When California landslides damaged homes in their coastal Los Angeles suburb in September, Ben Zask and Peggy Sivert appeared to dodge a bullet. Their home — fortified with special beams designed to withstand landslides — was untouched.

But their odyssey was just beginning: While their home was safe, damage to nearby homes prompted utility officials to cut off service to the entire neighborhood, leaving them without power, water or internet service.

Don't miss

• Social Security isn’t enough: start collecting monthly retirement rent checks by becoming the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods and Kroger — and you can do it without lifting a finger

• Nervous about November? Use these 3 ‘shockproof assets’ to protect your retirement nest egg in 2025 — no matter who takes the White Houses

• Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes

Rather than pack up and move on, the couple joined a growing number of Americans making a break with modern utilities: They stayed put and decided to go off the grid, for good.

“The gas company and the electric company and the internet all pulled out, and whether they come back, I don’t know,” Peggy Sivert told Los Angeles television station KCAL. “But if they do, we won’t need them.”

Propane appliances, solar panels, energy storage, water collection and satellite-based Internet service are now part of the couple’s new normal. Initial costs for off-grid setups can be steep, but for those seeking independence — or for those forced into it, like Sivert and Zask— the investment can be worth it.

The number of American off-gridders is hard to know for sure, with estimates in a 2019 study of the phenomenon ranging from 180,000 to 750,000.

Those who make the choice aren’t always driven there by natural disasters, the study found. Some unplug for the simplicity of a life lived off the land, for independence, or as a hedge against social collapse.

Sound tempting? Remember, decisions to cut off aren’t made lightly, or cheaply.

The costs of leaving the grid

Living off the land may pay off in the long run, but the upfront costs are steep.

Consider solar power, the backbone of most off-grid lifestyles. Solar systems cost an average of $45,000 to $65,000, depending on home size and energy needs. Solar panels, high-capacity battery banks, backup systems, power inverters and other costs are all part of the mix. This guide breaks down the main costs.

Living off the grid also means finding alternative sources of essentials like water. Typically, off-grid homeowners will set up a rainwater collection system that channels water into a cistern with a purification system to make it safe for drinking. Average costs range from about $1,500 for basic setups to nearly $20,000 for high-capacity systems. The purification systems alone can range from $500 for basic filters to $3,000 for more advanced units with sediment and carbon filters.

Heating and cooking are huge considerations when cutting the utility cord. Sivert and Zask leaned into propane, a common choice for off-grid living. The cost of installing a propane tank depends on size and whether it must be installed above or below ground. You can expect to pay between $300 and $3,000 depending on the size of your tank, with refills depending on usage and location.

Going off-grid with propane means ensuring you have enough to cover heating, cooking and backup generator needs. Sivert and Zask also use propane to power their outdoor shower.

Read more: Why people who work with a financial advisor retire with an extra $1.3 million

Food and waste management

Retiring off-grid often means adapting to a more self-sufficient lifestyle, including growing food and managing waste. Heavy duty composting toilets, which eliminate the need for septic systems, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

And if you really want to go all in, you might consider investing in serious gardening equipment, seeds and soil if you’re ready to grow your own food.

For those considering a similar lifestyle, it’s essential to budget for the initial setup and ongoing maintenance. Solar panels can crack. Parts for your rainwater system or composting toilet can fail. And remember, even the most advanced systems will likely leave behind many of the creature comforts of always-on power.

The couple insists their investment is worthwhile. “We want to stay here, and we want to stay here no matter what,” Peggy Sivert says. “It’s going to be a home that’s prepared.”

What to read next

• Here's how much the average 60-year old American has in retirement savings — how does your nest egg compare?

• Suze Orman: If you think you're ready to retire, think again — 3 critical money moves to avoid a financial crisis in retirement

• I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 3 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.