How Much Does a Tornado Shelter Cost? [2025 Data]
A tornado shelter can cost anywhere from $2,892 to $13,281, but most people spend about $7,643 on a storm shelter.
A tornado shelter costs $7,643 on average, with most people paying between $2,892 and $13,281. Your final tornado shelter cost will depend on the shelter’s size, installation complexity, the type of shelter, and your geographic location. Here’s everything you need to know about tornado shelter costs.
Tornado Shelter Cost by Type
The type of tornado shelter can drastically change your project’s estimated costs. Indoor prefabricated shelters cost far less than shelters that must be built from scratch.
| Type of Tornado Shelter | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| In-ground | $4,200–$30,000 |
| Aboveground | $2,600–$15,000 |
| Garage | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Under garage | $10,000–$15,000 |
| Basement | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Safe room | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Bed | $2,100–$4,500 |
In-Ground Shelter: In-ground or underground shelters cost $4,200–$30,000, depending on the size of the excavation, and waterproofing costs more. An in-ground shelter under the garage makes it easier to access during storms without compromising space in the home.
Aboveground Shelter: Aboveground storm shelters cost $2,600–$15,000. They’re common in garages and basements, where they take up usable space and might be the only option if an in-ground shelter presents a flood risk.
Garage Shelter: Installing a garage storm shelter falls between $3,000–$9,000. You can install an in-ground shelter below the garage floor (depending on your region and the water table level) for $10,000–$15,000.
Basement Shelter: Expect to pay $6,000–$15,000 for a basement storm shelter. An aboveground shelter is ideal if you’re not utilizing your basement and don’t need the space.
Safe Room: A safe room shelter costs $3,000–$10,000 and can double as a storm shelter if built with the right design and materials. Closet-safe rooms cost $4,500–$6,000, while a safe room under the stairs costs $3,000–$5,000.
Bed Shelter: A bed tornado shelter costs $2,100–$4,500. This budget-friendly option takes up less space but only fits two people.
Additional Cost Factors
After type, the storm shelter location, how many it holds, and whether it’s underground or aboveground are the main factors impacting price.
Size
According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you should plan on having at least 5 square feet per person for a tornado shelter. To fit six people comfortably, expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000. If you need a large shelter for 15 or more people, expect to pay as much as $30,000.
| Maximum Occupants | Minimum Shelter Size (Square Feet) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 10 |
| 3 | 15 |
| 4 | 20 |
| 5 | 25 |
| 6 | 30 |
Tornado Shelter Material
The type of material you choose changes the price, with steel and Kevlar® costing more than fiberglass and concrete.
| Material | Average Cost | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $4,000–$30,000 | Lightweight, durable, best for protection against flying debris |
| Fiberglass | $3,000–$10,000 | Only installed underground, limiting who can install them |
| Concrete | $3,000–$7,000 | Most affordable, weather-resistant, brittle, and crumbles in extreme weather |
| Kevlar® | $5,000–$30,000 | Anti-ballistic (resistant to bullets), higher cost, more secure |
Aboveground vs. Underground Tornado Shelter
The type of tornado shelter makes a huge difference in what you’ll pay. An aboveground tornado shelter costs about $3,000 to $12,000 for parts and labor, while an underground tornado shelter costs about $4,000 to $30,000.
Aboveground shelters are typically located in a basement or garage or can be installed on top of a concrete slab on your property. They’re better suited for areas with higher water tables or flooding risks.
Underground storm shelters are more expensive because they require excavation, concrete, and waterproofing to address excess moisture that can accumulate.
Location
Living in an area where the cost of building materials and construction means your shelter project will be more expensive. Also, if you live in an area with frequent storms, contractors may charge more due to higher demand.
Explore cost data for states where tornado shelter projects are common:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $7,000–$12,000 |
| Arkansas | $7,500–$11,000 |
| Colorado | $8,000–$10,000 |
| Kansas | $5,000–$13,000 |
| Missouri | $6,000–$13,000 |
| Ohio | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Oklahoma | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Texas | $5,000–$10,000 |
Prefabricated vs. Custom-Built Tornado Shelter
For a smaller structure, you can buy a pre-built storm shelter for around $8,000. Remember that the price increases with the size requirements.
If you’re considering adding a storm shelter to a new build, you can save by planning it into the basement floor plan rather than adding it later.
Delivery and Installation
If you order a prefab storm shelter, delivery and installation might not be included. If so, anticipate spending an additional $1,000 to $3,000 on your tornado shelter. Check with the manufacturer or seller beforehand to avoid costly surprises.
Site Prep
Preparing your site can be a huge pitfall to anyone’s tornado shelter budget. This is especially true for underground storm shelters or properties with numerous obstacles or uneven land. Land excavation costs around $4,000, while yard leveling costs about $2,200.
Labor
Hiring a general contractor to install your tornado shelter costs anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour. Therefore, the more in-depth and time-consuming your project, the more you’ll spend. Most basic storm shelters will take two to three hours to complete.
Permits
Most municipalities require a building permit to install a tornado shelter. Expect starting costs for permits to be around $50 to $100, but if you plan on adding electricity, plumbing, or other structural features, you might pay more.
Customizations
If your family has specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, a unique storm shelter layout, or a larger-than-average household, consider working with a company specializing in storm shelter builds rather than ordering a standard prefab shelter.
Add-Ons
If you want a storm shelter that can keep you safe for days, you’ll want features that provide everything you and your family need to outlast extreme weather events.
| Additional Storm Shelter Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Portable backup battery | $150–$2,000 |
| Plumbing | $100–$5,000 |
| Upgraded ventilation | $100–$3,000 |
| Beds and mattresses | $300–$400 |
| Emergency exit | $500–$2,000 |
Cost to Build a Storm Shelter Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
A tornado shelter costs $2,892 to $13,281 for the materials, but you may also need to rent machines to excavate land and prep the soil, which adds about $500 per day. Due to the project’s complexity, the best option if you want to DIY a homemade storm shelter is to install a prefabricated, aboveground shelter for about $2,000 to $9,000.
The safest bet is to hire a storm shelter builder near you. Labor costs $250 to $2,000, or about 10% to 20% of the project total. Hiring a storm shelter pro with the experience and know-how to construct walls, work with concrete, and install your shelter correctly will give you peace of mind if you ever need to ride out a storm.
"Before any storm, make sure your emergency supply is updated and adequate. FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend that every person have at least 72 hours of food, water, and portable power in case of emergencies—you should have more if you live in a hurricane- or tornado-prone area."
— Allen Baler, CEO, 4Patriots, Nashville, Tennessee
6 Ways to Save on Tornado Shelter Costs
You can get the shelter you need without breaking the bank. Check out these tips on how to save money on your storm shelter:
Check FEMA to see if you can apply for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) funding.
Opt for a bed shelter, which costs thousands less in some cases.
Check with your local or state government for rebate programs.
Choose a prefab storm shelter, which has a lower installation cost.
Build an aboveground shelter in an existing room, like your garage, closet, or basement.
Choose concrete as your building material, which is less expensive than steel or fiberglass.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding a storm shelter can increase the value of a home if you live in an area prone to intense storms. 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.
Prefabricated storm shelters can be assembled in four to eight hours. On the other hand, the time it takes to install a custom shelter can vary by days or weeks, depending on the builder's timeline and material availability. Bigger, more complicated, and customized shelters will take longer to complete than standard and prefab shelters.
If you live in an area where hurricanes and tornadoes pose a serious risk to your safety, storm shelters aren’t only worth it—they’re a must for keeping you and your family safe. However, if you live in a region that doesn’t experience extreme weather, a storm shelter may not be the most sensible option for you.
