Dipping your toes into the world of tiny home living?
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Some folks might scratch their heads, wondering how anyone could find comfort in such a compact space.
But guess what?
Those who’ve taken the plunge often find it liberating.
Living with just the essentials can be a breath of fresh air.
And here’s the kicker: choosing a tiny home doesn’t mean giving up life’s little luxuries, especially if you’re eyeing an off-grid option.
Many builders today are crafting tiny homes that are not only cozy but also off-grid ready, making sustainable living a breeze.
What is an Off-Grid Tiny Home?
Navigating the world of real estate lately?
You might’ve noticed that with those climbing mortgage rates, skyrocketing property prices and home building costs, the dream of a traditional home is slipping out of reach for many.
And even if your wallet says yes, the planet might be nudging you to think twice about that sprawling space.
A growing number of folks are choosing to live off-grid in a prefab home, or even rent out their off-grid home and a lot are even going a bit smaller, not just to save some cash, but to tread lightly on our Earth.
Enter the off-grid tiny home.
It’s compact, sure, but it’s also kind on the pocketbook.
Think of it as getting cozy living quarters at just a slice of the price of a conventional house.
Dreaming of waking up amidst nature, away from the city’s hustle?
This little gem lets you do just that.
The tiny house movement has seen a fascinating twist lately: the rise of off-grid homes.
Many tiny home enthusiasts are drawn to secluded spots, and that’s where the off-grid magic comes in.
To truly embrace this lifestyle, having features like a reliable power source and a smart water system is a game-changer.
So, if you’re all about the ease of a smaller space or you’re on a mission to live green and lessen your footprint, an off-grid tiny home might just be your next big adventure.
It’s not just a house; it’s a lifestyle shift that could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Top 15 Off-Grid Tiny Homes
1. Traveler XL by Escape
The Traveler XL is one of the top-rated tiny homes with off-grid capabilities because of its expansive interior features. It has a kitchen, cabinetry, a bathroom, and more options to upgrade from the basic package to the premium one. But one of the biggest advantages of the Traveller XL over other tiny homes is its vaulted ceiling, which makes the interior space feel extra roomy.
The tiny home’s exterior is also aesthetically pleasing. It has plenty of windows and a floor-to-ceiling window in the kitchen area. This design allows maximum natural lighting to the space. The energy-efficient design, the floor plan layout variations, and the good base price combine to make this one of the best off-grid tiny homes worth investing.
You can purchase the Escape Traveler XL for $89,430.
2. Thoreau by Indigo River Tiny Homes
The Thoreau is a custom Pioneer model from the Indigo River Tiny Homes. It offers 28 ft of space with a Sho Shugi Ban exterior and fiberglass full-light door. It is built in with a solar panel and battery system, making it ideal for off-grid living. There is also a rain barrel and on-board freshwater tank, so you always have access to a water source.
The Thoreau offers the convenience of a fully furnished home as it boasts a Murphy bed, stained interior walls and ceiling, a living area, a crawl-in loft area, a sink, countertops, and cabinetry. The pricing for the Thoreau model varies according to the size, floor plan, and other add-ons. The base price is $98,559.
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3. My Milla by My Cabin
The My Milla off-grid tiny home offers 270 sq ft of living area and an external dimension of 12 x 22 ft. According to My Cabin, this tiny home system simplifies your life as live off-grid, equipping your home with the essential features to help you disconnect and recharge. This unit has a kitchen, a bathroom, a living area, and a comfortable sleeping area.
When you order this cabin, you have a completely finished unit with plumbing and electrical features. You will also get an engineered stamped permitting package for your property. They will provide full guidelines on the site prep and unit installation.
The My Milla off-grid tiny home costs $94,000.
4. Sophie by Tiny Topanga
The Sophie Model is the perfect off-grid tiny home for those with a discerning taste. This 32-ft long and 8.5-ft wide trailer is made of a welded frame steel structure. It has a full bathroom, a full laundry area, a lounge area, a pantry, and a breakfast nook. The unit has an Accordion door, built-in storage, and many modern appliances.
The exterior looks super stylish, equally matched by its distinctive interior style. It is manufactured by Tiny Topanga, a company in Central Mexico and Southern California reputed for building custom tiny homes on wheels.
5. Incred-I-Box by Incredible Tiny Homes
With a name like Incredible Tiny Homes, this company delivers with this off-grid tiny home. The Incred-I-Box is available for $22,500, which includes an unfinished steel panel, metal roofing, spray foam insulation, and a metal door. It has enough space to keep you comfortable and is equipped with storage, cabinet, lighting, and other basic features of a traditional home.
The package price for the Incred-I-Box is exclusive of the setup or delivery of the unit. You can also purchase it along with the solar package, among other full off-grid options.
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6. Pagoda by Studio Shed
The pagoda unit from Studio Shed is one of the best off-grid tiny homes right now. It costs $22,212 for a 120 sq ft home and includes delivery. This tiny home features lap-style siding, wall framing, roof rafters, ZIP system wall panels, and doors and windows. However, the foundation is not yet included in the cost, so make sure to factor that in when buying this home.
It is a suitable choice for off-grid living as it is built with high-efficiency materials and construction and proper insulation. There are also numerous ways to customize the floor plan for this tiny home model.
7. Skali by Lloyoll
Skali is the perfect home for off-grid living. The design team at Lloyoll created an open concept floor plan to maximize every inch available in this tiny home. The floor-to-ceiling windows are a distinctive feature of this tiny home model. Meanwhile, it has a master bedroom with an open loft, and a 3 piece bathroom. There are so many spaces available, thanks to the clever floor planning.
Moreover, Skali has a minimal eco-footprint, making it the ideal choice for sustainability. The best part is that this tiny home unit fits perfectly into any location.
