Airplane Hangar Cost Analysis: Should You Buy, Build or Rent?

‍We looked into airplane hangar costs to see if it’s better to buy, build, or rent space for your plane. Take a look at the results in this expert comparison.

If you have an airplane of your own, then I’m sure one of the things you’ve been wondering is where you’re going to store it. On top of that, how much is it going to cost? Should you buy a hangar of your own, have one built, or rent the space from someone else? In this article, all of your questions will be answered.

Airplane hangar costs differ depending on your location and how big of a hangar you need. In general, expect to pay between $30,000 and several million dollars to buy one, about $15 to $25 per square foot to build one out of metal, and roughly $50 to $300 per month to rent an airplane hangar.

Many airplane pilots consider airplane hangar cost as one of the most important factors to take into account when looking for a place to store their airplane. This is because airplane hangars come in many shapes, sizes and prices so it can be difficult to find a hangar that suits your needs. In this article we will look at airplane hangar costs and compare them to renting or building a new one so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you!

When we publish anything here at SkyTough, we want to make sure our readers are truly getting the best information that they can find anywhere on the web. To ensure this, we are first and foremost passionate about aviation ourselves and have thought about many of the same questions you have. Additionally, we combine research with the input of other experts in the field to come up with the most informational and most accurate content we can.

‍What Is An Airplane Hangar?

An airplane hangar is a large building used to store airplanes. They are often very expensive, and can cost millions of dollars to build. Many airplane hangars are located at airports, where they provide shelter for planes during bad weather or when they are not in use. Some airplane hangars are also used for other purposes, such as maintenance or manufacturing.

Airplane hangars are an important part of the aviation industry, and play a crucial role in keeping planes safe and secure. They are also a major tourist attraction, as people love to see airplanes up close. If you're ever in the area of an airplane hangar, be sure to stop by and take a look! You won't be disappointed.

What Are Airplane Hangars Made Of?

Aircraft hangars come in all shapes and sizes, but they are typically made out of one common material: metal. Steel is the most popular type of metal used in airplane hangar construction due to its strength and durability. However, aluminum is also a common option, as it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Concrete airplane hangars are another type of airplane hangar that is becoming more popular, because they require less maintenance than metal airplane hangars. That said, a fully concrete hangar is significantly less cost-effective than a simple metal building, and I would go out on a limb here and say that none of our readers are actually considering this option!

Be sure to also consider the climate in your area when choosing what material you would like for your airplane hangar. For example, aircraft stored in airplane hangars located near saltwater will experience corrosion much faster than those in airplane hangars located inland. Deciding what type of material to use based on your geographical location can be an entire article unto itself.

So let’s stick to the basics — for the vast majority of hangars out there, a combination of steel and aluminum will be the materials of choice.

How Big Of A Hangar Do I Need?

Aircraft hangars come in a variety of sizes, but the most common are large (60' wide x 120' long), mid-sized (40' wide x 80' long), and small (20' wide x 40'). The size required for your hangar is determined by the types of planes you plan to store. Hangar dimensions are determined by the largest dimension of your aircraft, including wingspan and tail height.

Large hangars are for heavy or long planes that require two to four people to move it inside the structure. Examples include seaplanes & floatplanes, large propeller-driven airplanes like Cessna 172s , Beechcraft Bonanzas, Mooneys, & Pipers, and helicopters. Depending on the type of airplane that you have, you may need a larger hangar like one of these.

Mid-sized hangars are for small planes or those that can be moved by a single person. This includes most light sport aircraft (LSA), such as the Cessna 162 Skycatcher , Diamond DA40 , and the Piper PA-28R Arrow. I would guess that most of our readers have planes that require a mid-sized hangar, especially if you’ve purchased an affordable plane of your own.

Small hangars are for ultralight aircraft, such as LSA like Quicksilver MX series , or motor gliders. While some of you might have some of these small-scale aircraft in addition to your larger planes, many of these can fit inside one of the larger hangar types alongside your normal airplane, so don’t fret!

Airplane Hangar Cost Analysis

Now that you have a better idea about what airplane hangars are, what they’re made of, and how big of a hangar you realistically need, let’s get into the good stuff. We’re going to dive into the details of buying a hangar, building a brand new one from the ground up, and renting hangar space from another owner or the airport itself.

