How Much Does A Helium Tank Cost?

Last Updated on June 27, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Helium is essential for filling balloons and providing levity at parties and events. But what’s the actual cost for those helium tanks that make the fun possible? Prices can range higher depending on tank size, whether you buy or rent, and if it’s refillable or disposable.

Helium is sold by the cubic foot, with typical small tanks holding between 125 and 250 cubic feet. This fills approximately 50-100 average size balloons. Larger high-capacity tanks are also available for major events and industrial uses.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of helium tank costs for both individual consumers and business customers. It covers the pricing landscape for disposable and refillable tanks, cost saving strategies, industrial and medical gas delivery systems, safety protocols, and emerging global helium economics.

How Much Does A Helium Tank Cost?

The cost of a helium tank for personal use is, on average, between $50 to $200, for a standard small helium tank suitable for most basic personal celebrations. For individual parties and events, disposable and small refillable tanks are most common:

• Small disposable helium tanks – $75 to $150
• Small refillable helium tanks – $100 to $250
• Medium refillable helium tanks – $200 to $400
• Large refillable helium tanks – $300 to $600

Disposable tanks only last for one use while refillable cylinders can be reused repeatedly. Evaluate your short and long term needs when deciding between these options.

Party City offers helium tank rentals for $25.99 for a small tank that fills around 30 balloons and $39.99 for a large tank that fills around 50 balloons. They also sell helium tanks, with a small tank costing $44.99 and a large tank costing $59.99. Party City notes that helium tank rentals require a $25 refundable deposit.

Balloons Online reports that the cost of a helium tank rental ranges from $25 to $40, depending on the size of the tank. They highlight that the rental price typically includes the cost of the helium and a refundable deposit. Balloons Online also sells helium tanks, with prices starting at $45 for a small tank and $60 for a large tank.

Balloon Time offers helium tank rentals for $25 for a 4.4 cubic foot tank and $40 for an 8.9 cubic foot tank. They also sell helium tanks, with a 4.4 cubic foot tank costing $45 and an 8.9 cubic foot tank costing $60. Balloon Time notes that all helium tank rentals require a $25 refundable deposit.

Helium Supplies provides a range of helium tank sizes and prices. They sell a 30 cubic foot tank for $150, a 50 cubic foot tank for $200, and a 110 cubic foot tank for $300. Helium Supplies also offers helium tank refills, with prices starting at $50 for a 30 cubic foot refill.

Balloon Accessories reports that the cost of a helium tank rental ranges from $25 to $40, depending on the size of the tank. They note that the rental price includes the cost of the helium and a refundable deposit. Balloon Accessories also sells helium tanks, with prices starting at $45 for a small tank and $60 for a large tank.

Factors Influencing Helium Tank Pricing

Several variables impact how much a helium tank costs:

• Tank size – Larger tanks cost more but contain greater helium volume. Small tanks hold 125-425 cubic feet. Jumbo tanks store 10,000+ cubic feet.
• Refillable or disposable – Refillable helium tanks carry higher upfront cost but pay off long-term through reuse. Disposable tanks are one use only.
• New, used, or rental – Buying new is priciest. Renting is the cheapest in the short run but limited term. Used can be a bargain.
• Location – Prices run 10-30% higher in remote regions with limited supplier options and accessibility.

Always weigh these primary factors against your specific institutional or individual needs when selecting a helium supply.

Costs for Helium Tank Types

Here’s what to expect with common helium tank capacities and models:

Small disposable helium tanks

• Upfront cost – $75 to $125
• Helium capacity – 125-250 cubic feet
• Number of balloons filled – 50-100

Small refillable helium tanks

• Purchase price – $150 to $300
• Refill cost – $50 to $100
• Total capacity – 125-250 cubic feet

Medium refillable helium tanks

• Empty tank cost – $250 to $500
• Refill price – $100 to $200
• Typical capacity – 350-425 cubic feet

Large refillable helium tanks

• Empty cylinder price – $500 to $1,000
• Refill cost – $250 to $500
• Total capacity – 1,400-1,800 cubic feet

Calculate the total cost of ownership for refillable tanks, incorporating future refills.

