CASA BOX | A practical guide to choosing your specification and planning your budget

How much does a flat pack container house cost? At CASA BOX, our standard 20ft CASA-FPC-02 starts at US$850 per set, EXW China. You get a defined structural kit with a 2.3 mm galvanized steel frame, insulated panels, flooring, one lockable door and two windows. For shipping, you can load 8 sets in a 20GP or 18 sets in a 40HC container.

If you are planning site offices, worker accommodation or a larger modular project, the unit price is only the first number worth looking at. Below, we will walk you through what comes with the standard kit, what makes quotes different, and how to estimate your cost from the factory to your site.

1. Flat Pack Container House Price by Size and Configuration

You can start with our standard 20ft CASA-FPC-02 at US$850 EXW per set. From there, choose the level of fit-out that suits your project—whether you need a straightforward site office, worker accommodation or a more finished living space.

Think of the US$850 price as your starting point. If you want lights and sockets, a bathroom or a kitchen, we can add those items to your quotation. This way, you pay for the features you need rather than a package that may not suit your site.

2. What the Price Includes — and What It Doesn't

What do you actually get for the starting price? Here is the standard CASA-FPC-02 specification, so you can compare it with other offers line by line.

The standard kit gives you the core building components listed above. If your project calls for electrical fittings, a bathroom, kitchen, air conditioning or additional interior finishes, tell us what you want and we can work those into the proposal.

Before you compare two prices, put the specifications side by side. A standard kit and a fitted-out living unit are different offers—even when the exterior looks similar.

3. Why Do Quotes for Similar-Looking Units Differ?

Two flat pack container houses can look almost identical in photos but be built quite differently. Here are four details worth checking before you decide which offer gives you better value.

Steel thickness and frame design

Our CASA-FPC-02 uses 2.3 mm galvanized steel for the main roof and bottom beams, as well as the corner posts. When comparing offers, look at the thickness of the main frame—not just the smaller supporting sections. If you have a multi-storey layout in mind, share your plan with us so the structure and connections can be reviewed for that project.

Insulation and panel construction

Our standard specification uses 50 mm rock wool sandwich wall panels with 0.25 mm steel sheets on both faces, plus 50 mm glass wool insulation in the roof. If your site is especially hot, cold or humid, you can discuss suitable insulation and finishing options with us before ordering.

Roof drainage and assembly details

A detail that is easy to overlook is rainwater drainage. CASA-FPC-02 comes with four PVC drain pipes. When reviewing a quotation, ask how the roof and corner joints are sealed and how the drainage parts are installed. Those details matter when your units are exposed to heavy rain.

Electrical, finishes and the scope of supply

Will your units arrive as standard kits or as fitted-out offices or rooms? Decide what you want installed at the factory—such as lighting, sockets, bathroom fittings and interior finishes—so you can compare quotations on the same basis.

4. From EXW Price to Landed Cost: What You'll Actually Pay

Our US$850 starting price is EXW China. You can build a practical budget by adding the China-side export and handling costs, then ocean freight and the costs at your destination. Because we know how many standard kits fit in each container, we can show you the first part of that calculation clearly.

For planning, allow approximately US$850 in China-side export and handling costs for a full 20GP, or US$1,000 for a full 40HC. These are estimated per-container costs, separate from international ocean freight.

Why loading capacity makes such a difference to your shipping cost

Ocean freight is usually charged by container, so loading more kits lowers the freight cost per house. For example, with an illustrative 40HC ocean freight rate of US$2,400, dividing by 18 sets gives about US$133 per set. Divide the same amount by 8 sets and it becomes US$300. This is an example to show the math, not a live freight quote.

For your full project budget, add the factory kit price, China-side export costs, ocean freight, any insurance, destination port and customs charges, inland delivery, foundation and utility work, and assembly. We can help you organize the shipping side of the calculation once you share your destination.

5. What Our Project Examples Can Teach You About Cost

The best way to understand a project budget is to look at what the building needs to do. Here are three CASA BOX application examples and the additional items you would consider for a similar project.

Chile — three-storey modular worker accommodation

If you are planning multi-level worker accommodation like our Chile project reference, budget for more than the rooms themselves. External stairs, walkways, guardrails and the structural connections all affect the overall cost. Send us your intended layout early so we can discuss the complete scheme.

Qatar — single-storey workforce camp

For a single-storey worker camp in a hot climate like Qatar, repeating the same module can make purchasing and installation more efficient. You will also want to plan the room layout, insulation needs, ventilation and air conditioning around the conditions on your site.

Indonesia — modular student accommodation

For student accommodation like the Indonesia example, think beyond the basic room module. Corridors, bathrooms, privacy and interior comfort are part of the experience students will live with every day—and they belong in your early budget.

You can use these examples to think through your own requirements. If you tell us the room count, site conditions and expected use, we can help you identify the items that belong in your project quotation.

6. How to Get an Accurate Quote: 5 Questions to Ask

1. What is included in the price? Start with the CASA-FPC-02 specification, then list any finishes or equipment you want to add.

2. What frame and insulation will you receive? Compare main steel thickness, wall panels and roof insulation—not just exterior photos.

3. How many sets fit in a shipping container? With our standard FPC-02, you can load 8 sets in a 20GP or 18 sets in a 40HC.

4. Which trade term is being quoted? Our US$850 starting price is EXW. Check the China-side costs, ocean freight and destination expenses separately.

5. What is the installation plan? Share your site location, intended use and target quantity, so we can discuss the appropriate scope and delivery arrangements.

You do not need a finished architectural plan to start. Tell us how many units you need, where they are going and how you plan to use them. We can start with the standard kit and build a quotation around your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a 20ft flat pack container house in 2026?

Our standard 20ft CASA-FPC-02 starts at US$850 per set, EXW China. You can add electrical fittings, bathroom equipment or other finishes to suit your use.

What is the difference between flat pack container house price and total cost?

The price usually refers to the house kit at the factory. Your total cost also includes export handling, shipping, import charges, delivery to your site and installation.

How many flat pack container houses fit in a 40HC container?

You can load 18 standard CASA-FPC-02 sets in a 40HC, or 8 sets in a 20GP.

What does the US$850 starting price include?

You get the 2.3 mm galvanized main frame, 50 mm rock wool wall panels, insulated roof system, 18 mm fiberglass floor, one lockable steel door and two single-glazed PVC sliding windows with security grilles.

Can I add electrical fittings and a bathroom?

Yes. Tell us whether you need lighting, power outlets, a bathroom or other interior fittings, and we can include those options in your quotation.

What is the cost per unit for a full 40HC order before ocean freight?

For 18 sets at US$850 EXW, the kit total is US$15,300. Add around US$1,000 in China-side export and handling costs, and the total becomes approximately US$16,300—about US$905.56 per set before ocean freight.

How does container loading affect my flat pack container house cost?

A full 40HC carries 18 standard kits, helping you spread container-level costs across more units. That is why the cost per set before ocean freight is about US$905.56 for a full 40HC versus US$956.25 for a full 20GP, using the estimates above.

Tell CASA BOX About Your Project

Ready to compare the numbers for your own site? Send us your quantity, destination and intended use. We will start with the CASA-FPC-02 standard specification and help you put together a clear quote. Explore our flat pack container houses: https://www.casaboxcontainer.com/flat-pack-container-house/