How Much Does Hangar Space Cost?

Last Updated on June 8, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

For private aircraft owners, securing protected hangar space at an airport provides shielded storage and convenient access to runways for takeoff and landing. But leased hangar space comes at widely varying costs depending on the size, features, location, and various additional fees.

This guide examines the primary factors affecting hangar rental costs, provides detailed price ranges by airport type and hangar dimensions, looks at additional fees to watch out for, offers insider tips for renters to reduce expenses, and provides extensive examples and cost breakdowns. Read on to gain a full understanding of how to find affordable hangar space rentals and leases.

How Much Does Hangar Space Cost?

Typical rental rates for just the base hangar itself range from $150 per month for a small T-hangar up to over $3,000 monthly for spacious corporate jet hangars at major metro airports.

To understand the cost range, average monthly hangar rental rates span a wide spectrum based on the specific dimensions, features, and location:

• Small single airplane T-hangars – $150 to $500
• Medium twin-engine aircraft hangars – $500 to $1,200+
• Large corporate business jet hangars – $1,000 to $3,000+
• Open-sided T-hangars (least expensive simplicity)
• Fully enclosed secure hangars (more costly with HVAC and insulation)
• Private hangars for 1 plane – 50-100% pricier than shared spaces
• Multi-year leased rates – 10-20% cheaper than month-to-month

Hangar size makes the biggest impact, with small T-hangars averaging $200/month and large corporate hangars averaging around $2,000/month. Type of construction and features add additional costs per square foot.

According to Pilots of America, the cost of hangar space can range from around $150 to $600 per month, with prices varying based on the size of the hangar and the amenities included.

For example, a basic barebones hangar with a dirt floor and no electricity can cost as low as $150 per month, while a larger hangar with concrete flooring and electricity can cost upwards of $600 per month.

Republic Jet Center reports that renting a space of 1,000 to 1,600 square feet with amenities such as restrooms, climate control, and epoxy flooring can cost between $350 and $600 per month. For corporate jets, the cost can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month.

Shelter Structures mentions that the average cost of renting an airplane hangar can range from $850 to $7,000 per month, depending on the size of the hangar and the airport location. For example, a 2,000 square foot hangar can cost around $850 to $950 per month, while a 10,000 square foot hangar can cost upwards of $4,000 to $7,000 per month.

Factors Impacting the Cost of Rental

Several important considerations can greatly affect the monthly or annual cost of leasing an aircraft hangar:

• Airport size and location – Major metro commercial airports cost exponentially more than regional or small municipal airfields. Urban areas command higher prices than rural.
• Physical size of the hangar – Larger dimensions to accommodate bigger planes, jets and helicopters necessitate higher rental rates. A 40′ x 60′ hangar costs more than a 20′ x 40′ space.
• Type of hangar – Private individual hangars are typically 50-100% more expensive than shared spaces.
• Lease agreement duration – Multi-year leases amortize costs over longer terms for 10-20% savings over monthly rentals.
• Extra services – Any additional perks like maintenance, fueling, concierge, WiFi, lavatory cleaning all add fees.
• Local supply and demand – Some regions have long waitlists for hangar space, increasing prices. Seasonal fluctuations in demand also impact costs.

You can expect to encounter the highest rental rates for a spacious private hangar facility at a major commercial airport located in a dense metropolitan city. But there are ways renters can reduce costs through smart negotiations and tradeoffs.

Additional Hangar Fees

Beyond simply the base rental rate for the physical hangar itself, renters should watch out for these other typical charges that can sneak into contracts or be added incrementally:

• Fueling service fees – Discounted with high-volume contracts
• Additional storage fees – For extra equipment or vehicles beyond aircraft
• Enhanced security fees – Video cameras, electronic badge access readers
• Aircraft ramp access fees – For parking on tarmacs outside the hangar
• Regular maintenance and cleaning fees – From $100 to $500+ per month
• Internet/WiFi, utility, trash, sewage costs – Allocated among tenants

Carefully accounting for all these potential incidental fees when comparing total costs is wise. Fees can add up.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a bush plane, an A&P license, or pilot lessons.

