For many people, the prospect of abandoning the rat race and living off-grid is a lingering ambition. In all probability, that allure only becomes stronger as utility bills shoot ever-higher. You can’t blame these frustrated dreamers for dreaming — what could be better than cutting costs, reducing everyday stress, and investing in a simpler, more serene way of life?
If you’re one of the restless spirits who has developed a serious interest in the off-grid lifestyle, it might be a good time to explore the real-world costs. Perhaps the window for serious research has opened up and this exciting movement is turning from a pipe dream into reality? In this blog, we’ll crunch the numbers in search of the truth, as we consider the cost of off-grid living v traditional residential housing.
What is the Cost of Living Off-Grid?
It’s important to understand that living off-grid isn’t free. However, most of the cost comes from investing in the infrastructure that will power and heat your sustainable home for many years to come. Yes, you may still need to pay some bills, but much of the expense is comparatively reasonable, and your dwelling could pay for itself in no time at all.
One of the other things to look out for when comparing off-grid living v traditional residential housing is the potential allowances that are available. Because the latest repurposed shipping containers could offer solutions to the current housing and cost of living crisis, many owners will benefit from useful grants and exemptions. Therefore, it’s worth checking to see if you could trim costs further, as we’ll highlight later.
Start Up Costs of Living Off-Grid
The first thing you’ll want to do is think about a solution for off-grid energy. This could lead to one of the most satisfying calls you’re ever likely to make — calling the National Grid to get disconnected. There is a cost attached to this though, which will fall between £500 and £1,000. Therefore, with a fair wind, you could be unplugged and off the mains within a measly six weeks. However, if you prefer the security of staying connected, you can expect to pay £300 per year for the extra peace of mind.
Step two is finding the off grid energy source that will power your idyllic dream home. Solar is one of the most popular options out there, and you can expect to pay around:
- £5,000 for photovoltaic (PV) cells.
- £4,000 for a solar battery.
In addition, you’ll also need to heat your water supply and living space. For this, the typical fees will be around:
- £5,000 for thermal panels
- £10,000 for a biomass boiler unit
- £10,000 for a heat pump
If you use an air source heat pump you can benefit from a whopping £7,500 grant, further reducing your eventual outgoings. It’s been estimated that all of this investment could actually pay for itself in just eight years. For anyone who is put off by these figures, it’s worth checking the UK government’s Green Deal information, as it might be possible to take out a loan to cover an energy assessment and installation charges.
Another worthwhile consideration for budding off-gridders is the potential savings you can make with good quality insulation. Your energy efficiency is directly linked to this factor, so you can stay toasty warm with much less waste if you’re already insulated to a high standard. However, if this feature of your home is lacking, fixing it might add around £10,000 to your start up costs. If this sounds excessive, it’s worth pointing out that this is another investment that could actually save you plenty of money and boost your quality of life in the long run.
Running Costs of Living Off-Grid
Whether you’re tucked away in a compact Tiny House, or living the high life in expansive dual shipping containers, the running costs involved in living off grid can be minimal. There will be expenses associated with running your heat pump or boiler, which can come to around £1,000-per-year. And if you stay in one place for more than 28 days, your shipping container home will be classed as being a permanent abode, meaning you will have to pay council tax.
Those aside, your costs of living off-grid will be dictated by how much you commit to the lifestyle. If, for instance, you can grow your own fruit and vegetables, filter your own water, and maintain your own property, you could pay no more than £3,000 – £5,000-per-year to live sustainably.
Traditional Residential Housing Costs
Most budding off-gridders, won’t need to be reminded about the exorbitant cost of residential housing. However, using national averages for the likes of mortgage and energy bills illustrates the sizable gap between the conventional and alternative lifestyles. Crucially, these figures cover the essential bills only, and don’t touch upon other typical expenses, such as food and transportation.
The average annual cost of running a residential home are:
- Mortgage: £16,800-per-year (based on a national average of £1,400 per month).
- Council Tax: £2,171 per year.
- Gas and Electric: £1,600 per year
- Water: Around £500 per year.
Digging into these numbers shows that even the most basic annual expenses of traditional bricks and mortar are fast-approaching the total investment needed to start up a new life off the beaten track. Therefore, while living off-grid could be more costly in total over the early years, it makes plenty of financial sense in the long-term. Although it can take around eight years to start breaking even, the containers themselves can last for around 30 years. This means you could enjoy at least 20 years of low-cost living off the back of your initial investment.
The cost of off-grid living v traditional residential housing is likely to become an even bigger talking point as future generations struggle to grasp a rung on the property ladder. All of which makes a strong case for the likes of shipping container homes growing in appeal even further in the future.
Start Your Adventure Today With Live Off-Grid
Although it’s easy to see why the economics of a self-sustaining lifestyle are appealing, there are plenty of other reasons for the current boom. Not least, the chance to live life at a slower, more considered pace. And so, while the numbers tell their story, they paint an incomplete, albeit compelling, picture.
Live Off Grid was established with one goal in mind: to help people escape the humdrum of the 9-5. We knew that there was a collective desire to reset, recharge and reconnect with nature. And we truly believed that repurposed shipping containers could be the key to finding a renewed purpose, peace and tranquillity.
Our resulting range of units offer an adaptable range of dwellings for an eclectic number of objectives. From the cosy Tiny Houses to the vast Pluto container, we provide options for everyone from the solo adventurer to the new age family. Made to the highest standard, and highly customisable, our products can be employed as temporary housing, holiday homes, cafes, gyms, and more. Many of our units come with the latest tech and even boast stylish interior designs.
If you’re ready to embrace the new, get in touch today. You’ll never want to look back.
