Container House Landed Cost Calculator
Estimate the delivered (landed) cost of a container house — FOB factory price plus ocean freight, import duty, tariffs, port handling and inland transport. Adjust the inputs for your unit type, quantity and destination port.
Your inputs
Estimates only — confirm the exact HTS/HS code, duty rate and freight with your customs broker before budgeting.
Estimated landed cost
Total delivered (USD), for 1 unit
2026 reference prices (FOB China, USD)
Use these as the factory baseline in the calculator. Landed cost = FOB + freight + duty + tariffs + handling + inland.
| Unit type | 20ft FOB | 40ft FOB |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Pack | $1,800–$2,500 | $3,200–$4,500 |
| Expandable | $4,500–$6,000 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Folding | $2,000–$4,000 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is landed cost for a container house?
Landed cost is the total delivered price: the factory (FOB) price plus ocean freight, import duty, tariffs, port handling and inland transport to your site. It is typically 1.5-3x the FOB price depending on destination and taxes.
How much does a container house cost delivered?
A 20ft flat pack unit starts around $1,800 FOB; landed and installed it usually totals $8,000-$15,000 in most markets, or $25,000-$70,000 for a fully fitted, permitted home.
What taxes apply to imported container houses?
It depends on destination: US imports can face Section 301 tariffs up to 25%; EU duty on prefab buildings is around 0-2.7%; many African and Middle East markets apply 5-25% duty plus VAT/GST.
Does the calculator include foundation and installation?
The estimate covers landed cost to your port plus inland transport. Foundation and on-site installation are quoted separately per project (typically $6,000-$18,000).
Related: Global container house price guide · Sizes & dimensions · Buying guide