How Much Does it Cost to Store a Car? [2025 Guide]

One of our top FAQs about car storage is, “How much does it cost to store a car?” With multiple storage options for vehicles, the cost depends on the storage solution, parking space or unit size, facility features, location, and more. The type of vehicle you’re storing can also impact the best vehicle storage option and the monthly price tag.

Our guide will walk you through the average cost of car storage and provide tips on how to make it more affordable.

Average Cost of Vehicle Storage

The cost of vehicle storage is greatly impacted by the city in which the vehicle is stored. 

How Much Does it Cost to Store a Car in a 10x20 self-storage unit? Here’s a quick snapshot of the average price for monthly vehicle storage at Storage Star (as of June 2025):

These prices are for non-climate-controlled options, but depending on your vehicle (such as a classic car), you may want to upgrade to climate control. These temperature-controlled storage units typically cost more than a standard drive-up unit, but will help preserve your classic and luxury vehicles.

Understanding Vehicle Storage Costs

Vehicle storage prices depend on many different factors. Before you decide on 

Parking Space or Unit Size

Like all storage options, the size of the parking space or unit will impact the cost. The smaller the unit, the less expensive the price. For vehicles, we recommend renting a 10x20 (even if you have a compact car). It will provide ample space to move around the vehicle.

For larger vehicles, such as oversized SUVs and work vans, you’ll want to opt for a 10x30. The car storage costs for a 10x30 will be higher.

The same goes for parking spaces: 20’ spaces will typically cost less than 30’ spaces. 

Storage Facility Location

How much does it cost to store a car in various locations? There are actually multiple location-based factors that will affect the price.

• Urban v. Rural: City or high-demand areas, including tourist destinations, tend to have higher prices. This is due to limited space in those areas and higher land costs. Rural or less populated areas often have lower rates.

• Weather & Climate: If you’re in a region with extreme weather, such as scorching heat, climate-controlled storage is more available and in demand. These units are more expensive.

• Proximity to Airports, Downtown Areas, or Highways: Storage near airports, downtown areas, or major highways may have higher rates. Self-storage facilities in these areas command a premium price because they’re convenient and easily accessible.

Indoor Versus Outdoor Car Storage

Indoor vehicle storage is more expensive than outdoor car storage because it offers protection from the elements and more security.

When choosing indoor car storage, your vehicle will be protected from unpredictable weather conditions, including rain, snow, hail, and wind. It will also be protected from harmful UV rays that can damage both the paint and the interior. Outdoor storage exposes your car to all of these things, so it’s typically cheaper.

Indoor car storage units also give you peace of mind. Your vehicle will be safe and sound behind a locked roll-up door. This will increase the cost, but you’ll feel more comfortable knowing your vehicle is safe from damage and potential vandalism.

Climate-Controlled Storage Units

Climate-controlled storage is excellent for luxury and classic car owners. You also want to consider climate control for any vehicle that’s high value, sensitive to temperature, or not used regularly. Storage rates are higher for these units, but we recommend them for:

• Classic cars that are prone to rust, corrosion, or paint damage, and may have sensitive interior materials

• Luxury & exotic cars

• Collector cars that are irreplaceable or an investment

• Electric vehicles, since EV battery performance may degrade in extreme temperatures

• Motorcycles that are susceptible to corrosion, condensation, and upholstery damage

• Convertibles

• Any vehicles with soft tops

Self-Storage Facility Security Features

While storage unit size, location, and unit type are all important, security is, too. How much does it cost to store a car in a secure facility? If a facility has more security features, the monthly rent may reflect that. But your car is your baby, so protect it, so it's worth the small increase. Some security features to look for include:

• Fenced perimeter

• Gated access

• 24/7 security monitoring and video surveillance

• Well-lit or lighting in all units

• Bluetooth locks

• Manager lock checks

You may also pay a premium for facilities that offer 24-hour access or extended access hours.

Tips on Choosing Affordable Car Storage

Your vehicle is an investment, but while your storage will be, too, you don’t want it to break the bank. To find affordable options, here are a few things we recommend you do:

• Check for Discounts & Promotions: From $1 first month’s rent to 50% off your first three months, Storage Star offers great promotions on new car storage rentals. Also, for those deploying or relocating for the military, we offer military discounts that are valid on vehicle, RV, and boat storage.

• Check for Web-Only Rates: Many storage facilities offer discounted web-only rates. Even if you want to rent over the phone or in person, it’s advised to look at the advertised rates on each storage facility’s website.

• Price Shop: Compare options to find the rate that fits your budget. However, be sure to read the fine print and compare facility features. The lowest rate may not mean the best storage experience. Check out reviews on Google or Sparefoot and take a tour of the storage facility before you commit.

• Rent During Winter Months: If you’re not working off a schedule, wait to rent your unit until the winter months. Self-storage is typically cheaper in the winter, as demand is lower and more units are available. Peak moving season starts in spring and ends in early fall, so rates tend to peak during this time. If you can pause renting a storage space for your car until winter, it may save you some money.

• Choose a Month-to-Month Lease: Month-to-month leases are great because 1.) they’re flexible and 2.) they’re commitment-free. If you’re finding your vehicle storage to be too expensive, you can quickly and easily end a month-to-month storage lease. At Storage Star, all of our leases are month-to-month and ideal whether you need short-term or long-term storage.

What About Boat and RV Storage Solutions?

Many storage facilities are equipped with large units that are ideal for boat storage and RV storage. Boat and RV storage prices will depend on all of the same factors as car storage, but may be a bit more expensive since you’ll typically need a larger space or unit.

For vehicles, the recommended size is typically between 10x20 and 15x50. Camper vans fit in 10x20s, while large Class A luxury RVs require a 12x35 or a 15x50 space. 

For boats, you can fit small fishing boats in a 10x20, while larger cabin cruisers or sailboats on trailers should be in 12x35s to 15x50s. Jet skis can be tucked into a 10x15.

If you need information and pricing on renting RV or boat storage, contact the Storage Star team near you!

Next Steps: Renting Car Storage

Storing your car doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. If you’re ready to rent, Storage Star can help you find a solution that fits both your needs and budget. We have a range of options from outdoor parking to indoor, climate-controlled units. Whether you’re protecting a classic car, making space in your garage, or prepping for next summer’s road trip, we offer the features, security, and prices you need.

Ready to get started? Find a Storage Star location near you and rent your car storage unit online today! If you're still wondering, "How much does it cost to store a car?" give our team a call and we'll provide you with more insight and assistance.