Cabin, Tiny Home, or Yurt? Choosing the Right Off-Grid Structure for Your Land

Planning for how to use your land starts before you buy. If you are looking to build an off-grid experience then you probably have ideas in mind for what kind of structure you are going to want on it.

When you’re going off-grid, your shelter isn’t just a roof over your head—it’s the heart of your self-sufficient setup. But what’s the right structure for your goals, lifestyle, and budget?

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and costs of three popular off-grid housing options: cabins, tiny homes, and yurts—plus a few real product examples and price ranges to help you make the call.

🏡 1. The Cabin: Classic, Cozy, and Long-Term

Best for:

• Year-round living

• Harsh weather climates

• Buyers seeking a permanent, traditional structure

Why Choose It:

Cabins offer durability, insulation, and the feel of a true home. They’re ideal for long-term use and can add significant value to your land.

Starter Options & Costs:

• DIY Cabin Kits like the Allwood Avalon Cabin Kit (540 sq ft) run around $33,000

• A smaller Timber Frame Bunkie Kit (100–200 sq ft) can cost $6,000–$12,000

• Custom Builds can range from $100–$200+ per square foot, depending on materials and labor

Considerations:

• May require building permits depending on location

• Can be labor- or contractor-intensive

• Excellent insulation and weather protection

Image Source: Allwood Avalon Cabin Kit

🏠 2. The Tiny Home: Stylish, Efficient, and Portable

Best for:

• Minimalist living

• Buyers seeking flexibility or mobility

• Warmer climates or seasonal use

Why Choose It:

Tiny homes are modern, efficient, and often built on trailers for mobility. They’re perfect for those who want to live light, with lower utility needs and quicker move-in timelines.

Starter Options & Costs:

• Tumbleweed Tiny Homes start around $85,000+ turnkey

• Prefab Tiny Homes and container homes can be found for $25,000–$60,000

• DIY trailers or kits can bring costs down to $15,000–$30,000, especially if you handle the build

Considerations:

• May need a trailer or RV certification to meet codes

• Space is limited—great for singles, couples, or short-term use

• Great for solar setups and water tanks

Image Source: Tumbleweed Tiny Homes

🛖 3. The Yurt: Simple, Affordable, and Earthy

Best for:

• Seasonal or weekend getaways

• Nature lovers, off-grid adventurers

• Those on a tight budget or just starting out

Why Choose It:

Yurts are lightweight, portable, and blend beautifully with the landscape. They’re quick to set up and often don’t require foundations or permits (check local regulations). With a solid platform and insulation upgrades, they can even work year-round.

Starter Options & Costs:

• Colorado Yurt Company yurts start around $10,000–$15,000

• Pacific Yurts offer deluxe kits from $12,000–$30,000+, depending on size

• Basic, uninsulated yurts or glamping tents can be found for $3,000–$8,000

Considerations:

• Not as durable in extreme cold/snow without upgrades

• Minimal security or long-term value add

• Fast setup and minimal footprint

Image Source: Colorado Yurt Company

🧭 So Which One Should You Choose?

Ask yourself:

• Will you use the land year-round or seasonally?

• What’s your budget now—and over time?

• Do you plan to grow your setup, or keep it simple?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Structure	Cost Range	Setup Time	Durability	Year-Round Use
Cabin	$6,000–$100K+	Weeks–Months	High	Yes
Tiny Home	$15,000–$85K	Days–Weeks	Medium–High	Yes (insulated)
Yurt	$3,000–$30K	1–3 Days	Low–Medium	Maybe (with upgrades)

🌿 Final Thoughts

No matter what you plan to build it's important to ensure that local zoning. This happens at the county level and if the property is part of a HOA or POA, it's important to check for any restrictions there too. Whether it’s a simple yurt to spend weekends off-grid, or a fully insulated tiny home with solar panels, your first structure is a big step in turning your land into a lifestyle.

That off-grid land is out there and it's more affordable than you may think! At Easton Land Works, we can help you find the right land that meets your vision—whether that’s a quiet weekend escape or full-time off-grid living. If you’re looking for the right parcel we are here to help. Check out our active listings that may meet your off-grid needs.