Warehouse Construction Cost per sq ft & Cold Storage Cost Guide
Planning a warehouse or cold storage? This detailed guide breaks down warehouse construction costs per sq ft, cold storage building requirements, and provides a built-in mini calculator to estimate expenses instantly.
Contents
Introduction
The demand for warehouses and cold storage facilities in India and globally is rising due to e-commerce, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food supply chains. Builders, developers, and entrepreneurs often ask: “What is the warehouse construction cost per sq ft?” and “How much will a cold storage facility cost?”
This guide covers cost drivers, real-world examples, city-based price variations, and gives you tools to calculate approximate expenses. Costs vary depending on location, materials, specifications, and design.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Land Cost: Location near highways/ports increases value.
- Foundation: Soil condition, depth, and RCC requirements.
- Superstructure: Pre-engineered building (PEB) vs RCC frame.
- Flooring: Heavy-duty industrial floors cost more.
- Roofing: Insulated roofing for temperature control.
- Utilities: Fire safety, sprinklers, HVAC, lighting.
- Cold Storage Specific: Refrigeration, insulation, temperature monitoring.
Warehouse Construction Cost per sq ft
The cost of warehouse construction in India (2025 estimates) ranges between ₹900 – ₹1,600 per sq.ft. for standard PEB warehouses. RCC warehouses may cost slightly higher, in the range of ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 per sq.ft.
In the US, warehouse construction typically ranges from $55 – $95 per sq.ft. depending on finishes and location.
Cold Storage Construction Cost
Cold storage requires insulated walls, refrigeration, and high-power backup systems. Costs are higher compared to normal warehouses:
- Basic cold storage: ₹2,500 – ₹3,800 per sq.ft.
- Pharma-grade cold storage: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per sq.ft.
- International average: $120 – $200 per sq.ft.
Mini Cost Calculator
Estimate your warehouse or cold storage cost instantly.
Illustrative Cost Table
| Type | Rate (₹/sq.ft.) | For 5000 sq.ft. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEB Warehouse | ₹900 – ₹1,600 | ₹45 L – ₹80 L | Quick build |
| RCC Warehouse | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | ₹60 L – ₹1 Cr | Durable, slower |
| Cold Storage | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 | ₹1.25 Cr – ₹2.5 Cr | Insulated + HVAC |
Cost Variation in Cities
Mumbai: ₹1,600 – ₹2,200 per sq.ft. (land expensive)
Delhi NCR: ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 per sq.ft.
Bangalore: ₹1,100 – ₹1,700 per sq.ft.
Pune & Nagpur: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per sq.ft.
FAQ
How long does warehouse construction take?
PEB: 4–6 months, RCC: 8–12 months.
Do cold storage facilities need special flooring?
Yes, insulated floors with vapor barriers are essential.
What is the ROI for cold storage?
Typically 5–7 years depending on utilization and location.
Conclusion: The warehouse construction cost and cold storage cost depend on specifications, city, and design choices. Use the mini calculator and cost table to budget your project effectively.
Disclaimer: Costs are indicative. Consult professional engineers and contractors for exact estimates.
Why Warehouse & Cold Storage Costs Matter
Warehouses and cold storages form the backbone of supply chains. From Nagpur’s logistics hubs to Mumbai’s godowns and Dubai’s freezones, developers and business owners always ask: “What’s the cost per sq ft for construction, and how much extra for cold storage facilities?”
Costs vary by material choice (RCC vs Pre-Engineered Buildings), height, insulation, land value, and automation levels. Having a clear benchmark is essential for investors, builders, and owners before committing capital.
Types of Warehouses & Their Costs
Different structures mean different costs:
- RCC Warehouses: Durable but slow to build. Costs ₹1,200–₹1,800 per sq ft.
- PEB (Pre-Engineered Buildings): Faster erection, modular. Costs ₹800–₹1,200 per sq ft.
- Hybrid (RCC + PEB): RCC plinth with steel superstructure. Balanced costs ₹1,000–₹1,400 per sq ft.
- Cold Storage Warehouses: Require insulation, refrigeration, and specialized flooring. ₹2,000–₹3,500 per sq ft.
Illustrative Cost Sheet (Warehouse & Cold Storage)
| Type | Cost per sq ft | Height Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEB Warehouse | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | 18–28 ft | Fast to erect, scalable. |
| RCC Warehouse | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | 14–20 ft | Strong, long life, slower build. |
| Hybrid RCC + PEB | ₹1,000 – ₹1,400 | 18–24 ft | Balanced cost vs speed. |
| Cold Storage | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 | 14–22 ft | Includes insulation, flooring, refrigeration. |
Cost Drivers
- Land Value: Cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Delhi differ sharply.
- Height: Tall warehouses cost more but improve racking efficiency.
- Flooring: Tremix/VDF vs epoxy-coated flooring adds ₹100–₹400 per sq ft.
- Insulation: Cold storage requires PU/PIR panels (₹1,200–₹1,500/sq m).
- Automation: Conveyor belts, ASRS, IoT sensors increase upfront but reduce OPEX.
Mini Calculator — Estimate Warehouse or Cold Storage Cost
Enter your area in sq ft and choose type: