Cheap storage units: how to find the lowest price
The cheapest storage units cost about $35 a month for a 5x5 and $75 to $100 for a 10x10, but only if you choose the right size, location and timing. Here is what a genuinely low price looks like and the proven ways to get one.
A low price for a 10x10
$75 – $100per month, with deals or in low-cost cities
SpareFoot renters paid about $75 to $80 for a 10x10 in 2026 using online deals. In the cheapest big cities, such as Houston and San Antonio, the average 10x10 is $98, versus $120 nationally. Anything under the national average is a good price.
12 ways to get a cheap storage unit
- Rent the smallest size that fits. Going from a 10x10 to a 5x10 saves about $45 a month. Use the Storage unit size guide.
- Book online. Online rates are often lower than walk-in quotes.
- Look a few miles out. Urban facilities can cost 2 to 4 times more than those in mid-sized markets.
- Choose an upper floor. Units that need an elevator or stairs usually cost less.
- Skip climate control for furniture, tools and boxes that can handle temperature swings.
- Rent in fall or winter, when demand is lower.
- Use move-in specials such as first month free; see Storage unit deals: first month free and $1 specials.
- Ask for discounts: veterans, students, seniors and prepayment discounts of 20% to 30% are offered by some facilities.
- Use your own insurance instead of the facility plan, if your policy covers stored items.
- Bring your own lock.
- Check new facilities, which often offer opening rates to fill up.
- Re-shop after a year if your rent has gone up.
Where storage is cheapest
Among 20 major cities, these have the lowest average street rates. See all cities in Storage unit prices by city.
| City | 5x5 | 10x10 | 10x20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $42 | $98 | $172 |
| San Antonio | $41 | $98 | $172 |
| Charlotte | $46 | $103 | $169 |
| Dallas | $44 | $110 | $190 |
| Phoenix | $45 | $111 | $180 |
| Las Vegas | $45 | $113 | $199 |
The cheapest types of storage
| Option | Typical monthly price |
|---|---|
| Small 5x5 indoor unit | $35 – $52 |
| Upper-floor interior unit (non-climate) | below ground-floor rates |
| Uncovered outdoor vehicle space | $67 – $105 |
| Standard 10x10, low-cost city | about $98 |
| Standard 10x10, national average | about $120 |
For vehicles, an uncovered outdoor space is the cheapest option; see Car storage cost.
Fees to add to the monthly rent
Rent is not the only cost. Most facilities add a one-time admin fee (Extra Space Storage, for example, charges $50), require insurance or a protection plan of about $10 to $30 a month, and expect you to bring or buy a disc lock for $10 to $20. Some ask for a deposit, often one month's rent. After move-in specials end, rents commonly rise 5% to 10% every 6 to 18 months.
Ask for the full move-in total, not just the monthly rate. See Storage unit fees and insurance and How much does it cost to rent a storage unit?.
When a cheap price is not really cheap
- A $1 first month followed by a full-price rent and a quick increase
- A required protection plan that adds $10 to $30 a month
- Admin fees and deposits not shown in the online price
- Poor security or limited access hours that make the unit hard to use
Compare the total cost for the months you need, not the first month alone. See How much does it cost to rent a storage unit?.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest storage unit size?
A 5x5, which averages about $35 to $52 a month nationally.
Where is the cheapest place to get a storage unit?
Among large cities, Houston and San Antonio have the lowest average 10x10 rates, about $98 a month. Rural areas and smaller cities are often cheaper still.
When is the cheapest time to rent storage?
Fall and winter, when fewer people are moving and facilities compete for renters.
Are cheap storage units safe?
Price alone does not tell you. Check for gated access, cameras, good lighting and recent reviews before renting.
Sources
Prices are averages and typical ranges from published storage market data. Rates change often and vary by facility, so confirm prices and fees before you rent. Storage Unit Costs is not a storage company; read our disclaimer.