How Much Does It Cost to Build a Temperature-Controlled Cold Storage Per Square Meter?

In today’s fast-growing cold chain logistics industry, the construction of temperature-controlled cold storage facilities has become a key focus for many businesses. A well-designed cold room not only ensures the quality and safety of stored goods but also improves operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

However, one of the most frequently asked questions is: How much budget is required per square meter to build a temperature-controlled cold storage? Let’s break down the real cost based on different storage applications.

Completion photo of constant temperature and humidity cold storage

Average Construction Cost per Square Meter

Based on industry research and project experience, here are the general cost estimates (converted from RMB to USD, exchange rate ≈ 1 CNY = 0.14 USD):

1.Fruit & Vegetable Cold Storage
Approx. $110 – $155 per m² (CNY 800 – 1100)
Mainly used for agricultural products, requiring stable temperature and humidity control.

2.Pharmaceutical Cold Storage
Approx. $125 – $182 per m² (CNY 900 – 1300)
Designed to meet strict standards for temperature stability, humidity control, and sterile storage, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicines.

3.Controlled Atmosphere Cold Storage (CA Storage)
Approx. $168 – $224 per m² (CNY 1200 – 1600)
Used for extending the freshness of fruits and vegetables by precisely controlling oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

4.Industrial Explosion-Proof Cold Storage
Approx. $280 – $560 per m² or higher (CNY 2000 – 4000+)
Specially designed for industries requiring extra safety measures, such as chemical storage.

👉 If you are planning to build a cold storage warehouse and want a customized budget plan, feel free to contact us for a tailored design and cost estimation.