How Much Does a Storm Shelter Cost in 2025?

Interestingly, The average storm shelter cost ranges from $3,000 to $13,000, depending on the type, size, material and installation method, according to services website Angi

However, Storm shelters — also called tornado shelters or hurricane shelters depending on safety needs where you — can be located underground or above ground

They may also be prefabricated or custom-built, given current economic conditions

On the other hand, This guide breaks down typical storm shelter costs, types and key factors to help you choose the best option for your, weather situation and budget, in light of current trends

Types of storm sheltetorm shelter configurations and materials vary depending on factors available space, type of weather threat and even local building codes (noteworthy indeed)

For example, some areas restrict underground shelters due to soil conditions or high water tables

Here’s a rundown of the most common types of storm shelters with average costs, amid market uncertainty

Underground or in-ground storm shelterInstalled below ground, typically in a backyard, garage or basement

However, S: Extremely durable and safe against high winds and flying debris

Cons: Could be more ly to flood than other types of shelters

In contrast, Usually concrete, steel, fiberglass or polyethylene

Cost depends on the amount of excavation and waterofing needed

Above-ground storm shelterA free-standing unit bolted into a reinforced concrete slab, often in garages or basements

Additionally, S: Simpler to install than underground models, so less expensive

Vides easier access, especially for people with mobility issues

Ideal for flood-ne areas (which is quite significant), in this volatile climate

Cons: Takes up space in a

Usually made of reinforced concrete or steel

Safe room shelterReinforced rooms or closets that are anchored to a ’s foundation

Usually constructed of concrete, steel and wood framing (something worth watching)

May be prefabricated, considering recent developments

S: Location is flexible

Can be added to a bathroom, walk-in closet, laundry room, under stairs, in a shed or elsewhere

May double as a secure, locked area during a invasion, in today's market environment

Cons: More expensive than other options, especially if structural modifications are needed

Depends on the size of the room

Nevertheless, Cheaper to install during a ’s construction

Under-bed shelterA large, box-type unit that fits under a bed or other furniture, given current economic conditions

Nevertheless, Conversely, Anchors to a concrete slab

Premade and constructed of steel, given the current landscape

Conversely, S: Less expensive and easy to install, in light of current trends

Cons: Can only accommodate one or two people

Additionally, However, Storm shelter options by budgetWhich type of storm shelter makes the most sense for your budget and needs

Households on a tight budget that need a basic safe space for short-term shelter

In- safe rooms, in today's financial world

Households wanting and able to invest in a higher level of comfort

Moreover, May have features built-in ventilation, power, refrigeration, heating or air

Additionally, Households wanting maximum tection and comfort over an ext period for more people (noteworthy indeed), in light of current trends

Moreover, 🤓Nerdy TipWhen buying a storm shelter, check to see if it has been tested against and meets standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the International Code Council (ICC) — a nonfit that develops building codes and safety standards, in this volatile climate

Factors that affect storm shelter costSeveral variables can affect your final cost for buying and installing a storm shelter

Furthermore, Size and capacity

At the same time, Larger shelters that accommodate more people naturally cost more

Above-ground shelters are typically less expensive than underground shelters that require skilled labor for excavation, amid market uncertainty

If you in an area with rocky or clay soil, that can drive up installation costs

However, Materials and structure

Steel shelters are usually more expensive than concrete or fiberglass, because they last longer

Also, prefabricated shelters are cheaper than custom-built ones

Nevertheless, Labor and location, given current economic conditions

Labor costs and code requirements vary by region

In contrast, Depending on the type of storm shelter, installation can take a few hours or several days

Nevertheless, Ask your installer the timeframe for completion and a breakdown of labor costs

Also inquire the cost of any necessary permits or inspections

Customization and special features, in today's market environment

Added features seating, lighting, heating, air conditioning or reinforced doors add to the cost of a storm shelter (fascinating analysis), amid market uncertainty

Accessibility features, ramps, can also increase the total cost

Additionally, However, Shipping or dery fees

If you order a prefab shelter, shipping and dery fees may not be included, given the current landscape

Moreover, Due to the size and weight of these shelters, the cost can be substantial

Ask the seller these costs upfront

Tornado shelters vs, in today's financial world

Hurricane shelters: Are they different (noteworthy indeed)

Tornado and hurricane shelters serve the same purpose — viding tection in extreme weather — but they also have differences

Tornado shelters are built to be more rigid, so they can withstand intense pressure changes, brief and violent wind bursts and flying debris

Additionally, They’re int for fast access and short-term use, because tornadoes can spin up suddenly and pass quickly (noteworthy indeed)

Tornado shelters are usually underground or in a as an anchored and reinforced area or room

Furthermore, Hurricane shelters must tect against sustained high winds, and they’re constructed for longer-term use, amid market uncertainty

