Mobile & Portable Office Containers: Prices, Options, and What to Expect

Mobile and portable office containers have become one of the most practical workspace solutions across construction, industrial, commercial, and temporary-use sectors. Businesses choose container offices for their speed of deployment, cost efficiency, durability, and flexibility compared to traditional buildings.

In this guide, we break down current market prices, explain what affects the cost, and help you understand which type of container office fits your needs and budget.

What Is a Mobile or Portable Office Container?

A mobile or portable office container is a converted shipping container or modular unit designed to function as a professional workspace. These units can be delivered fully assembled, placed on-site, and used immediately.

They are commonly used as:

• Construction site offices

• Temporary or remote offices

• Project management units

• Co-working or modular office hubs

• Field offices for industrial operations

Mobile Office Container Price Overview

Prices for mobile and portable office containers vary depending on size, level of customization, and whether the unit is purchased or rented.

Below is a realistic breakdown of purchase prices based on current market standards.

Price Breakdown by Size & Finish Level

10 ft Office Containers

Best for single-person offices or guard stations.

• Basic Office: $18,000 – $22,000

• Mid-Range Office: $22,000 – $25,000

• Premium Turnkey Office: $25,000 – $28,000

20 ft Office Containers (Most Popular)

Ideal for site offices, managers, or small teams.

• Basic Office: $26,000 – $29,000

• Mid-Range Office: $29,000 – $32,000

• Premium Turnkey Office: $32,000 – $35,000

40 ft Office Containers

Perfect for larger teams, meeting rooms, or multi-zone layouts.

• Basic Office: $40,000 – $45,000

• Mid-Range Office: $45,000 – $50,000

• Premium Turnkey Office: $50,000 – $60,000+

What’s Included at Each Price Level?

Basic Office Containers

Designed for functionality and affordability.

Includes:

• Entry door & security windows

• Basic insulation

• Electrical outlets & lighting

• Simple heating or A/C

• Durable steel structure

Best for short-term or utility-focused use.

Mid-Range Office Containers

A balance of comfort and value.

Includes:

• Full HVAC system

• Finished interior walls & flooring

• Enhanced insulation

• Multiple windows

• Power distribution & lighting

• Optional partitions

Best for daily use and longer projects.

Premium / Turnkey Office Containers

Fully finished, ready-to-use workspaces.

Includes:

• Advanced insulation & climate control

• Restroom and/or kitchenette options

• High-end interior finishes

• Office furniture & storage

• Branding & exterior finishes

• Plug-and-play readiness

Best for long-term use or executive-level offices.

Multi-Unit & Modular Office Configurations

For larger teams, containers can be combined or stacked:

• Double-wide offices (2 containers): $50,000 – $80,000

• Stacked two-story offices: $80,000 – $120,000+

• Large modular office complexes: $100,000+

These solutions are ideal for:

• Corporate site offices

• Large construction projects

• Temporary headquarters

• Multi-department layouts

Rental Prices for Portable Office Containers

If buying isn’t ideal, renting is a cost-effective alternative.

Typical Monthly Rental Rates

• 10–20 ft office: $200 – $400 / month

• 40 ft office: $400 – $800 / month

Additional costs may include:

• Delivery & pickup fees

• Long-term rental discounts

• Furniture or accessory add-ons

Rentals are best for short-term projects or temporary sites.

Delivery & Transportation Costs

Delivery is usually not included in the base price.

Typical delivery costs:

• Local delivery: $300 – $800

• Regional transport: $1,000 – $2,500

• Long-distance / cross-country: $3,000 – $6,000+

Factors affecting delivery cost:

• Distance

• Site accessibility

• Crane or forklift requirements

Are Container Offices Worth the Investment?

Compared to traditional construction, container offices offer:

• Faster setup (weeks instead of months)

• Lower cost per square foot

• Portability & reusability

• Minimal site preparation

• Long-term durability

For most businesses, mobile office containers provide excellent ROI with unmatched flexibility.

Whether you need a simple site office or a fully equipped modular workspace, mobile and portable office containers offer scalable solutions for nearly every industry.

Understanding pricing upfront helps you:

• Plan budgets accurately

• Choose the right configuration

• Avoid unnecessary upgrades

• Maximize long-term value

How much does a mobile office container cost?

Mobile office container prices typically range from $18,000 to over $60,000 depending on size, finish level, and customization.

 What is the cheapest office container option?

A basic 10 ft or 20 ft office container with minimal insulation and electrical setup is the most affordable option.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a portable office container?

Renting is cheaper for short-term use, while buying is more cost-effective for long-term or repeated projects.

Do office container prices include delivery?

Most prices do not include delivery. Transportation costs depend on distance, location, and site conditions.

Can office containers include bathrooms and HVAC?

Yes, mid-range and premium office containers can include full HVAC systems, restrooms, and kitchenettes.