How much a shipping container costs
A one-trip 40 ft High Cube costs about €4,950 including VAT. Used grade A, about €2,250.
Container prices from Spanish depots (2025–2026) and building work with a Spain factor on the Contentar engine, checked in November 2026. IVA (VAT) at 21%. Canarias, Ceuta and Melilla are not covered.
Reference prices, VAT included
| Container | One trip | Used grade A |
|---|---|---|
| 40 ft High Cube | €4,950 | €2,250 |
| 20 ft | €3,100 | €1,950 |
These are the figures Contentar uses in its calculations: prices published by depots in Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid in 2025–2026, without IVA, plus 21% IVA. They sit at the top of the adverts on purpose: grade A for a home costs more than the cheapest “used”. Container at the depot, without transport.
| Market reference, without IVA | 20 ft used | 40 ft HC used | 40 ft HC one trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia depots (2025–2026) | €1,350 to €1,650 | €1,450 to €1,850 | €3,950 to €4,200 |
| Market range in Barcelona and Madrid (August 2026) | €1,200 to €2,400 | €1,800 to €3,600 | €3,600 to €5,300 |
On the islands the price goes up: a used 40 ft HC delivered in Mallorca cost €3,560 plus IVA in 2025.
Watch out for fake shops
There are many container websites calling themselves “…SL” with prices far below the market, flat-rate delivery to all of mainland Spain and no address you can check. Before you pay, check the registered name and the NIF (tax number), visit the depot and never pay into a personal account.
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. A standard container ends up with a very low ceiling 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 €2,700, 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 €1,121 for a crane lorry for a 40 ft. In Spain, transport from a depot costs €150 to €750 depending on distance, plus the crane, €150 to €250 an hour. 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 permit from the ayuntamiento.
The container is only the start
In a 2×40 house, the two containers are 14% of the bill. The whole house costs €62,141 to €84,073, 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, NIF and delivery terms before you pay.