FEMA does not recommend whether a residential hurricane shelter be above or below ground, but it does address the need to consider the potential for flooding and storm surge

In flood-ne areas, hurricane shelters are typically above-ground and possibly elevated

Some shelters are built and rated to be used for both tornadoes and hurricanes[0]FEMA, in today's financial world

At the same time, View all sources

Moreover, » MORE: Gutter replacement costCan I get storm shelter financing, in today's financial world

Your storm shelter vider may offer financing, but there are other — and maybe better — financing options available

Equity Loan or HELOC equity loans or equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing through a contractor’s lender, as well as possible tax benefits, considering recent developments

On the other hand, Moreover, Both options use your as collateral (noteworthy indeed)

However, The evidence shows may be a good option if you just want to pay for the storm shelter and installation but won’t need access to money for additional imvements

With a equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years

Moreover, Equity line of credit (noteworthy indeed)

Moreover, HELOCs work more a credit card, so you have access to money as you need it

On the other hand, You usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit and pay interest only on the HELOC amount you use, in this volatile climate

Most lenders have an option for interest-only payments during that time, after which you’re required to pay both the principal and interest, given current economic conditions

However, You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years, in light of current trends

In contrast, Un with equity financing, there is no collateral, given the current landscape

Furthermore, This means your isn’t at risk if you get behind on payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and late payments can negatively impact your credit

At the same time, Here are NerdWallet’s picks for the best imvement loans

Credit CardCredit cards may be a good option for storm shelters on the lower end of the cost range

That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans, given current economic conditions

Moreover, Moreover, If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you choose one of the best credit cards for imvements (something worth watching)

Nevertheless, » MORE: Roof replacement costs and financing optionsChoosing a storm shelterWhen comparing storm shelters, consider your safety needs, total cost and return on investment

Here are some additional factors to help achieve the best outcome (noteworthy indeed)

However, Look for cost savings

However, Before purchasing a storm shelter, check with your local emergency management office on the availability of financial assistance

Some states help purchase residential storm shelters through reimbursements, rebates or tax credits, amid market uncertainty

Work with reputable storm shelter fessionals (which is quite significant)

Additionally, Some shelter manufacturers (called ducers) don’t install their own shelters, so you may have to hire an installer

Moreover, Nevertheless, To find certified ducers and installers, the American Tornado Shelter Association or the National Storm Shelter Association

Consider quality and long-term investment

Moreover, Will the shelter you choose last if you stay in your for many years or increase your ’s value if you sell it

Ultimately, the right storm shelter is the one that tects you and your loved ones (remarkable data) (noteworthy indeed), considering recent developments

Frequently asked questionsDo storm shelters add value to a house

Moreover, According to FEMA and the Federal Alliance for Safe s, installing a storm shelter or safe room increases a 's selling price by 3

Furthermore, What is FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant gram

FEMA distributes funding to eligible states through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) gram, which may vide funds to assist with residential storm shelter installation

FEMA works through state organizations and does not pay owners directly, amid market uncertainty

On the other hand, To check on storm shelter funding and requirements in your state, your State Hazard Mitigation Officer[0]FEMA, given the current landscape

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants, given the current landscape

How big should a storm shelter be

FEMA recommends that a residential storm shelter have a minimum of five square feet per person for a tornado shelter and 10 square feet for a hurricane shelter (which is quite significant)

However, if the cost of a larger shelter prevents you from installing one, a cheaper shelter with less space (for example an under-bed shelter) would be a better option

Can I build a DIY storm shelter

Nevertheless, Unless you’re experienced in constructing storm shelters, it’s better to hire a licensed and certified fessional than try to do it yourself

Do storm shelters add value to a house

According to FEMA and the Federal Alliance for Safe s, installing a storm shelter or safe room increases a 's selling price by 3 (which is quite significant)

Furthermore, What is FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant gram

FEMA distributes funding to eligible states through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) gram, which may vide funds to assist with residential storm shelter installation

FEMA works through state organizations and does not pay owners directly, amid market uncertainty

To check on storm shelter funding and requirements in your state, your State Hazard Mitigation Officer

How big should a storm shelter be

On the other hand, FEMA recommends that a residential storm shelter have a minimum of five square feet per person for a tornado shelter and 10 square feet for a hurricane shelter

However, if the cost of a larger shelter prevents you from installing one, a cheaper shelter with less space (for example an under-bed shelter) would be a better option

Can I build a DIY storm shelter

Furthermore, Unless you’re experienced in constructing storm shelters, it’s better to hire a licensed and certified fessional than try to do it yourself (an important development)

At the same time, The hannon BradleyShannon Bradley covers autos and services for NerdWallet, in today's financial world

See full bio, amid market uncertainty.