Price of Housing Modules in Argentina (2026): Real Cost Guide
How much a folding housing module costs in Argentina in 2026. Breakdown by type, comparison with alternatives and factors affecting the final price.
How much does a housing module cost in Argentina?
The price of a folding housing module in Argentina in 2026 depends on the quantity, the configuration and the delivery destination. For expandable modules with a larger surface (34.6 m²), the range is significantly higher than the standard 13.4 m² folding module.
These values correspond to new modules with CE certification, designed from the ground up to be habitable. They are different from adapted recycled ISO containers, which have a lower initial price but a significantly higher total cost once the necessary modifications are considered.
Breakdown by module type
Standard folding module (18 m²)
The folding module is the most popular for mining camps, construction sites and rural uses. Its main features:
- Surface: 13.4 m² deployed
- Installation: 15 minutes, two people
- Transport: up to 12 units per 40-foot container
- Weight: 1,100 kg per unit
The price range depends mainly on the interior equipment (basic, with integrated bathroom, with air conditioning) and the number of modules in the order. The higher the volume, the lower the unit price.
Expandable module (38 m²)
The expandable module travels folded and opens its side wings at destination, offering more space. It is the option when more surface per unit is needed.
- Deployed surface: 34.6 m²
- Installation: 10 minutes at destination
- Transport: 2 units per 40-foot container
- Reference price: higher than the folding one, due to the expansion system
For a specific quote on the expandable, we recommend consulting directly since the price varies by configuration.
What the module price includes
A new housing module quoted in Argentina includes, as standard:
- Q235B steel structure
- 50 mm rock-wool panel (density 65 kg/m³, Class A fire resistance)
- Vinyl or laminate flooring
- Interior panels
- Windows and doors with metalwork
- Internal electrical system (wiring and panel)
- LED lighting
- Ventilation
What is typically not included in the base price: air conditioning, heating, water network connection, plumbing installation, and the delivery freight to the destination.
Real cost vs. list price
The most common mistake when evaluating housing modules is to compare only the list price without considering the total cost at the point of use.
For a folding module of USD 6,500, the total cost to a site in San Juan or Neuquén includes:
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Module price | Depends on the order volume |
| Freight Mendoza → destination | Variable by distance and quantity |
| Installation | USD 0 (15 min, 2 people) |
| Connections (water, electricity) | Variable by site |
The freight cost is diluted when 12 modules are shipped in a single 40-foot container. A 12-unit camp pays the same transport freight as a 1-unit one.
Comparison with alternatives
New folding module vs. recycled ISO container
The recycled ISO container seems cheaper in the initial price. However, to make a second-hand maritime container habitable you have to add: treatment of toxic anti-corrosion paints (lead, chromate), thermal insulation, electrical system and interior carpentry.
The result also has no housing certification (CE, SGS), and the transport logistics are significantly more expensive: 1 container per truck, vs. 12 folding modules per 40-foot container.
New folding module vs. prefab construction
A prefab construction requires a concrete base, several days of installation and cannot be relocated. For projects of finite duration (construction sites, camps), it makes no economic sense.
Factors affecting the final price
Number of modules: the biggest negotiating factor. Higher-volume orders get a better unit price.
Equipment: the interior configuration (integrated bathroom, climate control, bed type) impacts the final price.
Configuration: stackable modules (with certified stacking frames) have different specifications from the plant standard.
Delivery time: typical delivery is 2 to 3 months from order confirmation (import and logistics included).
Destination: the freight to the point of use is the most variable component. The advantage of the folding module is that it dilutes that cost by transporting 12 units in a 40-foot container.
How to quote correctly
To get a real and comparable price, you need to inform the supplier of:
- Number of modules and type (dormitory, bathroom, dining hall, office)
- Required equipment per module (basic / with bathroom / equipped)
- Delivery destination (municipality or site)
- Required delivery time
- Stacking configuration (if the camp goes 2 or 3 floors)
With that information, a serious supplier can deliver a firm price in 24–48 hours.
To inquire about prices of folding housing modules available in Argentina and get a quote for your project, you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or fill out the form in our quote section.