Depending on your budget and what your needs are for the hangarin question, you’ll know exactly what the best way is for you to get a hangar to park your plane. So let’s strap in and go on a journey into the cost analysis of airplane hangars.

What Does It Cost To Buy An Airplane Hangar?

There are a lot of factors and variables associated with this question which we will talk about in the next couple paragraphs: price range, size, location(s), features/amenities, etc.. For instance airplane hangars can vary in price from as low as $30,000 to upwards of several million dollars. It all depends on your needs and budget!

One important thing to keep in mind when considering the cost of an airplane hangar is that it's not just the purchase price you need to worry about — there are also a lot of ongoing costs associated with owning airplane hangars, including

• Utility costs (electricity & water)
• Hangar insurance,
• Airplane maintenance and repair services
• Security/alarm systems
• Cleaning costs

The list goes on.

The size of the airplane hanger is one of the biggest factors that will affect its cost. The larger airplane hangers can accommodate bigger planes with greater ease — if you are someone who owns or frequently uses a large plane then you will probably want to look into airplane hangers that can accommodate it. Conversely, if you only own a small plane then you may not need such a large airplane hangar and can save money by purchasing a smaller one.

Where Are The Most Affordable Airplane Hangars?

Location is another important factor to consider when it comes to airplane hangar cost.

If you are located in a high-cost area like New York City or Los Angeles, the price of an airplane hangar may be higher than in a low-cost area like Detroit or Dallas. Airplane hangars can also vary based on proximity to highways, airports and other public transportation services — which is why airplane hangar costs may be affected by the location when you are looking to purchase one.

There are a few locations around the country where airplane hangar costs are more affordable. The Midwest and Southeast portions of the United States tend to have lower prices for airplane hangars, thanks in part to the lower cost of living in those areas. If you're not located near a major metropolitan area, it's worth checking out some smaller towns or rural areas where airplane hangar costs may be more manageable.

However, it's important to keep in mind that airplane hangar prices can vary significantly based on the size and features of the structure. So even if a particular location seems like a good deal, make sure you take into account all of your needs and wants before signing any contracts.

Heck, you might find a great deal on a hangar that’s in the middle of nowhere and you have no way to get your plane from there to the airport. That wouldn’t be particularly useful would it? Like many other things in life (especially when it comes to purchases) location, location, location.

What Does It Cost To Build An Airplane Hangar?

An airplane hangar is a must for every airplane owner, but the cost of building one can be prohibitive. The price you pay depends on how large your airplane hangar will be and what kind of materials you use. Before specifying any work with an airplane hangar builder, here are some guidelines to help determine costs:

• Metal airplane hangars are the most cost effective option (and the most popular), with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per square foot. However, metal airplane hangars are not as durable as other materials.
• The cost of an all-steel airplane hangar is about $30 to $40 per square foot. This price includes the materials, fabrication, delivery and installation.
• A wooden airplane hangar costs around $60 to $70 per square foot. The higher price tag reflects the cost of lumber, as well as the extra work required to install a wooden airplane hangar.
• An airplane hangar made of concrete block will run you about $85 to $100 per square foot. Concrete is a durable material, but it's also expensive.
• The cost of a roof for an airplane hangar ranges from $0.50 to $0.70 per square foot, depending on the type of roofing material used.
• Hangar doors typically cost $500 to $700 each.

When you're looking at airplane hangar costs, remember to take into account the cost of electricity and gas for heating or cooling your airplane hangar. With these factors in mind, it's easy to see how much you'll pay to build an airplane hangar on your property.

How Long Does It Take To Build Your Own Airplane Hangar?

While airplane hangar construction can be completed in as little as 30 to 60 days, this is not recommended.

An airplane hangar requires a solid foundation that needs at least four weeks for the concrete work alone. On top of that you have to wait up to two more months for your airplane hangar kit or prefabricated panels to arrive on site so that the hangar erection crew can start erecting your airplane hangar. Once the foundation is good to go and all of the materials are on site, it shouldn’t take more than a month or two to have a finished hangar ready to go.

