The average home size in the United States is around 2,600 square feet. A typical tiny house measures between 100 to 400 square feet on the other end of the scale. Tiny houses come in many shapes and sizes, and there are even kits available to buy.
What used to be tiny retirement homes are now a growing trend, and a larger number of individuals and families are seeking life in a tiny house.
In our guide, you can learn all you need about how to live in a tiny home, and by the end, you’ll see many plus points as bad points for choosing tiny homes; RV living is an alternative but doesn’t capture the appeal of many.
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of how to answer the question, should I live in a tiny house, or should I choose to live in an RV? Tiny house renovation is a lifestyle change that can take lots of commitment yet can be worth it. (Learn What is a Yurt)
Is Living in a Tiny House Worth It?
Tiny houses are basically small houses that may provide everything you need. Tiny houses under 400 square feet, according to the International Code Council, and under 60 square feet, according to The Tiny House, are allowed. Tiny homes can be on wheels and be pulled by a home, or they can be standalone structures, with or without foundations.
Tiny house living is about the sense of living free compared to being stuck in an apartment, and several unique motivations fuel the tiny house craze.
You get tremendous cost savings from tiny home living. Because space is smaller than a normal house, you’ll have lower utility bills, smaller monthly payments, and lower upkeep expenses; last, the house will be cheaper to buy or rent.
Transitioning to tiny home life should examine several things. Tiny homes may suit those who want to live in an area where tiny homes are permitted or want an economical housing scenario.
One thing often an oversight is a tiny house has to be built to code and needs to survive a decent-sized downpour. Tiny houses can be as strong as average-sized houses, though owners of tiny homes need to take extra precautions when there is a severe storm. (Find the Best RV Surge Protector)
How Much Does it Cost to Live in a Tiny House?
Living in a house on wheels costs less because your expenses go down compared to a normal home. If you own your tiny house and own the land you park your tiny house; you’ll pay nothing in rent. Unfortunately, most house owners don’t own the land, so how much is rent?
Parking fees for tiny house rentals change little across the country. Most houses where tiny houses are available to have a similar rental price structure.
Traveling with your tiny house has the highest parking cost and the most difficult obstacle.
Your first could be to buy land and construct your tiny house on a foundation. This is one option, as construction codes limit the size of tiny houses.
Many tiny house owners register their tiny house like an RV, but it requires them to move every few months. Thus you have the option of an RV park or public campground.
Private RV Parks costs vs Public Campgrounds
$32.89 per night compared to $22.15 per night
$1000 per month vs. $675 per month
An RV park appears to be more expensive; however, many RV parks offer utilities as part of their monthly charge. The option for RV parks ranges from $400 to $600. Thus, they are reasonably priced. Property Owners’ Association fees range from $40 to $80 but can benefit living tiny in some locations.
Food and Utilities
Average Price: $50 – $70 on a smaller budget and $200 – $300 at the higher end
Tiny houses save on utilities, yet these are still there. Because you move into a 100 square foot home doesn’t mean your utilities disappear.
There are several considerations and include:
- Compost Toilet
- Hot Water
- Location – Will you face cold winters or warm summers?
- Insulation and Heating – Do you have a wood stove for heating, and do you need to get your own firewood?
Electricity: $30 – $60 or in colder regions, you can spend $100 – $200 to keep warm, compared to $400 – $600 in an average home.
Propane: $10 – $15 It will depend on the size of the propane tank and if you use a propane stove or a propane water heater. (Read RV Propane Tank Sizes Guide)
Water: $0 – $10 Water is not much of a concern for most of the tiny house movement as they are often provided free water with parking rent or have access to a water source.
Groceries: Grocery bills can increase because of the lack of storage space. At most, you could see a 10% increase.
Taxes: Taxes can vary for tiny houses because your tiny house is parked and the type of tiny house you have.
A tiny house is typically registered as a mobile home or a fixed home. If your tiny house is a fixed home on a foundation, and you own the land, you could pay higher real estate tax.
Also, you could have personal property tax if you live in a state where it is enforced. As your tiny home is registered as a mobile home, you could face ad valorem tax such as:
- Local Property Tax: Based on the value of your mobile home
- State Tax: Sich tax is based on weight, value, type, and other factors.
If you register your tiny house as a mobile home, it only qualifies tax-wise as a mobile home if you meet these criteria:
- Current license plate and registration
- Have an annual safety inspection
- Built on truck chassis and has automotive liability insurance
If your tiny house is connected to a septic tank, electric grid, or ground sitting fuel tanks, it can’t be considered a mobile home and presents house and property taxes, health and safety codes, and zoning laws.