Where To Buy Helium Tanks

You can readily purchase disposable and small refillable helium tanks at:

• Party supply stores – Party City, Balloon Kings, Party Depot, balloon distributors
• Mass retailers – Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco
• Craft stores – Michaels, JOANN, Hobby Lobby, flower and event retailers
• Online – Amazon, eBay, discounted overstock outlets
• Event rental companies – For short term helium rentals rather than purchase

Compare pricing between local specialized retailers and high volume big box stores to find the optimal deals.

You might also like our articles about the cost of hot air balloons, to fill a propane tank or an acetylene tank.

Helium Tank Rental vs Purchase

For one-time events with extensive decor, renting often saves over buying multiple tanks:

Helium Tank Rental

• No upfront tank purchase cost
• Rental fees from $50 to $500+ per week depending on tank size
• Security deposit of $150 to $1,000+ required temporarily
• Potential pick up and return delivery charges

Helium Tank Purchase

• Higher upfront tank costs but no recurring rental payments
• Option to resell tanks after use to recoup partial costs
• Avoid deposits and delivery fees
• Refills still required after first use of new tank

Evaluate convenience, budget, and specific event needs when deciding between short term renting versus outright tank purchase.

Industrial Helium Tank Costs

Major industrial uses require high capacity, high pressure helium tanks and bulk gas delivery ranging up to:

Medium helium gas tanks

• 1,800 to 3,100 cubic feet – $750 to $1,500
• Pressures up to 3,000 psi

Large helium gas tanks

• 3,100 to 7,500 cubic feet – $1,500 to $3,500
• Pressures up to 6,500 psi

Bulk helium gas tanks

• 10,000+ cubic feet – $5,000 to $10,000+
• Pressures up to 6,500 psi

Liquid helium dewars

• 50+ liters – $15,000 to $30,000+

Commercial and industrial suppliers offer competitive bulk pricing for major laboratory, tech manufacturing, aerospace, and similar institutional and corporate monthly gas needs.

Tips for Saving on Costs

With some savvy shopping, both individuals and companies can access affordable helium:

• Buy multiple disposable tanks in bulk online for discounts from volume orders
• Share larger tank rental cost across multiple personal connections as a group
• Reuse disposable tanks to capture any minor residual helium still present
• Join loyalty rewards programs with retailers for exclusive member-only deals
• Closely track refill dates to prevent any gradual helium leakage
• Research prices thoroughly online and compare quotes across distributors
• Ask suppliers about any current promotions, sales, or seasonal specials
• For corporations, establish a long term supplied partnership with fixed contracted pricing

Those looking to cut helium costs can implement these money saving strategies for party, entertainment, scientific, or industry uses.

Ownership vs Rental – Cost Considerations

Both helium end user and suppliers must carefully weigh the long-term cost implications of refillable tank ownership verses ongoing rental:

Benefits of Refillable Tank Purchase

• Avoid recurring rental fees which add up over years
• Take advantage of low per cubic foot helium pricing through bulk refills
• Customize tank size to your institutional or home exact needs
• Resell or recycle tanks after use to partially offset purchase costs

Benefits of Renting Refillable Helium Tanks

• No large upfront capital investment for tank purchase
• Built in maintenance and repairs covered by rental company
• Option to adjust tank size up or down as short term needs change
• Rental company handles all transport logistics and delivery

Both consumers and suppliers should assess their time horizons and total cost scenarios when selecting the optimal helium delivery mechanisms.

Final Words

Helium enables everything from floating balloons at kids’ birthday parties to high tech manufacturing processes essential for innovation. But this unique element comes at a cost that both individual consumers and institutional buyers must budget for appropriately.

Implement bulk buying, comparison shopping, vendor negotiation strategies, and advanced planning to keep your celebrations and operations buoyant without breaking the budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should helium tanks be stored?

Store helium tanks securely upright, at moderate room temperature, away from heat, humid areas, oil, grease, and corrosive chemicals. Attach tank caps when not in use. Chain tanks to a wall or shelf for safety. Return rental tanks promptly.

Does helium go bad in a tank?

Helium does not go “bad”, but tanks gradually leak a small amount over months. Refrigerating unused tanks can drastically slow leakage. For best results, empty and refill tanks every 6-12 months as needed.

Can you save a helium tank?

A small amount of residual helium remains after tanks empty. You can reuse disposable tanks right away to capture leftover helium. Refillable tanks should be topped off soon as possible to maximize helium utility.