Like many U.S. cities, the 1,700,000 residents of San Francisco have been facing increasingly higher rent prices. According to Apartment List, the average price of rent in San Fran has had a month-over-month growth of 0.4%, and while that percentage might not sound daunting, it adds up quickly over time,
San Francisco is already the sixth most expensive city in the United States, which means residents need to find creative ways to keep living costs low. One way is to reduce the cost of self-storage units.
Today, we’re here to help you find an affordable storage unit (or even a climate-controlled self-storage unit) in the Bay Area. We’ve collected insights on the best self-storage facilities in the area, including details on the storage unit size, the amenities offered, whether the space is climate-controlled, and more!
Our Recommendations by Category
➔ Top-rated self-storage units
➔ Best large self-storage units
Top-Rated Storage Units
☑ Top Rated : Self Storage Unit (4’x4′ – 9 ft tall) in Pacific Heights
For only $42 per month, you can rent a nine-foot-tall storage space. It’s equipped with shelving units to help you organize your belongings. However, if you have tall items you also need to store, good news! There’s a space in front of the shelves for vertical storage.
| Address | Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA |
| Storage Type | Residential closet |
| Cost Per Month | $42/month (Plus 50% off first month) |
| Suitable For | Boxes, personal belongings, mattresses, outdoor furniture |
| Space Dimensions | 4’x4′ |
| Top Selling Points | • Climate-controlled • Private entrance with stairs • Smoke detectors installed • Built-in shelving |
☑ Top-Rated : 8’x4′ Self-Storage Unit on Freemont Street
Located in the 399 Fremont Street apartment complex, this 32-square-foot self-storage unit has metal walls, a sturdy door, and wire roofing. It’s also well-ventilated and secure.
| Address | 399 Fremont Street, South Beach, CA |
| Storage Type | Storage unit |
| Cost Per Month | $200/month (plus 50% off first month) |
| Suitable For | Boxes, small appliances, seasonal items, electronics, decorations |
| Space Dimensions | 8’x4′ |
| Top Selling Points | • Private entrance accessible by stairs • 24/7 access • Clean/well-kept space in an apartment complex |
Cheapest Storage Units
☑ Cheapest : 6’x6′ Garage in the Richmond District
Need a storage space with a generous height clearance? This 12-foot-tall garage has plenty of room for large appliances, a handful of stacked moving boxes, or a bicycle. While this is not a private storage option, as the hosts share the space with one neighbor, it’s a very secure option, so you won’t have to worry about potential break-ins (like you would with a traditional self-storage facility).
| Address | Richmond District, San Francisco, CA |
| Storage Type | Garage |
| Cost Per Month | $59 / month (Plus 50% off the first month) |
| Suitable For | Large furniture or appliances, cars or SUVs, & smaller Class C or Class B RVs |
| Space Dimensions | 6’x6′ (12 ft ceilings) |
| Top Selling Points | • Street-level access • 72% cheaper than the average storage unit in San Francisco • Conducive to vehicle storage |
☑ Cheapest : 10’x5′ Self-Storage Unit in Mission Bay
Whether or not you live in the Channel Mission Bay apartment complex near Oracle Park, you can still benefit from the private storage units in the building. The storage units are located in one shared room, but the space is divided into individual units, each with its own door. The storage spaces are surrounded by metal wire gates, so while your belongings will stay separate from everyone else’s storage, you can see through the gates.
| Address | Mission Bay, San Francisco, CA |
| Storage Type | Storage unit in an apartment complex |
| Cost Per Month | $100 / month |
| Suitable For | Small furniture, seasonal items, decorations, books, etc. |
| Space Dimensions | 10’x5′ |
| Top Selling Points | • 24/7 access • 50% cheaper than the average storage unit in San Francisco • Private space |
☑ Cheapest : 4′ x 2′ Closet in Haight-Ashbury
If you want to rent a small yet functional closet space from a reliable and flexible host, look no further than this storage option. This closet is ideal for small- to medium-sized moving boxes or clothes you want to store on hangers.
| Address | Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, CA |
| Storage Type | Closet in residential home |
| Cost Per Month | $125/month (Plus 50% off the first month) |
| Suitable For | Boxes, electronics, collectibles, small appliances, music equipment, etc. |
| Space Dimensions | 14’x13’ |
| Top Selling Points | • Climate-controlled • Private entrance • Clean and spacious |
☑ Cheapest : 4’x6′ Basement Space Near Haight-Ashbury
For a basement space with six-foot-high ceilings and 24 square feet of storage space, take a look at this listing! This storage unit comes with a five-tier shelving unit. However, if you’d prefer to use the space but you’re not fond of the shelves, just let the host know and he’ll happily remove them.
As far as amenities go, the basement has beautiful hardwood flooring and a door that locks.
| Address | Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306 |
| Storage Type | Residential basement |
| Cost Per Month | $125/month (Plus 50% off the first month) |
| Suitable For | Boxes of clothing or temperature-sensitive items, electronics, small appliances, etc. |
| Space Dimensions | 4’x6’x6′ |
| Top Selling Points | • Climate-controlled • Locked storage • Removable shelving |
Best Large Storage Units
☑ Large : 18’x11′ Storage Unit in the South of Market Area
Located in the basement of a local residence, this 8-foot-tall storage unit has paved concrete flooring. With 24/7 security camera monitoring, controlled access to the unit, and secure locks, security will never be a concern with this storage unit.