Travel Expenses: It can range from $20 upward based on how far and often you travel.
Maintenance: Average Price can be around $10 plus per month based on your journey or, if you are static, plus the time of year. If you build your own or bought it from RV flippers, this can also have a bearing on cost, as in reality, some tiny house owners have had serious issues.
Insurance Costs: $50 – $150 per month and charged annually are average costs yet also variable. Ensure your tiny house comes from a certified builder, as this makes it easier for an insurer.
Is Living in a Tiny House Legal?
Tiny homes aren’t considered “illegal” in any jurisdiction. However, because zoning regulations and codes differ by state, city, and town, it’s crucial to do your homework and consult with local officials before putting your tiny house up anyplace. You’ll definitely come across some contradictory views on the legality of tiny homes, depending on where you are.
Some areas are more welcoming to tiny homes than others. You’ll want to go to one of those tiny home-friendly places if you’re seeking a specific location to park your tiny home.
Each state, city, or town may have its own set of building standards and regulations for tiny-scale homeowners.
For safety reasons, most areas require a tiny home to have a minimum ceiling height of 6-feet-4-inches in a bathroom and 6-feet-8-inches in a common room such as a living room area.
An emergency escape, a stairway or ladder leading to loft space or bedroom, and one separate bathroom are required in most tiny homes.
Because zoning regulations vary by location, it’s advisable to contact your local zoning authority for information on tiny homes.
Maine, for example, has statewide construction requirements for tiny houses, defining a tiny home as a dwelling with a small space covering less than 400 square foot.
Maine is notable for approving skylights as emergency exits, and their guidelines allow for sleeping lofts, ladder access to the loft, and even skylights as emergency exits. Tiny houses can be built on permanent foundations in Maine as long as they follow the state’s Uniform Building and Energy Code. (Learn Who Makes Crosswind Tires)
What States is it Legal to Live in a Tiny house?
The tiny home movement has grown in recent years. Here are the top 10 US states for tiny living.
Utah: Tiny homeowners need to make sure zoning ordinances in their location let them legally live in such places as small houses for retirees.
New York: State officials adopted Appendix Q: Tiny Houses, measuring 400-square-foot houses on foundations and have safe building standards.
North Carolina: Tiny homes are accepted as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina as long as they meet minimum requirements.
Arizona: The state eased regulations on tiny homes measuring less than 400 square feet in 2016. However, such regulations don’t include mobile tiny homes.
Washington: The city has seen housing and affordability challenges; thus, downsizing to tiny homes has become an economic necessity for some.
Oregon: Tiny living is popular in cities that are big on the arts, with Portland the most popular US city for tiny living. There are also high costs of living associated with urban areas.
Texas: Many tiny home communities have popped up over the last few years to cope with the housing crisis.
Colorado: The tiny home movement has seen lots of traction in Colorado, thanks to the number of outdoor activities. When tiny home owner saves money by downsizing, they have more money for activities.
Florida: Sarasota, Florida, is the third popular US city for tiny living and many owners continually post photos from their tiny home world. Orlando Lakefront lets tiny homeowners easily park their houses legally.
California: The Golden State is the most popular state for living in a tiny house. City officials turned to tiny home villages and the tiny home lifestyle to solve homelessness and housing shortage or high rent in larger cities.
How to Live in a Tiny House
Here are a few things to think about when opting for tiny home life.
Use the outdoors as an extension: You have to like the outdoors, which is the same worldwide.
Find your own space: Spaces are limited, so find your own corner quarters when there are two of you.
Bedroom Challenges: A loft often houses a bed, yet you lose most of your bedroom area; it is a tight squeeze yet comfortable.
Septic Systems: Traditional homes have a regular bathroom and toilet. While major conveniences, you can lose all this with your tiny home. Laundry can pose challenges as there isn’t room for a machine.
Limited Closet Space: Many owners limit clothes in the closet and create unique wardrobes made up of a limited set of clothing.
Storage Challenges: You can find lots of storage space when you get creative.
Keep a Supply of Wood: Based on your location, you may have a stove for cooking and heating. You need to be completely obsessed with getting wood all year round.
Financial Freedom
There’s mostly no mortgage for a tiny house, and add to this, with all the windows and using the outdoors more often, electric bills can be lower. Many constantly think about space, and as a result, you are financially aware of what you need and what you don’t.