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8. mOne by Haus
The mOne tiny house model is Haus’ ultimate off-grid home. This studio unit offers 400 sq ft of living space that is suited for two people. It is a 100% furnished studio unit, so you are ready to move in once it is delivered and set up at your specified location.
It is a self-sustainable and autonomous home powered by solar energy. It is completely portable and transportable. Meanwhile, it is also compliant with most building codes. The price is $259,990.
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9. Luna by New Frontier Design
The Luna is one of the manufacturer’s most affordable tiny home models. But you get your money’s worth because this budget-conscious model features a high-end design. While affordable, it feels luxurious.
Off-grid living has never been better with Luna. It has an open floor plan, a glass window wall, clever storage solutions, and an asymmetrical roofline. There is also a king-bed loft and a full kitchen. The pricing for The Lunch starts at $150,000.
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10. Majesty by Tiny Heirloom
Majesty by Tiny Heirloom is a tiny home with extra space! The manufacturers believe that just because homeowners are switching to a tiny home doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice comfort and luxury. They deliver all the features that make this tiny home feel luxurious, even when living off the grid.
It has nearly 272 sq ft of living space, a dedicated master bedroom, a full-sized closet, a second living or sleeping area, a living room, and a full-sized bathroom. There is also a galley kitchen where you can make new memories.
Pricing for The Majesty starts at $129,000.
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11. Modal 00 by Live Modal
Modal 00 is a studio-style unit from Modal, which is the most practical space from the manufacturer’s product range. It features a single-room floor plan that is flexible enough to adapt to each user’s needs. The unit includes a kitchenette and a bathroom. The pricing for this unit starts at $240,000. This price includes the site work, permits, sewer, water line, installation, craning, and other post-installation touch-ups.
The Modal 00 model is the ideal tiny home for living off-grid since it has plumbing and electrical hookups. You can live sustainably and be self-reliant with this studio unit, equipped with efficient LED lighting, central heating and cooling, garbage disposal, exterior patio lights, cabinetry, and other energy-efficient fixtures. It comes with 351 square footage.
12. Wasatch by Rocky Mountain
If you are living off-grid as a family, Wasatch by Rocky Mountain is the perfect tiny home for you. It is a custom tiny house ideally suited for a family of four. It is named after Utah’s Wasatch Range, which forms the western edge of the Rocky Mountains.
It is made of a stick frame structure and spray foam insulation on a custom trailer. It comes with wall framing, pine flooring and ceiling, a full bathroom, a bedroom with bunk beds on the first level, and a loft with a large master bedroom. The pricing for this off-grid tiny home starts at $76,000.
13. Independent Series 4800SL by Designer Eco Homes
The Independent Series 4800SL by Designer Eco Homes is another one to add to the list of the best off-grid tiny homes. It is a 16-ft long home with a king-size loft, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a dining or lounge area. There is ample storage space in this unit, making it your ideal home when living off-the grid.
The hybrid solar power system generates energy and electricity for this home, allowing you to live off-grid. The builder uses Western Red Cedar for the structure, and the exterior siding is made of corrugated metal.
The Independent Series 4800SL by Designer Eco Homes comes with a starting price of $73,260. It can sleep up to three people.
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14. Nomad by Minimaliste
This tiny home checks all boxes for off-grid living, which is good for your health too. It is made of steel exterior that requires little to no maintenance. The tempered glass windows provide built-in insulation while allowing natural light during the day. The Nomad is designed for off-grid travel or living!
The tiny home features a full-sized bedroom, which is more spacious than you would find in many tiny houses. It also has a kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower tub and vanity. The pricing for the Nomad starts at $71,000.
15. Backyard by Samara
The Backyard off-grid tiny home by Samara is a refreshingly simple yet fully customizable tiny home. While initially available in California, this ADU offers three size options with varying prices. The Studio unit is 420 sq ft and available at $279,000. The One-Bedroom unit is 540 sq ft for $299,000, and the Two-Bedroom unit is available at $339,000 for 690 sq ft.
It is made of a precision-engineered light-gauge steel frame structure and steel-insulated panel cladding. The roof is made of steel, with plenty of windows and large doors. The interior features hardwood flooring and LED lighting fixtures. It has a kitchen, a bathroom, and a laundry area. The 7-panel solar system harvests energy for the entire home, which you can upgrade to 24 panels, depending on the size of your chosen unit. It is built with a high-efficiency ducted heat pump system, air purification, and thermal-efficient walls.
The premium pricing starts at $279,000 but they are custom built and fully installed for you. They handle everything from permits to installation.
What to Look for When Buying an Off Grid Tiny Home
Several manufacturers that offer off-grid tiny homes are available to choose from, which has its pros and cons. The benefit is that you have more choices and can compare your options according to your needs and preferences.
But the downside is that you can be overwhelmed with these options.
These are the considerations when buying an off-grid tiny home, especially if you’re new to tiny home living.
- Solar Orientation – Off-grid tiny homes use solar panels to generate electricity and power. Consider the orientation of the tiny home for solar panels, as it can significantly impact the amount of solar energy it can collect, which is critical to powering the entire house. Also, consider the window or door placement to facilitate natural lighting and ventilation to control heat loss or gain.
- Material & Construction – The material used for building the tiny home is important. Choose energy-efficient and sustainable materials to make your tiny home durable and eco-friendly. The more energy-efficient your tiny home is, the less power it requires to keep it comfortable.
- Insulation & Ventilation – These two are vital in keeping your tiny home comfortable all year round. Insulation helps to regulate the indoor temperature of the tiny home. Meanwhile, ventilation prevents moisture buildup and mold formation.
- Zoning Issues – Consider the size of the tiny home, as it can directly impact the zoning requirements for installation.
