Table of Contents
- What’s the Average Cost of a Storage Unit?
- What Factors Affect the Cost of a Storage Unit?
- Average Storage Unit Costs by Size (2025)
- Average Storage Unit Costs by U.S. City (2025)
- Fees to Expect On Your Monthly Bill
- Average Storage Unit Cost by Type of Unit
- The Bottom Line: Understanding Storage Unit Pricing in 2025
- FAQs
It’s that time of year: the calm before the holiday frenzy. We all know that the holidays bring more stuff—decor, gifts, plus those cozy extras to get your home ready to host. While you don’t have to clutter up your house, you might be wondering if self-storage is really worth the monthly cost. Here’s your quick, no-nonsense guide to storage unit prices in 2025, how monthly rent is calculated, and smart tips to snag the best deal for any size or type of storage space.
What’s the Average Cost of a Storage Unit?
In 2025, most people pay between $70 and $300 per month for their monthly rent. Here’s how self-storage prices break down by storage unit size:
Average monthly cost: $70–$300+
Small storage units (5x5–5x10 square feet): $60–$80/month
Medium units (5x15–10x15 square feet): $120–$170/month
Large units (10x20–10x30 square feet): $210–$300+/month
National average price for a 10x10 unit: ~$180/month
Climate-controlled storage unit: Higher monthly fees than standard units
Vehicle & boat storage space: $100–$250+/month
Note: These are estimated averages. Storage unit prices in this article are updated annually. All prices are for reference only and are subject to change without notice.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Storage Unit?
The monthly rent for a storage unit is influenced by:
Storage unit size: Larger units cost more than smaller units, but offer more square footage for big moves or long-term storage.
Location: Self-storage facilities in high-demand or metro areas have higher average costs.
Climate-control: Expect to pay slightly more for units that maintain temperature and humidity for sensitive items.
Drive-up access: Convenient for loading, may increase your monthly cost.
Seasonal demand: Self-storage prices typically rise in summer and fall during peak moving and decluttering seasons.
Availability: Facilities with few open units may charge higher monthly rent.
Discounts & promotions: Storage Star self-storage facilities offer online specials or “first month free” deals. Find a Storage Star near you to ask about discounts and deals.
Average Storage Unit Costs by Size (2025)
Generally, the larger a storage unit is, the higher its cost will be. The average monthly price for storage unit sizes with Storage Star is:
Storage Unit Size | Standard Unit | Drive-Up Access | Climate-Controlled | Good For |
5x5 | $25-$90/mo | $25-$90/mo | $25-$90/mo | Seasonal gear, small boxes, tools, decluttering closets |
5x10 | $40-$100/mo | $40-$100/mo | $40-$100/mo | Extra furniture, sporting goods, small appliances |
10x10 | $100-$200/mo | $100-$200/mo | $100-$200/mo | 1‑2 bedroom apartment contents, business inventory, mid‑sized furniture |
10x15 | $120-$300/mo | $120-$300/mo | $120-$300/mo | Larger furniture, appliances, ATVs, small PWCs, mixed use storage |
10x20 | $150-$400/mo | $150-$400/mo | $150-$400/mo | Vehicles, RVs, large business storage, full household moves |
10x30 | $120-$230/mo | $120-$230/mo | $120-$230/mo | Full house contents, commercial inventory, multiple vehicles, long-term storage |
Covered Parking | $30-$130/mo | $30-$130/mo | $30-$130/mo | ATVs, jet skis, and other PWCs, commercial vehicles, cars, and trailers |
Not sure what size storage unit to choose? Use our storage unit size guide to help you decide, or call a storage facility near you to discuss your needs.
Average Storage Unit Costs by U.S. City (2025)
Self-storage prices also vary by city and season. At Storage Star, we offer special promotions and discounts for online rentals. Check out the current rates below for some of our popular locations, so you can budget smart and compare before you rent:
Location | Small Units (e.g. 5×5–5×10) | Mid Units (10×10–10×15) | Large Units (10×20+) | Facility |
$18-$42/mo | $66-$106/mo | $132-$414/mo | ||
$23-$46/mo | $75-$130/mo | $120-$239/mo | ||
$25-$64/mo | $82-$128/mo | $148-$232/mo | ||
$74-$93/mo | $94-$122/mo | $136-$145/mo | ||
$40-$55/mo | $66-$72/mo | $80-$290/mo | ||
~$53/mo | $67-$84/mo | $78-$134/mo |
Fees to Expect On Your Monthly Bill
We’re all about being upfront and honest with our storage rental customers. We want you to know all of the fees that may appear on your bill so there are no surprises.
One-time administrative fees: $10–$25 setup charge
Insurance: Required by most self-storage facilities, typically $10–$25/month
Taxes: Vary by region
Late fees: Apply if you miss your monthly rent payment
Talk to your local Storage Star facility to ask about insurance, taxes, and fees, along with the facility’s active discounts and deals.
