When planning to build a cold storage facility, one of the first questions investors ask is: “How much will it cost?”
The construction cost of a cold storage warehouse varies greatly depending on its type, temperature requirement, equipment configuration, and layout design.
For example, the estimated cost to build a 1,000 square meter cold storage in China typically ranges from USD 125,000 to 165,000. However, without clear details such as storage temperature, insulation materials, number of chambers, and refrigeration system type, it’s not possible to calculate an exact price.
Below is a reference guide for different types of 1,000m² cold storage projects:
Estimated Construction Cost of 1,000m² Cold Storage (China Region)
Type of Cold Storage | Estimated Cost (USD) | Application Description |
---|---|---|
Fruit & Vegetable Cold Room | $95,000 – $140,000 | For fresh produce preservation, typically at 0–10°C. |
Food Freezing Cold Storage | $110,000 – $155,000 | For frozen foods, with temperatures around -18°C to -25°C. |
Pharmaceutical Cold Room | $140,000 – $195,000 | For vaccines, medicines, or medical supplies at 2–8°C or below. |
Logistics Cold Chain Warehouse | $150,000 – $180,000 | For large-scale distribution centers or transit cold storage facilities. |
Seafood Deep Freezing Storage | $140,000 – $180,000 | For frozen fish, shrimp, and aquatic products stored below -25°C. |
Chemical Explosion-Proof Cold Room | $250,000 – $420,000 | For industrial or chemical-grade temperature-controlled storage, with explosion-proof systems. |
Key Factors Affecting the Final Cost
- Temperature requirements: Lower temperatures require higher insulation and stronger compressors.
- Refrigeration system type: Air-cooled vs. water-cooled systems affect both energy efficiency and cost.
- Insulation materials: PU sandwich panels with different thicknesses (100mm, 150mm, 200mm) influence cost and performance.
- Partition design: More chambers mean more evaporators, valves, and controls.
- Location and labor costs: Prices vary by region and installation conditions.