A couple has dramatically reduced their living costs by leaving behind rental life and moving into a shipping container home, saving an estimated $400,000 in the process.
Miriam, 31, and her husband Eric Gutierrez, 32, were previously based in Las Vegas, where they were paying close to $2,000 per month in rent. Over time, the rising cost of living began to feel unsustainable, and the couple longed to live closer to family.
Although they already owned a house in Tijuana, Mexico—originally purchased as an investment—it still wasn’t close enough to Miriam’s relatives. Determined to find a better solution, the couple decided to start fresh.
They eventually bought a 200-square-metre plot of land just five minutes from Miriam’s family, with plans to build a compact home using a shipping container. The total budget for the project came to just $35,000.
Miriam, who works as a talent manager, described the move as “the perfect decision,” adding that the couple has no regrets.
“We’ve saved well over $400,000 compared to buying a home in Nevada,” she said. “It feels like our own little city.”
Unsurprisingly, their unconventional home attracts plenty of attention. Miriam noted that the container house “never fails to make people curious.”
Before starting the project, the couple already had an interest in renovations and spent countless hours watching YouTube videos about shipping container conversions. That research helped them feel confident enough to take on the challenge themselves.
The container home already has running water, electricity, and a newly installed roof, which the container lacked when purchased. The planned layout includes an open-plan living and kitchen area, along with a separate bedroom and bathroom.
Looking ahead, Miriam shared their future plans:
“We’d love to add a loft space in the roof for a second bedroom. A pool is also on our wish list, and definitely a BBQ area for family gatherings.”
So far, Eric and Miriam have spent $20,286 on construction. Their expenses include:
- $8,108 for the land
- $2,500 for the shipping container
- $3,600 for the roof
- $3,552 for a metal perimeter fence
- $600 for electrical installation
- $650 for water connection
- $164 in labor costs
- $200 for interior walls
Miriam describes the entire build as a personal “vision” and hopes their story encourages others to rethink traditional housing.
“Even if the idea seems strange at first,” she said, “it might just change your life.”