How to Save on Your Self-Storage Unit
Compare storage unit size and pricing across multiple self-storage facilities.
Reserve online to take advantage of lower self-storage prices and deals.
Watch for specials like “first month free” or discounted monthly rent.
Select the right size of the storage unit to avoid paying for unnecessary square footage.
Ask about referral, student, or military discounts.
Average Storage Unit Cost by Type of Unit
While how you use one of our storage units doesn’t impact your monthly fees, you may be able to secure a discount or special deal. Some locations may offer student discounts, deals on bulk rentals for businesses, and more!
How Much Does Business Storage Cost?
Business owners love Storage Star for our flexible leases and a range of unit sizes—perfect for extra inventory, documents, equipment, or even overflow furniture. Monthly costs typically range from $60 for a small storage unit up to $300+ for larger spaces or climate-controlled units. We also offer covered parking spaces for commercial trucks and trailers. Drive-up access is available for busy teams that need fast, convenient access.
How Much Does Student Storage Cost?
Student storage at Storage Star is designed for flexibility and affordability—great for summer breaks, semester abroad, or off-campus transitions. Most students need smaller units (5x5 or 5x10), with monthly costs ranging from just $30 to $70, depending on location, size, and whether you need climate control for electronics or sensitive items. Besides the affordable monthly storage fees, we operate on a month-to-month basis. So if things change, you can pack up and haul out with ease.
How Much Does Vehicle Storage Cost?
Storage Star offers secure, gated storage units for cars, motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs, with both outdoor parking and enclosed spaces available. Vehicle storage monthly rent typically starts around $75 for small vehicles, with large RV storage reaching $250+ per month, especially for enclosed, climate-controlled, or premium-access spots. Find a Storage Star near you to view our storage unit prices.
How Much Does Boat Storage Cost?
Storing a boat at Storage Star typically costs between $100 and $300 per month, depending on the size of your boat, the type of storage (outdoor, covered, or enclosed), and your location. You may be able to rent a smaller unit to store jet skis, canoes, and kayaks. Outdoor parking is the most affordable option, while enclosed storage units offer the most protection at a higher monthly cost. Always check with your local Storage Star facility for exact rates and availability.
How Much Does Drive-Up Storage Cost?
Drive-up access at Storage Star lets you roll right to your unit—ideal for heavy furniture, business deliveries, or quick loading and unloading. Drive-up units are available in most sizes, with monthly rent typically starting at $40 for smaller units and reaching $200 or more for large units, depending on local demand. Find the storage facility closest to you to check out storage prices.
How Much Does Climate-Controlled Storage Cost?
Climate-controlled storage at Storage Star provides extra protection for electronics, artwork, antiques, and anything sensitive to heat or humidity. Expect to pay slightly more for a temperature-controlled unit than standard units. Monthly fees start around $60 for a small climate-controlled unit, while large climate-controlled units can go above $200—especially in peak seasons or metro areas. Find the storage facility closest to you to check out monthly specials.
The Bottom Line: Understanding Storage Unit Pricing in 2025
The average price for a self-storage unit in 2025 ranges from about $70-$180 per month, but the actual monthly cost depends on the size of the storage unit, location, type of storage, and any additional fees. To find the best deal, inquire about current specials and select the storage unit size that best suits your needs.
Ready to reclaim your space? Reserve a storage unit online and lock in the best monthly cost today!
FAQs
Is climate-controlled storage more expensive than a standard unit?
Yes. On average, it’s about 17% more expensive to rent a temperature-controlled unit than a non-climate-controlled one. Depending on the location closest to you, you may find specials that bring the monthly price down. Check online or call your local Storage Star to ask about discounts and monthly fees.
Learn what climate-controlled storage is and why it typically costs more.
Do drive-up units cost more than a unit with hallway access?
The location of the unit within a facility typically doesn’t have an impact on price. What affects storage unit cost is the availability of our units. Location also plays a large role in storage unit prices.
Are vehicle storage units more expensive than standard, large units?
That depends on the type of unit you need. If you need straightforward storage for your ATV, consider a covered outdoor parking unit, which is typically more cost-effective than an indoor unit. If you need climate-controlled storage for your collectible car, or you’d just like a safer storage option for your RV, then you’ll want to choose a large indoor unit.
Can I rent a storage unit just for the holidays?
Absolutely! We operate on a month-to-month basis, so you’re never locked into a long-term contract, unless you want to be! You may be able to lock in a better rate the longer you sign up, so ask your local facility about specials.
What will I need to rent a storage unit?
You’ll need to bring a government-issued ID like a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. We also require renters’ insurance to better protect your belongings.