As the prefab and modular home industry grows in popularity in the United States, several companies have staked their claim as providers of affordable prefab and modular homes. One of the primary benefits of prefab and modular home construction is that a majority of the construction process occurs off-site, in specialized facilities, allowing for a more precise manufacturing process. This minimizes the risk of cost-overruns and allows companies to offer homes at a good value.

We would not necessarily call these cheap prefab homes or cheap modular homes - for us, that connotes poor quality and value. But depending on your location, prefab construction (which includes modular homes, kit homes, and manufactured homes), can be cheaper than traditional, site-built homes, all while maintaining a high degree of workmanship and aesthetics.

Our list of the best affordable prefab homes features homes with styles such as cabins, affordable modern, barn homes, ranches, and even affordable custom homes, that range in cost from $160,000 - $890,000. Our list of price-competitive prefab homes continues below, with information on various prefab home types, like affordable modular homes and cheap kit homes. For advice specific to your project, connect with one of our prefab concierge representatives here.

Best Affordable Prefab Homes - (Modular Homes, Kit Homes, Manufactured Homes)

Affordable Prefab Cabin

Gastineau Log Homes - Windswept

• 3 beds, 2 baths, 2,568 sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $336,180 - $568,920

• Average Home Cost Estimate: $130 - $220+ per sqft

• Offer affordable log home kits in a variety of sizes, styles, and degrees of included materials

• Service area: United States

Affordable Prefab Barn Home

Sand Creek Post & Beam - Combination Barn Home

• 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 1,920 sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $294,000

• Average Home Cost Estimate: $135 - $225 per sqft

• Offer standard and custom barn home and farm home designs which are shipped as material kits

• Service area: United States

Affordable Modern Prefab Home / Affordable Modern Modular Home

Ma Modular - Luna

• 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,500  sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $337,000

• Average Home Cost Estimate: $165 - $250 per sqft

• Offer 12 high-end, affordable modern prefab home designs that feature upgraded finishes and appliances

• Service area: CA, WA, OR, CO, UT, NV, WY, ID, MT, TX, LA, VA, DE, MD, PA, NY, NJ

Affordable Kit Home

Avrame - Trio 120

• 4 beds, 2 baths, 1,300 sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $232,000

• Average Home Cost Estimate: $100 - $240 per sqft

• Offer 12 models of A-Frame home kits, which can be assembled by DIY-inclined buyers

• Service area: United States

Affordable Custom Prefab Home / Affordable Custom Modular Home

Go Homes by Go Logic - 1800

• 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 1,811  sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $432,000+

• Average Home Cost Estimate: $220 - $300+ per sqft

• Specialize in energy-efficient homes with a modern farmhouse aesthetic

• Service area: New England

Affordable Prefab Ranch

Next Modular - Sunnybrook Ranch

• 3 beds, 2 baths 1,456 sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $161,384

• Average Home Cost Estimate: $75 - $150 per sqft

• Specialize in traditional home designs and offer turn-key building services on local projects resulting in affordable modular homes

• Service area: IN, MI, OH, IL

Affordable Manufactured Home

 Champion Homes - Creekside Manor 3443R

• 3 beds, 2 baths 1,027 sqft

• Turn-key Cost Estimate: $156,000 - $203,000

• Average Home Cost Estimate: 115 - $260 per sqft

• Design, manufacture, and sell affordable manufactured homes built to HUD standards through a nationwide network of home retailers

• Service area: United States



Comparing Affordable Modular Homes & Affordable Prefab Homes by Style

Related Information for Building Affordable Prefab and Modular Homes

Are manufactured homes cheaper than modular or other prefab home types?

In most cases, manufactured homes are less expensive than modular homes. A manufactured home from a large manufactured home company like Champion Homes, Jacobsen Homes, or Redman Homes can start as low as $80 per square foot and increase to $180+ per square foot.

Our selection of affordable prefab and modular homes does not include manufactured homes. While it is true that they are often cheaper than other prefab homes (even kit homes), manufactured homes have 2 distinct financial differences from other types of prefab homes. Even though manufactured homes are typically more affordable than other construction types, they are often ineligible for standard construction financing and in the long-run, do not appraise like other types of prefab or site-built homes.

Is it cheaper to build a prefab home compared to a site-built home?

Depending on your location and project type, it can be cheaper to build a prefabricated home than build a standard, site-built home. For buyers located in areas with high labor costs like the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, the New York Metro area, and other large cities and suburbs, prefab construction can be cheaper by allowing aspects of the building/manufacturing process to take place off-site, in an area with less-expensive labor.

Depending on your project type, a large part of the construction can take place off-site. In some cases, modular homes can be delivered to the final site up to 95% complete versus a panelized building kit which requires more local labor and therefore, will typically have a higher cost per square foot than other prefab projects. For a buyer located in a low-cost area, while prefab homes may not represent a significant cost savings, they often are quicker to build than standard homes because the the build-site can be prepared simultaneously with manufacturing, helping expedite the project timeline.

Can I build a kit home myself to save money?

Companies like Avrame, Everywhere, and Backcountry Hut Company offer kit home packages that contain the necessary components to build a prefab home. And while DIY-inclined buyers can assemble parts of the kits themselves to save on some steps of the project, it is often recommended, and in some cases required, that buyers work with a certified builder or general contractor on the project. This is especially necessary for tasks like laying a foundation and preparing utility connections. Other larger and more complex building kits, like some of those on our list of the best kit homes, are almost entirely contractor/builder built.

Where can I find more information on finding and building an affordable prefab and modular home?

For buyers looking for additional affordable prefab and modular homes, you may be interested in articles like:

• Prefab and Modular Homes Under $100k

• Best Tiny Homes 2021

• Best Shipping Container Home Builders