The cost to rent a 20 foot storage container is typically between $100 and $250 per month, depending on where you live, how long you need it, and whether it’s new or used. Your first month will cost more because you’ll also pay a delivery fee of $150 to $300. But that monthly rate is just part of the story. There are other costs you need to know about before you rent, like delivery fees, pickup charges, and sometimes even permit costs. Without clear information, it’s easy to get surprised by hidden fees later.
This guide breaks down the real cost to rent a 20ft shipping container in 2025. We’ll help you understand what affects the price, compare new versus used containers, and figure out if renting makes more sense than buying.
What’s the Average Cost to Rent a 20ft Container?
As of 2025, used containers cost $100 to $150 per month, while new containers run $150 to $250 per month. If you need a high cube container with extra height, expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 per month on top of the standard rate.
For example, at STOMO Storage, our 8 x 20 Standard Box rents for $245 per month and holds the contents of a 24 ft moving van. These are high-quality, weathertight containers with secure double door access, delivered right to your property. These prices are national averages, and your actual cost might be higher or lower depending on your location. Container rentals tend to cost more in big cities and on the coasts, and less in rural areas and the Midwest.
Keep in mind your first month will cost more because of delivery. Here’s a realistic example: if your monthly rental is $125 and the delivery fee is $200, your first month total will be $325. After that, you’ll just pay the monthly rate of $125 until you’re done with the container. When you’re ready to return it, there’s usually a pickup fee of $150 to $200.
What Affects Your 20ft Container Rental Cost?
The price to hire a 20ft container isn’t the same for everyone. Several factors can change what you’ll pay.
Container Condition: New vs Used
Used containers have been around the world multiple times on cargo ships. They might have some dents, rust spots, or scratches on the outside, but they’re still wind and water tight, which means your stuff stays dry and secure. These are the cheapest option, usually running $100 to $150 per month. For most storage needs, a used container works just fine and saves you money. One-trip containers are basically new. They’ve made just one trip across the ocean and are in excellent condition. They look clean, have minimal wear, and will last longer. Expect to pay $150 to $200 per month for these. Brand new containers cost the most at $200 to $250 per month. These have never been used for shipping.
Pro tip: It’s not just new versus used – it’s one trip versus multi-trip. That’s what really makes the difference in condition. Focus less on age and more on how much wear and tear it’s had.
Rental Duration
How long you need the container makes a big difference in your monthly rate. Short-term rentals of one to three months usually cost more per month, often $150 to $200, because companies make less profit on short rentals. Medium-term rentals of six to twelve months get you better rates, typically $120 to $150 per month. Long-term rentals of twelve months or more offer the best monthly price, sometimes as low as $100 to $125 per month. Here’s something important to consider: if you need a container for more than 18 months, it usually makes more sense to buy instead of rent. You’ll break even around that point, and then you’ll own it instead of paying monthly fees forever.
Your Location
Where you live affects the price in two ways. First, there’s regional pricing. The West Coast averages $130 to $220 per month because of higher demand and port costs. The East Coast runs $150 to $250 per month, especially expensive in major cities. The Southeast offers some of the best rates at $100 to $175 per month with good container availability. The Midwest sits in the middle range at $110 to $180 per month. Second, delivery distance matters. The farther you are from the rental company’s yard, the more delivery costs. Most companies give you free or cheap delivery within 20 to 30 miles. After that, expect to pay $3 to $5 per mile.
Container Type and Size
Standard 20ft containers measure 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet tall, and 20 feet long on the outside. The inside dimensions are slightly smaller at 19.4 feet long, 7.8 feet wide, and 7.9 feet tall, giving you 1,165 cubic feet of storage space. That’s about the size of a one-car garage. High cube 20ft containers are one foot taller, standing 9.5 feet high instead of 8.5 feet. This extra height gives you about 13% more storage space, which is helpful if you need to stack things higher or store tall items. High cube containers cost $20 to $50 more per month.
Site Access
If your property is hard to reach, you might pay extra delivery charges. The delivery driver needs about 75 feet of straight, level space to drop off a 20ft container. Tight driveways or gates, unpaved or soft ground, steep hills, and limited space can all increase costs. If your site doesn’t meet these requirements, you might need special equipment, which costs more.
Additional Costs When You Hire a 20ft Container
The monthly rental price is just one part of what you’ll pay. Here are the other costs to budget for.
