You can buy a private island in US for less than the average cost of a new house - it still has all modern conveniences

ISLAND life could be in your future for less than the average cost of a house in the United States.

Private islands are surprisingly common in America's waterways and coastal areas, and quite a few are listed around the cost of a house in today's market.

These islands are open to be purchased for private or commercial use and vary in their zoning to be built upon.

Many of these islands can even be fitted for full amenities like plumbing and electricity, even in the most remote locations.

With the average cost of houses coming in at $410,200 in June of 2023, these islands come in under that price tag, even with existing structures.

Howard Island, Michigan

At 12 miles from the Canadian border at the far tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this island is barely in the United States at all.

It recently sold after being listed at $395,000 for land with a two-bedroom cottage already erected.

The listing boasted "a fireplace, knotty pine interior, large windows looking out on the bay, newly remodeled bathroom, and a new septic tank and field."

The property also came with a guest house nestled in the woods suitable for four people at a time.

The garage and boathouse are suitable for a yacht-size boat and other water vehicles, just a short trip from the Drummond Island Yacht Haven.

Kalgin Island, Alaska

This Alaska oasis is as close to private as you can get without having all of the land to yourself.

For $460,000, an off-grid five-acre lot can be all yours with a beachfront view.

Although there are technically neighbors, the listing claims that the landowner would only see them if they really wanted to.

Located in the middle of Cook Inlet off the Kenai Peninsula and about 85 miles by boat to Anchorage, the lot has since been purchased but can be rented at a weekly price of $4,500.

The listing says the land is a "critical wildlife habitat" meaning the nearest neighbor is two miles away.

At 2,600 square feet, the lodge on the property is a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, meant to be rented in the summer for fishing season.

The Carolina Cays, North Carolina

Starting at $399,000, there are 24 different private islands for sale, all around 10 acres in size.

They are off the coast of the Outer Banks of North Carolina but sit at 12 feet above sea level.

Their high elevation means that building and development is possible on the land.

The listing claims that the land has access to "unlimited natural resources," having been a fishing village since the 1500s.

Each island is near the Virginia Dare Bridge boat launch and minutes away from restaurants, docks, and other mainland amenities.

Greer Island, Maine

Off the eastern coast of Vinalhaven Island at the edge of Penobscot Bay, this five-acre lot is purchasable for $395,000.

The landowner is able to build an additional 600-square-foot structure on the property.

There is already an existing small building near the shore of the island that the listing suggests could be a guest house or studio of sorts.

Although secluded and private, the island is not completely cut off from resources.

At low tide, a sandbar connecting to the main island is walkable and it is just a short trip to Carver's Harbor and a ferry.