So, in order to have a completed airplane hangar project it will take approximately three to four months from the time you award the contract until the airplane hangar is ready for use. Even though I’m talking about building your own hangar here, I’m really referring to you paying a professional contractor to build it for you. The building that houses your airplane(s) isn’t something you want to mess around with!

Where Should You Build Your Airplane Hangar?

When it comes time to build an airplane hangar, there are many factors that must be considered. These include distance from the airport and how far away your house is located in relation to this distance. In general, you want your hangar to be as close to the airport (or airfield) as possible so that you can drive your plane right to where you’ll be taking off from and landing upon return.

The area around the airfield you plan on using should have no obstructions or restricted airspace nearby that might pose a problem for pilots. It is also important to know how big of an area you will need. There are several factors that go into this, including the distance between your hangar and where you live as well as other airplane hangars in the vicinity.

The ideal area to build your own airplane hangar is going to be close to the airport that you fly out of, easy to get to from your house (for maintenance and repair needs), on steady ground so you don’t have to worry about it shifting, and somewhere in the country that’s relatively affordable. Find a location that checks all of these boxes and you’re off to the races.

What Does It Cost To Rent Hangar Space?

The last option that you have — and undoubtedly the most affordable — is renting hangar space from someone one else (or the airport itself).

You can sublet your own from someone else for between $50 and $100 per month or rent directly from the airport for about $275 to $400 monthly depending on location and size. If you need more than one plane in the same place, expect prices to be higher. In general and on average, expect to spend around $50 to $300 per month for different kinds of hangar rentals.

While the above prices should give you an idea about the costs of renting a hangar space, they are just the averages. Hangar space rental prices vary wildly from place to place and from one time of year to another. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when it comes to renting hangar space:

• The cost of hangar rental goes up during the summer months as demand for space increases.
• You can expect a discount if you rent for an extended period (six months or more)
• Rent cost is usually based on square footage.
• Subletting your hangar may be an option if you need to go out of town for a few weeks and don't want to leave your plane exposed to the elements. Keep in mind that sublets are not always allowed at airports, so check with airport management first.
• Your cost increases if you need to rent more than one hangar for your airplane(s).
• Price increases will usually be around the following holidays: Memorial Day, Labor day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can expect an additional cost of about $100 per month during these months as demand is higher.
• Hangar space is usually available on a first come, first served basis so don't wait too long to make your decision.

Can I Rent Out My Hangar Space When I’m Not Using It?

Many airplane owners rent out their hangar space when they're not using it. This can help offset the cost of hangar rental and, in some cases, may even cover the entire cost. If you're interested in renting out your space, be sure to check with airport management first as there may be restrictions on who can sublet and for how long.

Just like I mentioned above when I said that you can sublet from someone else for around $50 to $100 per month, this is also about the typical price that you can realistically charge when subletting your own space to someone else. As long as the hangar owner approves of it, subletting your hangar space when not in use can be a great way to cover some of your own rental costs that would otherwise be for nought.

Should You Buy, Build, Or Rent An Airplane Hangar?

When it comes to airplane hangar cost, there are three main options: buying, building, and renting.

Buying a hangar can be expensive but many pilots find that it's the most cost effective option in the long run. Building a hangar from scratch can be cheaper than buying one but it takes time and effort to get it up and running, plus you need to find the perfect location (and buy the land as well). Renting a hangar is the most affordable option but it can be difficult to find one that meets your needs.

So, what's the best option for you? It depends on a few factors such as how much money you have available, how much space you need, and how often you plan to use your airplane hangar. This is really a subjective question that I can’t just give you the right answer for, since it will vary from person to person and pilot to pilot based on your own needs.

If you're looking for a permanent airplane hangar, buying is the best option. If you're on a tight budget or only need a hangar for occasional use, renting is your best bet. Building a hangar can be a good option if you have the time and resources available but it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

No matter what you do, you’ll want to get hangar access either soon after buying an airplane or before you ever sign on the dotted line to make your plane purchase. You want to have a place ready to go that you can take your plane to once you buy it so that it doesn’t just have to sit outside in your yard taking up space and being exposed to the elements.