A storage unit costs about $89 a month on average in the U.S., based on national booking data through May 2026. A small 5x5 runs about $35, a standard 10x10 about $80, and a 10x20 about $130.
Advertised street rates run higher. The national average street rate for a 10x10 is $119 as of September 2026.
Storage unit prices by size
These are average monthly prices for units booked online in 2026 through May. Smaller units cost more per square foot, so the jump to a larger size is often cheaper than it looks.
| Size | Average monthly cost | Cost per sq ft | Holds about |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5x5 | $34.89 | $1.40 | Boxes, seasonal items, a few small pieces |
| 5x10 | $50.92 | $1.02 | A studio or one-bedroom apartment |
| 10x10 | $80.43 | $0.80 | About three rooms of furniture |
| 10x15 | $109.03 | $0.73 | A two-bedroom home |
| 10x20 | $130.14 | $0.65 | Up to four bedrooms, or one car |
Prices are national averages for units booked online, 2026 through May. See our storage unit size guide for what fits in each.
Why you see two different prices
The $80 and $119 figures for a 10x10 measure different things. The $80 is what people actually paid on units booked online, which often includes online specials. The $119 is the street rate, the list price a facility posts before discounts.
In practice, the first month or two is often cheaper than the street rate. The street rate is closer to what you pay once a promotion ends.
What changes the price
- Location. Oklahoma has the lowest state average at $55.83 a month and Hawaii the highest at $133.08.
- Climate control. Expect to pay 10% to 25% more than a standard unit. A climate-controlled 10x10 averages about $134 on street rates. See whether you need it.
- Access type. Drive-up, ground-floor and upper-floor units of the same size are often priced differently. Ask for each option if you are flexible.
- Demand right now. Prices move with local occupancy. Nationally, average rent was down 0.9% year over year as of May 2026.
The costs that are not in the monthly rate
The posted rent is rarely the full bill. Ask for the total move-in cost and the expected monthly cost after any promotion ends.
| Cost | What to expect | Ask this |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance or protection plan | $10 to $30 a month for $2,000 to $5,000 of coverage | Does my renters insurance count instead? |
| Rate increases | Often 5% to 10% every 6 to 18 months | When was the last increase on existing tenants? |
| Admin or setup fee | A one-time charge at many facilities | Is there an admin fee, and is it waived online? |
| Lock | Some facilities require a specific lock type | Can I bring my own lock? |
| Taxes | Added on top of rent in many states | Is tax included in the quoted price? |
How to pay less
- Size down after packing. Pack first, then measure. Many people rent a size up out of caution and pay for empty air.
- Compare three facilities within 5 miles. Most areas have plenty. Across our listings, the median zip code has 22 facilities inside a 5 mile radius.
- Book online. Facilities often post web-only rates below the walk-in price.
- Check your own insurance first. It may let you skip the facility plan.
- Ask about the increase history. A low first month matters less than a big raise in month seven.
Common questions
How much is a 10x10 storage unit per month?
About $80 a month on average for units booked online in 2026, and about $119 a month at street rates. A climate-controlled 10x10 averages about $134 at street rates.
Do storage unit prices go up?
Yes. Increases of about 5% to 10% every 6 to 18 months are common for existing tenants. Ask the facility how often it raises rates before you sign.
Is it cheaper to rent storage farther away?
Sometimes, but the savings can disappear in gas and time if you visit often. Compare a few facilities inside 5 miles first. Most areas have enough options to find a fair price close by.