How much a shipping container costs in Portugal
A one-trip 40 ft High Cube costs about €4,900 including VAT. Used grade A, about €2,650.
Reference prices, VAT included
| Container | One trip | Used grade A |
|---|---|---|
| 40 ft High Cube | €4,900 | €2,650 |
| 20 ft | €4,050 | €2,100 |
These are the figures Contentar uses in its calculations, from public adverts by Easytainer, Alfa Contentores and OLX in October 2026. They sit at the top of the lists on purpose: grade A for a home costs more than the cheapest “used”. Container at the depot, without transport.
What the adverts show (without IVA, October 2026)
| Type | Observed price |
|---|---|
| 20 ft used | €1,450 to €1,750 |
| 40 ft HC used | €1,750 to €2,250 |
| 20 ft new | €2,790 |
| 20 ft one trip (classifieds) | €3,300 |
| 40 ft HC used (classifieds) | about €1,400 |
Classified ads rarely say whether the price includes IVA. Many cheap “container houses” are sandwich-panel site cabins, not shipping containers.
Dimensions
| Type | Outside (L × W × H) | Area | Lined ceiling height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m | 14 m² | ≈ 2.25 to 2.30 m |
| 40 ft High Cube | 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 m | 28 m² | ≈ 2.55 m |
For a home, use High Cube. The law asks for a 2.40 m ceiling height in a house and a standard container ends up below that once insulated.
Used or one-trip
A one-trip container has made a single loaded journey and is almost new. A used one has years of service. For a home, only used grade A, and only after an inspection:
- Structural rust at the corners and the base
- Timber floor (often treated with chemicals)
- Door seals and locking gear
- Readable CSC plate
In the 1×40 studio, switching to used grade A saves €2,250, about 6% of the bill. If the saving means treating rust or replacing the floor, it disappears.
Transport and crane
The price is at the depot. Contentar allows €1,140 for a crane lorry for a 40 ft. Difficult access or long distances push that up. The foundations must be ready before the container arrives. If the crane stands on the public road, you may need a road occupation permit.
The container is only the start
In a 2×40 house, the two containers are 15% of the bill. The whole house costs €54,550 to €73,802, VAT included and without land.
Choose used or one-trip in the calculator and see what changes in the total.
Work out my cost See the Contentar guide · €19Advert prices change often. Check the address, tax number (NIF) and delivery terms before you pay.