Highlights
A storm shelter typically costs around $6,300.
Size, location, and above ground vs. underground will affect price.
Tornado shelter should be 6 square feet per person.
Hurricane shelter should be 10 square feet per person.
If you live in the midwest or southern parts of the U.S., you’ve probably experienced your fair share of tornado warnings and sightings. A storm shelter can be a valuable addition to your home to keep you and your family safe in all kinds of inclement weather. Here’s everything you need to know about storm shelter costs and what size you’ll need so everyone fits comfortably inside.
| National Average Cost | $6,300 |
| Minimum Cost | $2,600 |
| Maximum Cost | $10,200 |
Storm Shelter Costs Near You
The total price to build a storm shelter can vary depending on the area where you live in the country. Larger cities with higher costs of living also tend to have higher construction costs, making it more expensive to build a storm shelter—especially if land excavation is necessary to build underground.
The list below outlines what the average cost to build a storm shelter is in several cities across the country, according to HomeAdvisor.
Chicago, IL: $36,000
Oklahoma City, OK: $5,200
Denver, CO: $25,000
Boston, MA: $300
Seattle, WA: $1,800
San Antonio, TX: $2,000
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Storm Shelter?
The cost of a storm shelter varies primarily based on its capacity and whether it’s in-ground or above-ground. For example, a 6-person in-ground storm shelter costs between $3,000 to $8,000 on average, while a larger storm shelter can cost upwards of $10,000.
Storm Shelter Cost by Size
| Capacity | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 6 people | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| 8 people | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 12 people | $6,000 – $20,000 |
| 15+ people | $10,000 – $30,000 |
Storm Shelter Cost Breakdown
Where you put your storm shelter, how many people it holds, and if you opt to install it underground or above-ground are the main factors that impact the overall price of your project.
Size
According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), homeowners should plan on having at least 6 square feet per person for a tornado shelter and 10 square feet per person for a hurricane shelter. To fit six people comfortably inside, expect to pay between $3,000 to $8,000, and if you need a large shelter for 15 or more people, expect to pay as much as $30,000.
Above-Ground vs. Underground
Above-ground shelters are typically located in a basement or garage or can be installed on top of a concrete slab on your property. These types of shelters are better suited for areas with higher water tables or flooding risks.
Underground storm shelters are generally more expensive than above-ground since they require excavation, concrete, and waterproofing to address excess moisture that can accumulate underground. The cost of excavation and grading typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,500.
Location
Living in an area where the cost of building materials and construction is high may mean adding a storm shelter to your home will be at the higher end of the price range.
Prefabricated Storm Shelter vs. Custom-Built
You can buy a pre-built storm shelter online or at a home improvement store for around $8,000 for a smaller structure—the price increases with the size requirements.
You can also opt to build a storm shelter out of retaining walls, concrete, or steel. Common tornado shelter prices according to material include:
Steel: $4,000–$30,000
Fiberglass: $3,000–$10,000
Concrete: $3,000–$7,000
Kevlar: $5,000–$30,000
If you are considering adding a storm shelter to your new house build, you can save money by adding a space into your basement floor plan rather than adding a storm shelter later.
Cost to Build a Storm Shelter Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
A storm shelter, especially the underground kind, takes a fair amount of materials and knowledge to build. An underground storm shelter requires excavation in order to lay the foundation and construct walls. Shelters are made of strong materials—like steel, concrete, and fiberglass—which is more complex to work with than other typical building materials.
Hiring a licensed professional storm shelter builder near you is safer than trying to dig out and construct a storm shelter on your own. You don’t want to take any chances with your family’s safety, so hiring a pro can ensure the job is done correctly. General contractors typically charge between 10 to 20% of your overall project cost, so expect to pay at least $250 to $2,000 for labor.
FAQs About the Cost of a Storm Shelter
Will FEMA pay for a storm shelter?
FEMA funding may cover up to 75% of the cost of a storm shelter, but it’s best to check with your State Hazard Mitigation Officer to see what’s possible for your area.
Does adding a storm shelter increase the value of my home?
According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, safe rooms can increase the home's sale price by 3.5%. That’s about $10,500 on a $300,000 home, which could be a 100% ROI or more if you build a storm shelter that’s on the smaller side.
How long does it take to install a storm shelter?
Prefab storm shelters can be assembled in 4 to 8 hours; a custom shelter's building schedule can vary by days or weeks depending on the builder's timeline and material availability.
