that you can further customize your space with add-ons like shed roofs, roof trusses, or roof decks. Each of these options comes with its own price range, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee
Installation fees will vary depending on your location but typically start at 20,000 PHP. It’s important to note that installation fees do not cover plumbing, electrical work, structural excavation, or general requirements.
For a more accurate estimate, consider reaching out to us.
Average Container House Prices in the Philippines
How Much Does a Container House Cost? Case Studies
1. Install and Go Basic Container House
This means the container house supplier just installs a standard container house without any customizations.

Price Breakdown:
- Container House: 180,000 PHP to 195,000 PHP
- Delivery, Unloading, Handling: 16,000 PHP to 38,000 PHP
- Installation: 10,000 to 20,000 PHP (depending on location)
Total Cost: Ranges from 216,000 PHP to 253,000 PHP
2. Customized Prefab Container House Then Install Onsite


Price Breakdown:
- 1 unit 20ft Container house: starts at 190,000 PHP going up depending on requirements
- Add-ons for customization: Depends on flooring, painting and wall insulation type (refer to tables above)
- Delivery, Unloading, Handling: 16,000 PHP to 38,000 PHP
- Installation: 10,000 PHP to 30,000 PHP
3. Delivery and On-site Customization & Installation
- Additional painting works
- Cabinetry
- Tiling
- Custom lights
- Steelwork (stairs, etc)
- Materials & Labor
- Pedestal

One 20 ft Prefab Container House Cost

If you’re considering a unique and cozy temporary home for your next vacation, this 20-ft prefab container house is worth exploring. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate a couple and comes equipped with essential amenities. You can even consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb.
It can fit on a double bed, a wall-mount shelf, a small sofa, a television, a small comfort room, and a small cooking area.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 2 standard windows
Door: 1 standard door
Kitchen: L-type kitchen cabinet with wooden countertop
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 195,000 to 205,000 PHP
Additional Cost for Hardwood Flooring = 300 to 500 PHP per square foot
Prefab CR (Shower and Toilet, floor tiles only) = 40,000PHP to 60,000PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter – 50,000PHP to 80,000PHP
Delivery = 20,000 to 40,000 PHP depending on location
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Container House Cheaper?
Are Container Homes Cheaper to Build?
Can Container Homes Be Financed?
What Does a Container House Cost?
The cost of a container house varies widely based on factors like size, design, and location.
As mentioned earlier, modular container houses in the Philippines can cost anywhere from Php 19,000 to Php 35,000 per square meter.
Keep in mind that these are average price ranges, and the actual cost of a container house can vary based on your specific preferences and requirements. Consulting with container house suppliers and builders is essential to get accurate pricing information for your unique project.
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ARCGO
ARCGO is a family-owned general construction business & ecommerce store for home improvement, renovation and construction-related products. We are your one-stop solution from house construction to product procurement for your interior design.
About the Author:
When was the last time you dreamed big and worked really hard for it?
Building a house is one of the most expensive investments especially for hardworking Filipinos.
Engr. Noelle Nicole Go passionately works to help Filipinos build their dream home. She handles Container House design, supply and delivery and personally designs modular houses for her clients.