| Address | South of Market, San Francisco, CA |
| Storage Type | Residential bedroom |
| Cost Per Month | $135/month (Plus 50% off the first month) |
| Suitable For | Large furniture, boxes of clothing or temperature-sensitive items, mattresses, larger appliances, etc. |
| Space Dimensions | 18’x11′ |
| Top Selling Points | • Climate-controlled • Private Entrance • Fair Pricing |
☑ Large : 40’x 11′ Storage Unit in Inner Richmond
With cream-and-grey checkered vinyl flooring, this self-storage unit is both spacious and full of character. This space measures 40 feet long and has 16-foot-tall ceilings, resulting in an impressive amount of space, especially if you have awkwardly long or tall belongings (or furniture that needs to be stored vertically).
| Address | Richmond, San Francisco, CA |
| Storage Type | Storage Unit |
| Cost Per Month | $1,152.90 / month (Plus 50% off the first month) |
| Suitable For | Boxes, larger furniture, smaller vehicles (kayaks, canoes, etc.) |
| Space Dimensions | 40’x11′ |
| Top Selling Points | • Private entrance • No stairs |
☑ Large : Public Storage in the Greater San Francisco Area
With seven Public Storage locations throughout the San Francisco area, Public Storage is one of the most accessible traditional storage options in the city. You can shop around and see which location has the perfect storage unit size for you.
For instance, the Public Storage location on 10th Street has a 3’x4′ unit available, but the Treat Avenue location doesn’t, so keep this in mind as you explore your storage options.
| Address | Greater San Francisco area |
| Storage Type | Indoor-access, enclosed |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sat-Sun 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Storage Types Offered | 5’ × 7′ = $93 5′ × 10′ = $171 7’ × 10′ = $305 10’ × 10’ = $319 10’ × 20′ = $419 8′ × 13′ = $203 10’ × 10’ = $334 10′ × 15′ = $419 |
| Cost Per Month | Contact the facility for more information on pricing |
| Costs: Public Storage vs. Neighbor | Save up to 30% (Roughly $100/month) when booking with Neighbor |
| Amenities Offered at the Facility | • Climate-controlled • Security cameras • On-site managers • Electronic gates • Keypad access • Moving supplies available |
☑ Large : StoragePRO Self-Storage in Rincon Hill
Located just off I-80, StoragePRO Self Storage, a secure storage facility, offers convenience and peace of mind–thanks to its 24/7 access policies and gated entrances. With a range of unit sizes, climate-controlled options, and flexible lease terms available, StoragePRO extends flexibility while promising to keep your belongings accessible and well-protected.
| Address | 429 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105 |
| Phone number | (415) 390-5013 |
| Storage Sizes Offered | 1′ × 4′ = $47 5′ × 3′ = $65 5′ × 5′ = $112 5′ × 8′ = $209 7′ × 10′ = $239 10′ × 10′ = $304 10′ × 16′ = $452 |
| Suitable for | Boxes, Furniture, Personal Belongings, Collectibles and Antiques |
| Cost Per Month | Contact the facility for more information on pricing |
| Cost: StoragePRO vs. Neighbor | On average, prices on Neighbor are 30% lower than traditional options like StoragePRO. |
| Amenities Offered at the Facility | • Climate-controlled • Ground-level entrances • Hallway-access AND drive-up access units available • On-site managers • Gated access • Elevators to hallway-access units |
Other helpful storage tips
Which Storage Unit Size Offers the Best Value?
In San Francisco, traditional storage facilities offer a range of storage unit sizes tailored to renters’ unique needs. The most sought-after units typically come in dimensions of 5’ × 5’, 5’ × 10’, and 10’ × 10’, but if you require even more space, larger options — like 10’ × 20’ units — are also available, along with storage spaces designed for vehicles and RVs.
Uncertain about the storage size that you need to rent? A compact 5’ × 5’ self-storage unit is perfect for small items, boxes, or season-specific decorations.
A medium 5’ × 10’ unit would be more suitable for those looking to pack up the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or studio.
A storage unit is typically considered large if it is 10’x10’ or larger and can fit the contents of a two-bedroom apartment.
Eextra-large units with a length of 20’ are also an option for San Francisco residents. While some of these units accommodate motor vehicles, other storage space owners restrict vehicle storage. In that case, you can store large furniture items like couches, bed frames, and appliances in units of this size.
As for average storage unit pricing in San Francisco, here’s what you can expect:
- Small 5’ × 5’ units: $74.40
- Medium 5’ × 10’ units: $146.40
- Large 10’ × 10’ units: $203.20
The best self-storage units might not be the cheapest storage units. As you consider what you plan to store, you might want to opt for a climate-controlled unit, especially if your items are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Ultimately, your goal is to keep your belongings secure–and a climatized space can do just that.
Just keep in mind that prices can vary based on the size, location, and type of storage unit you decide to rent.
In Summary
On the hunt for budget-friendly self-storage in San Francisco, California (or other cities along the West Coast, like Portland, OR)? Your search ends here! Whether you have a few items or an entire household to store, there are convenient and economical storage options in your area. When you look for storage space via peer-to-peer marketplaces like Neighbor, you can rent storage space from your neighbors for 50% less than you’d pay for traditional storage units.
FAQs About Self-Storage Units in San Francisco, CA
Can You Sleep in a Storage Unit in California?
According to the housing law known as California Business and Professions Code, Section 21701, you cannot legally sleep in a storage unit in California.
What Is the Price of the Smallest Storage Unit?
It depends on two major factors, including your geographic location and where you rent the storage unit. For example, with Neighbor, the smallest storage unit is 5’ × 5’ and costs an average of $60 per month.