Delivery and Pickup Fees
Most companies charge $150 to $300 to bring the container to you. This delivery fee covers the truck and driver, fuel costs, and placement of the container on your property. When you’re done with the container, pickup costs another $150 to $250. Some companies bundle both delivery and pickup into one fee of around $300 to $400 total. Some rental companies offer free delivery if you rent for six months or longer. It never hurts to ask about delivery specials, as these promotions can save you several hundred dollars.
Site Preparation
You need a flat, level spot for your container. If you don’t have one ready, grading the land typically costs $200 to $500, while adding gravel or concrete pads runs $300 to $800. The container needs to sit level, or the doors won’t open and close properly. The spot also needs good drainage so water doesn’t pool underneath.
Permits and Insurance
Some cities and neighborhoods require permits to place a storage container on your property. Homeowner associations may have strict rules about containers. City permits typically cost $0 to $200 depending on your local government. Most residential areas allow containers for 30 to 90 days without a permit, but rules vary widely. Check with your local code enforcement office. Some rental companies require insurance coverage on the container itself. If your homeowners or business insurance doesn’t already cover rented equipment, expect to pay $10 to $30 per month for rental insurance.
20ft vs 40ft Container: Which Size Should You Rent?
Here’s something that surprises most people: a 40ft container doesn’t cost twice as much as a 20ft container. It usually costs about 25 to 30 percent more, which makes it a better value if you need the extra space. A 20ft container costs $100 to $250 per month and gives you 1,165 cubic feet of space. It’s good for small moves, home renovations, or storing the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. A 40ft container costs $150 to $300 per month and provides 2,350 cubic feet of space. It’s the right choice for full house moves or storing the contents of a three to four bedroom home.
If you need more than 50 percent of a 20ft container’s space, it’s often smarter to get a 40ft container. You get double the space for only 25 percent more money.
Should You Rent or Buy a 20ft Container?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer depends on how long you need the container. The break-even point is about 18 to 20 months. When you rent, you’ll pay $100 to $250 per month with no large upfront cost. You have flexibility to return it anytime and the company handles maintenance. When you buy, a used container costs $2,000 to $3,500, while new runs $3,500 to $5,500, plus $300 to $500 delivery. But once you own it, there are no monthly payments. Let’s look at the math. If your monthly rental cost is $125 and a used container costs $2,500 to buy, you’ll break even at 20 months. If you need the container for less than 20 months, renting makes more financial sense. If you’ll need it longer, buying it saves you money.
Rent a 20ft storage container if you need it for less than 18 months, you’re not sure how long you’ll need it, you don’t want to deal with maintenance, or you need temporary storage during a move or renovation. Buy a 20ft container if you need it for two years or longer, you want to modify it with shelves or electrical, you need permanent storage, or you want to build equity instead of paying rent.
How to Get the Best Price on a 20ft Container Rental
Prices can vary by $50 or more per month between companies in the same area, so get quotes from at least three rental companies. When you call, ask what the monthly rate is, what delivery costs, whether pickup is included or extra, and if they offer discounts for longer rentals. Most companies give you a better monthly rate if you commit to six or twelve months upfront. You might save 10 to 20 percent compared to month-to-month pricing. Container rental companies are busiest in late spring and summer. If you can wait until fall or winter, you might get a better deal.
Unless you have a specific reason to get a new container, choosing a used one saves you $30 to $50 per month. For a six-month rental, that’s $180 to $300 in total savings.
Ready to Rent a 20ft Storage Container?
Now you know what it costs to rent a 20ft container and what factors affect the price. If you’re in the Charleston, South Carolina area, STOMO Storage offers high-quality portable storage containers delivered right to your property. Our weathertight containers come with secure double door access, and we handle delivery and pickup so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
Contact us to get a free quote or discuss your storage needs. We’ll give you transparent pricing with no hidden fees – just straightforward monthly rates and delivery costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dimensions of a 20ft container?
External: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet tall. Internal: 19.4 feet long, 7.8 feet wide, 7.9 feet tall. Total space: 1,165 cubic feet.
How much stuff fits in a 20ft container?
A 20ft storage container fits the contents of three to four rooms of furniture, a small two-bedroom home, about ten standard pallets, or up to 10,000 pounds of cargo.
Can I move the container once it’s delivered?
Most rental agreements don’t allow you to move the container yourself. If you need it moved, call the rental company and pay a relocation fee of $200 to $400.
What’s the difference between a storage container and a shipping container?
There’s no difference. People use both terms for the same thing. They’re the exact same container.
Can I paint or modify a rental container?
Usually no. Since you don’t own it, most companies don’t allow modifications. If you need customization, you’ll need to buy one instead of rent.
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