With U.S. housing prices skyrocketing, you likely believe you’ll never own a home. However, there’s hope. Plenty of cheaper options exists in the market today. Any of these alternative houses could become your future home. Read on to learn more about ten of them.

1. Shipping Container

There are plenty of reasons that building a home from an old shipping container has become a popular trend. The building materials are cheaper. Some builders have set up these homes for as little as $10,000. It’s also more eco-friendly. Fewer trees get chopped down or metals mined when you choose recycled building materials.

2. RV

Many people write off RVs. They believe that these are only for those on the lower end of the economic scale. However, by doing so, they’re missing out on this home model’s many benefits. Unlike most other homes, most RVs are mobile. This feature makes it perfect for those that long to travel. Plus, there are many luxury versions today. These can have jacuzzis, canopies, expandable spaces, and much more.  However, the cheaper models can be quite comfortable as well. All it takes is a bit of interior design creativity.

3. Wooden Pallet

Wooden pallets are another eco-friendly home construction material option. To a degree, it’s not much different from using regular wood to build a home. The biggest difference is actually a benefit. The wood has already been formed into handy panels. This will make it easier to stick them together. If you don’t prefer the pallet shape, that’s alright. It’s also possible to disassemble them and use the planks to form walls or flooring. You’ll also reap the same benefits from this as you would a regular wooden home. These include the material’s insulation properties, aesthetic appeal, and more.

4. Barndo or Barndominium

Barndos are living spaces made from former barns. This housing concept first came into the spotlight on the HGTV show Fixer Upper. Since then, many people have opted to use it.  One reason is the look. People have always associated barns with the western or cowboy style of living. Those who love this aesthetic are likely to choose a barndo. If living where animals once lived seems unsanitary to you, though, there is another option. Many of the best barndos today are new construction homes. As a bonus, these versions are still relatively cheap.

5. Yurt

Nomadic groups in Central Asia have used yurts for thousands of years. This building type is, in essence, a much sturdier tent.  Don’t let that turn you off, though. They can still be quite comfortable. Many styles of yurt have fireplaces, windows, decks, and more. It only takes a few days to assemble this style of home. Taking it down, moving it somewhere else, and setting it up again is also an effortless task. The best part is that the cheapest yurts only cost a few thousand dollars.

6. Cob

If you think wood or metal is too expensive, consider using cob. It’s a housing material made of earth and straw.  The look of these homes is like adobe, but the construction is different. Workers build adobe homes by stacking bricks of the material. They assemble cob ones by applying the material in large handfuls to a natural re-bar structure. While this home construction option may seem fragile, it can actually last for several years. It also has excellent sound insulation abilities and remains cool in hot weather.

7. Tiny Home

Tiny homes have become very popular in recent years. People who get them usually do so because they want to live less materialistically. However, they’re also great for people who want cheap housing. Pre-built versions of these homes exist. However, many people like to take the DIY option. You can also buy a kit if you don’t want to put up with searching for the materials. Plus, buying fewer building materials isn’t the only money-saving benefit. As tiny homes use less electricity on average, you can save on energy bills.

8. Straw Houses

When you read the term ‘straw house,’ your mind probably goes to the Three Little Pigs version. The real version of these homes is actually quite different. The strawbales used in this construction method are usually not visible from the outside. Rather, they’re stacked up and then covered with another material like plaster. Straw is also a byproduct of wheat farming that’s often thrown away. Thus, instead of letting it go to waste, you’re putting it to good use. Other benefits of straw include its cheapness, low toxicity, and excellent insulation properties.

9. House Boat

Here’s another option for travelers. It’s especially nice for those who long to see the world rather than just their country. Yes, brand new houseboats can get pricey. Many cost tens of thousands. However, they’re still cheaper than many of the homes currently on the market. You can also save on electricity prices by outfitting your boat with solar panels.

10. Tree House

A treehouse can be expensive or cheap, depending on the size and materials used to build it. It also doesn’t have many of the benefits that the other homes on this list do. For instance, it’s not mobile or easy to build.

It still has benefits, but most of them are more emotional than practical. A treehouse can get you closer to nature. This, as experts have proven, improves your day-to-day mood.

Living in a treehouse can also give you a certain thrill. You’ll get to feel like a kid again every time you step inside.

Learn How to Spruce up Alternative Houses With Our Other Articles

Keep in mind that you don’t have to use these building materials separately. You can definitely make a tiny home out of a cob or build it in a tree. There are also plenty of other premade items that you can turn into alternative houses. You can get the home of your dreams without breaking the bank. All it takes is some creativity, interior design skills, and house building know-how. If you don’t have the latter two, consider looking at our other articles. We post plenty of informative articles daily.