Airport Type and Location

To provide an idea of how monthly or annual costs can vary substantially based on the airport, typical rental rates often are:

• Major metro commercial airports like LAX – $300 to $1,500+
• Regional airports and municipal airfields – $150 to $500
• Small private rural landing strips – $100 to $300
• Urban locations – 25% to 50% higher pricing than rural areas

Always investigate current market rates in your particular region by directly inquiring with the airport authority, fixed base operators (FBOs), or existing hangar tenants. Prices fluctuate over time.

Here are some examples of monthly rental rates at different types of airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $1,000 – $1,500 for a medium hangar, $2,500+ for a large hangar
• Dallas Regional Airport (DAL): $300 – $800 for a small hangar, $1,000 – $2,000 for a large hangar
• McKinney National Airport (TKI): $200 – $400 for a T-hangar, $800 – $1,200 for an executive hangar
• Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) in Cleveland: $150 – $300 for a T-hangar, $500 – $1,000 for an executive hangar
• Boire Field (ASH) in Nashua, NH: $100 – $250 for a small T-hangar, $350 – $600 for a large hangar

Reduce Hangar Rental Costs

Through flexible negotiations and tradeoffs, renters can reduce monthly hangar space costs through these smart tactics:

• Sharing space with another compatible aircraft owner when hangar size permits
• Comparing rates between multiple airports and FBOs within practical range
• Opting for the minimum hangar dimensions to safely fit your aircraft
• Selecting simple open-sided T-hangars over fully enclosed hangars
• Prepaying annual leases upfront to secure a 10-20% discount over monthly installments
• Negotiating discounted bundled pricing packages on fueling and other services

Remaining open-minded to cost-saving variations that still meet your essential needs goes a long way towards trimming expensive hangar space rental costs over the long run.

Is Living in an Airport Hangar Legal?

The frequent question of whether pilots and tenants can legally reside full-time in airport hangar spaces comes with some grey areas in rules:

• Outright living in hangars violates zoning laws at most public airports.
• Some allow temporary live-aboard tenants if the aircraft is actively maintained and flown regularly from the airport.
• Part-time living exceptions are sometimes permitted, but not advertised publicly.
• Seek written approval from the airport authority before planning residential occupancy.

While the idea of saving on rent by staying in a hangar seems appealing, the restrictions, risks, and lack of amenities make it an undesirable solution for the vast majority of pilots and aviation businesses.

Case Study: Hangars at a Regional Airport

Let’s look at a case study example of an aircraft owner comparing hangar space options at Dallas Regional Airport (DAL):

The owner needs to house a 6-seat piston engine airplane with a wingspan of 45 feet. Three hangar rental options are compared:

Open T-Hangar

• $350/month
• Unheated with no doors, open to elements
• Pay additional ramp fees for parking outside

Enclosed Executive Hangar

• $850/month
• Fully enclosed and insulated 40′ x 60′ space
• Includes parking just outside hangar

Shared 2-Airplane Hangar

• $450/month split cost
• Shared 30′ x 50′ enclosed hangar
• Includes outdoor parking spot

By opting for the basic open T-hangar and paying ramp fees when needed, the owner saves $500 per month over the executive hangar while still protecting their airplane. Sharing the enclosed hangar offers social benefits at $400 monthly savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to some other common questions on hangar rental costs:

What’s the typical cost to build a personal grass runway for light aircraft?

Around $25,000 for a 1900 foot mowed grass sod runway, not including substantial land acquisition costs and permits.

What are the minimum hangar dimensions to fit a small plane?

Approximately 85 feet x 45 feet for a single-engine piston airplane hangar with 40 foot height clearance. Larger aircraft need bigger dimensions.

How are hangar rental rates typically set by airports?

Airport managers and leasing agents calculate rates based on Comparative Market Analysis of other area rents, construction and operating costs, market demand, and desired profit margins. Rates are usually approved by the Airport Authority Board.

What are the pros and cons of shared hangars?

Shared hangars offer lower costs but less flexibility, control and privacy. However, shared spaces build an aviation community and offer social benefits.

Are there creative ways to reduce hangar costs?

Some airports offer lower rates for hangars only accessible certain days or times. Pilots can also join hangar co-ops and share costs and maintenance duties.