How Much Does It Cost to Build a Yurt in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, building a yurt costs $35,000, but it can range anywhere from $13,000 to $75,000, depending on your choices. Most homeowners spend between $18,500 and $53,000. 

The total price is influenced by factors like the size of your yurt, the materials you pick, insulation, and any extra features like windows, doors, or interior amenities you might want. Careful budgeting is essential to include all possible expenses, such as labor, permits, and delivery fees. Bringing in a professional yurt builder can streamline everything and ensure your yurt is built safely and efficiently. 

Yurt Building Cost Factors

Most yurts are constructed from kits manufactured by specialty builders and shipped to the customer upon completion. It is also possible to construct a yurt from scratch or purchase individual components. Regardless of whether you purchase a kit, certain elements such as the yurt's base platform, deck, plumbing, electrical systems, interior walls, and amenities are built on-site. Here’s a closer look at the factors that impact your yurt’s total cost.

Size

The cost to build a yurt ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot, based on how customized and finished you want your space to be.

Base Platform

Every yurt requires a base platform. A standard base platform costs between $3,000 and $7,000, while a Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) base, which is fully insulated for colder climates, ranges from $14,000 to $20,000.

The base platform provides the foundation upon which the yurt is built. The latticework attaches to it, and the walls are secured beneath it to create a seal against weather and pests. You will need to choose between wood and composite materials for the platform. While composite options like Trex may cost more initially, they do not deteriorate like wood and are resistant to pests. Concrete footings are necessary for stability.

Insulation

Insulation costs for a yurt range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the style and how much you use it. Most manufacturers recommend insulating the floor with rigid foam, blocking off any openings under the structure, and installing radiant heat barrier insulation in the walls. They usually sell custom wall and roof insulation and liners. Here are the costs for different types of insulation

• Batt and roll: $0.30–$1 per sq. ft.

• Spray foam: $0.50–$6.00 per sq. ft.

• Radiant heat barrier: $0.10–$1.00 per sq. ft.

• Rigid foam: $0.25–$0.50 per sq. ft.

Structural Reinforcement

Structural reinforcements beyond the standard latticework walls cost $1,500 to $7,500 extra, depending on whether you install them yourself or have a pro do them. If you live in an area with extreme weather, you’ll want to reinforce your yurt with larger rafters, compression ring-to-rafter brackets, or studs around the perimeter.

Roofing

All yurt kits come with a basic roof. However, if you are replacing a roof, building your own, or upgrading to a more durable model, you may spend significantly more. Roofing options range from $1,700 to $20,000, not including shipping costs. The higher-end options are reinforced for harsh climates and have longer lifespans. These are the various yurt roofing costs:

• Top cover: $1,700–$7,000

• Roof liner: $400–$2,000

• Metal roof: $5,000–$24,000

Windows and Doors

Most yurt kits come with basic plastic windows and a standard door, but you may want to upgrade for additional light or premium materials, like wood and glass. Based on your preferences, here are some additional window and door costs you may incur. 

• Extra basic plastic windows: $100–$500 each

• Glass windows: $1,500–$5,000 each

• French or Dutch door: $500–$900 each

• Custom doors: $500–$900 each

Additional Features

Additional features for your yurt can vary widely in cost. Basic comfort features range from $50 to $2,000. Conversely, installing a full bathroom, kitchen, deck, and outdoor living space can add $50,000 or more to your build. Essentially, you have the flexibility to make living in a yurt as simple or as luxurious as you desire by including various additions both inside and outside. The total costs will depend on your investment choices. These are the costs of some common additional yurt features:

• Kitchen installation cost: $10,000–$20,000

• Bathroom installation cost: $5,000–$15,000

• Deck building cost: $4,300–$12,600

• Wood stove and flashing: $950–$4,100

• Fan mount cost: $50–$75

• Snow and wind kit: $600–$1,600

• Gutters cost: $400–$1,200

• Water tank: $400–$1,200

Labor

Labor costs for building a yurt range from $2,000 to $5,000. However, additions such as a deck, glass windows, doors, a kitchen, or a bathroom can increase labor expenses to $20,000 or more. Constructing a yurt from scratch significantly increases labor costs, whereas kits can be assembled in a day. The location of the build also affects labor costs; remote locations tend to increase expenses.

Delivery

Delivery costs $500 to $2,000. If you have a large truck delivering a kit to a remote location, expect to pay a little more. Distance factors in: the farther your materials travel, the more you’ll pay. If you hire a local contractor to perform the build, they may bring the materials with them and wrap them into the job's overall cost.

Permits

Building permits cost $530 to $3,040. Small yurts, usually those under 200 square feet, may not require a building permit. Regulations can vary significantly in rural and remote areas. It is important to check with your local municipal code enforcement agency to determine the specific requirements in your area. A contractor can also provide guidance on any necessary permits.

DIY vs. Hiring a Yurt Pro

Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional yurt builder depends on your budget and desired level of involvement. Hiring a professional general contractor who manufactures and installs kits may cost less overall than a DIY approach. For a DIY installation, costs range from $7,500 to $35,000. In contrast, hiring a professional costs approximately $11,500 to $44,000.

Most companies that supply kits also provide:

• Plans for permits or DIY projects

• Base platforms and plans

• Delivery services

• Installation services

Many owners buy kits and install them as a DIY project, then hire a contractor to customize the interior once installed. Hire a local yurt builder for the kitchen and deck and to install plumbing, air conditioning, and sewer systems. Leave electrical components to a professional contractor.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.