When people ask "how much does vehicle storage cost," they usually mean the monthly rental rate. But monthly rent is often less than half the true cost of storing a vehicle long-term. The real expense includes prep, maintenance, insurance continuation, and the damage that accumulates if you skimp on any of these.

For the Atlanta Metro area:

Cars:

• Outdoor uncovered: $50-125/month
• Covered: $75-175/month
• Indoor: $150-300/month
• Climate-controlled: $200-500/month

RVs (30-40 ft range):

• Outdoor: $100-200/month
• Covered: $150-300/month
• Indoor: $300-500+/month

Boats (on trailer):

• Outdoor: $75-150/month
• Covered: $100-200/month

Most facilities charge:

• Setup/admin fee: $25-50 (one-time)
• Key/card deposit: $10-25 (refundable)
• Insurance requirement fee: $10-20/month if you don't prove your own coverage

• Month-to-month: Highest rates
• 6-month prepay: Typically 5-10% discount
• 12-month prepay: Typically 10-15% discount

Example: A $100/month space with 12-month prepay at 10% discount = $1,080/year vs. $1,200 month-to-month. Saves $120.

Proper prep before storage prevents expensive problems:

Car storage prep:

• Fresh oil change (if due): $40-80
• Fuel stabilizer: $10-15
• Battery maintainer: $30-50 (one-time purchase)
• Quality car cover: $100-300 (one-time purchase)
• Interior protection (windshield shade, moisture absorbers): $30-50

First-time prep investment: ~$200-400 Per-storage-period costs: ~$50-100

RV storage prep:

• Winterization supplies/service: $50-150
• Roof inspection and sealant: $30-50 DIY, $150-300 professional
• Tire covers: $50-100 (one-time)
• Battery maintenance: $30-50

First-time prep investment: ~$250-500 Per-storage-period costs: ~$100-200

Your vehicle needs insurance while stored. You can often reduce coverage, but you need at least comprehensive (for theft, weather, vandalism).

Typical storage insurance cost:

• Comprehensive-only policy: $15-40/month for cars
• RV storage insurance: $20-60/month
• Boat storage insurance: $10-30/month

Don't cancel insurance to save money. One theft or hail event eliminates years of insurance savings.

Vehicles that sit need attention:

• Monthly battery checks/maintenance: Your time + potential replacement every 3-5 years ($100-300)
• Tire monitoring and movement: Your time + potential tire replacement accelerated ($400-800 per set)
• Periodic engine runs: Your time + fuel
• Cover adjustment and cleaning: Your time

After long storage, vehicles often need:

• Oil change before driving: $40-80
• New battery (if it died): $100-300
• Tire inspection/replacement: $0-800+ depending on condition
• Brake inspection (surface rust is normal but should be checked): $0-100
• Fluid flush if stored over 2 years: $100-300

• Monthly rent (outdoor, outside I-285): $75 × 12 = $900
• Admin fee: $35
• Prep supplies (first year): $200
• Insurance (comp only): $25 × 12 = $300
• Post-storage service: $100
• Total: $1,535

Monthly equivalent: $128/month (vs. advertised $75/month)

• Monthly rent (covered): $175 × 24 = $4,200
• Admin fee: $50
• Prep (year 1): $300
• Prep (year 2): $150
• Insurance: $40 × 24 = $960
• Periodic maintenance: $200
• Post-storage service: $250
• Total: $6,110

Monthly equivalent: $255/month (vs. advertised $175/month)

• Monthly rent (covered): $125 × 6 = $750
• Admin fee: $25
• Winterization: $100
• Insurance: $20 × 6 = $120
• De-winterization/spring prep: $100
• Total: $1,095

Monthly equivalent: $183/month (vs. advertised $125/month)

Don't pay for covered storage for a 15-year-old work truck. Don't put a valuable collector car in uncovered outdoor storage. Match protection level to vehicle value and vulnerability.

A 10% discount on a 12-month prepay saves real money. Only makes sense if you're confident about the timeline.

Professional winterization: $100-200. DIY winterization: $20-40 in materials. Same for many prep tasks.

A facility 30 miles from Atlanta vs. in Buckhead can easily save $50-100/month. For infrequent access, the drive time is irrelevant.

Question whether you actually need to store the vehicle. Sometimes selling makes more sense than paying storage + insurance + maintenance for years.

Oxford RV Storage offers storage at east-Metro pricing, which typically runs 20-35% less than inside-the-Perimeter facilities for comparable security and features.

For exact current rates, contact the facility. The numbers above are representative ranges, not specific quotes. But the principle holds: monthly rent is just the starting point. Budget for total cost of storage ownership.