Boxabl Baby Box vs. Casita: Which Model Is Right for You?
Two Very Different Paths to a Boxabl Home
The Boxabl Baby Box and the One Bedroom Casita may look like "small" and "medium" versions of the same thing — but they're fundamentally different products with different rules, different foundation needs, and different project paths.
Understanding these differences upfront saves you months of confusion and thousands in unexpected costs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Baby Box 120 RV | One Bedroom Casita |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BXB-000029 | BXB-000009 |
| Monthly Price | From $399/mo* | From $1,150/mo* |
| Square Footage | 120 sq ft | 722 sq ft |
| Floor Plan | Towable Studio | 1 Bed / 1 Bath |
| Classification | Recreational Vehicle (NFPA 1192) | Permanent Dwelling (IBC/IRC) |
| Foundation | Support pad / leveling | Engineered permanent foundation |
| Delivery | Tow with standard hitch | Crane/telehandler required |
| Permitting | Varies — RV vs. structure | Standard building permit |
| Wind Rating | 75+ MPH Exp B/C | 140/120 MPH Exp B/C |
| Ceiling Height | 8'2" | 9'6" |
Boxabl's advertised estimates, subject to change.
The Classification Question
This is the single biggest difference and it affects everything downstream.
The Baby Box is classified as a Recreational Vehicle under NFPA 1192. It has an integrated chassis, adjustable suspension, a foldable tow hitch, and leveling jacks. Some jurisdictions treat it like a travel trailer — others may require it to meet accessory structure or ADU codes for long-term placement.
The One Bedroom Casita is a permanent dwelling built to IBC/IRC standards with ICC-ES ESR-4725 certified SIP panels. It's treated like a site-built home by building departments nationwide.
Foundation Requirements
Baby Box: The foundation path depends entirely on how your jurisdiction classifies it and how long you plan to keep it on-site. Options range from a simple gravel pad with leveling to a full engineered support plan. See our Baby Box foundation guide →
Casita: Needs a PE-stamped permanent foundation — slab, crawlspace, pier & beam, or grade beam. No ambiguity. Our engineering packages start at $749 and include everything your building department needs for a permit.
Who Should Choose the Baby Box?
The Baby Box makes sense if you want a guest house or home office that you might relocate later, if you're testing the Boxabl concept before committing to a larger model, if your property can't support a permanent structure due to zoning, or if you want the lowest entry point into Boxabl ownership.
Who Should Choose the Casita?
The Casita is the better fit if you need a full-time primary or secondary residence, if you want to build equity with a permanent structure, if you need a full kitchen, separate bedroom, and 9'6" ceilings, or if your jurisdiction requires a permanent foundation for ADU or dwelling approval.
Can You Start With a Baby Box and Add a Casita Later?
Yes — and this is actually a smart strategy. Place a Baby Box on your property while you work through permitting and foundation engineering for a Casita. You've got a place to stay during the build process, and the Baby Box can become a guest unit or home office once the Casita is installed.
Bottom Line
If you're not sure which model fits your situation, the first step is figuring out how your jurisdiction will classify the project. That's something we help with every day. Contact us for a free fit check →
Compare all four models on our Boxabl Models page → or estimate your costs with our Cost Calculator →.
Need Foundation Plans for Your Boxabl?
PE-stamped, permit-ready foundation engineering starting at $749. Licensed in 39 states.