How Much Do Earthships Cost? A Breakdown of Expenses and Savings

By Chad Castellanos | January 22, 2025 |

Earthships, renowned for their sustainability and self-sufficiency, are a dream home for many. However, one of the first questions potential builders ask is, “How much does it cost to build an Earthship?” The answer depends on factors like whether you hire professionals, build it yourself, or use recycled materials. Here’s a detailed breakdown of costs and ways to save money on your Earthship.

Cost of Hiring Professionals

If you opt to hire professionals to build your Earthship, the costs are similar to conventional construction. Here’s a breakdown:

Design and Consultation: $5,000–$15,000
- Hiring an Earthship designer or architect ensures the structure adheres to Earthship principles and local building codes.
Labor Costs: $100–$200 per square foot
- Building an Earthship is labor-intensive, especially when compacting tires for the walls. Labor costs will vary depending on the location and the size of the crew.
Materials: $200–$400 per square foot
- The cost includes rammed earth, tires, bottles, cans, concrete, insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems. High-quality solar panels and water filtration systems can add significantly to the total.
Permits and Inspections: $1,000–$5,000
- These vary depending on local regulations.

Total Professional Build Cost:

For a 1,500-square-foot Earthship, expect to pay $300,000–$600,000 when hiring professionals.

DIY Earthship Costs

Building an Earthship yourself is far more affordable, though it requires time, effort, and skills. Here’s what to expect:

Tires and Earth: $0–$2,000
- Old tires are often free from local auto shops or recycling centers. The earth for ramming is usually sourced on-site.
Recycled Materials: $500–$3,000
- Bottles, cans, and reclaimed wood can be gathered for little to no cost. Networking with demolition sites or local businesses can yield significant savings.
Solar and Water Systems: $10,000–$50,000
- Solar panels, inverters, and water catchment systems are the largest expenses but can be scaled to your budget.
Plumbing and Electrical Supplies: $5,000–$15,000
- Installing systems yourself reduces labor costs but may require professional consultation for code compliance.
Roofing and Insulation: $5,000–$15,000
- Using recycled or salvaged materials can cut these costs significantly.

Total DIY Build Cost:

For a 1,500-square-foot Earthship, DIY builders can spend $50,000–$150,000, depending on material availability and the complexity of the systems installed.

Ways to Save Money

1. Use Recycled Materials

Windows and Doors: Salvaged windows and doors can save thousands. Check classified ads, demolition sites, or Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
Timber: Reclaimed wood from old barns or construction projects can be used for framing and interior features.
Tires and Bottles: Most tires and bottles are free if you’re willing to collect and transport them.

2. Do-It-Yourself

Labor is one of the most significant costs. By compacting tires, installing systems, and finishing interiors yourself, you can save tens of thousands of dollars.
Volunteer with Earthship builders or attend workshops to learn essential skills.

3. Scale Your Systems

Start small with your solar and water systems. You can upgrade as your budget allows.
Focus on passive heating and cooling to reduce reliance on expensive HVAC systems.

4. Use Local Resources

Minimize transportation costs by sourcing earth, sand, and other materials locally.

5. Simplify the Design

Smaller Earthships with fewer systems cost less to build. Consider a one-bedroom design or forgo luxuries like greenhouses in the initial build.

Conclusion

The cost of an Earthship varies widely depending on whether you hire professionals or build it yourself. Hiring professionals for a fully customized build can cost upwards of $600,000, while DIY builders can create a functional Earthship for as little as $50,000. By using recycled materials, scaling your systems, and investing your own labor, you can significantly reduce costs and make your dream of sustainable living a reality.