{
  "category": "storage",
  "compiled": "2026-07-10",
  "method": "Storage is the most hyperlocal category tracked: operators quote by zip online with no national menu. Where a chain publishes or a firm observation exists, the figure is shown with its source and date; where it does not, the national observed band is shown and labeled as such rather than a precise number being invented. National average 10x10 sat near a five-year low in 2026.",
  "unit": "USD per month, 10x10 standard unit unless noted",
  "national_context": {
    "avg_10x10_2026": {"low": 130, "high": 136, "note": "some trackers recorded ~$75 lows; lowest national average in five years"},
    "standard_10x10_band": {"low": 90, "high": 180},
    "climate_10x10_band": {"low": 120, "high": 250},
    "location_examples": {"houston": 80, "los_angeles": 219, "new_york_city": 257},
    "sources": ["sparefoot.com/blog/cost-to-store-a-life", "extraspace.com/blog/self-storage/how-much-do-storage-units-cost/", "nearbystoragerentals.com/how-much-does-a-10x10-storage-unit-cost-today/"]
  },
  "chains": {
    "cubesmart": {
      "name": "CubeSmart",
      "ten_by_ten": {"low": 130, "high": 170},
      "rate_hike": "least aggressive of the majors",
      "coupon_reality": "Typically cheapest major in matched markets and gentler on post-promo increases — often best total-cost pick.",
      "notes": "",
      "sources": ["selfstoragecost.com", "cubesmart.com"]
    },
    "extra_space": {
      "name": "Extra Space Storage",
      "ten_by_ten_standard": {"low": 98, "high": 222},
      "ten_by_ten_climate": {"low": 127, "high": 289},
      "coupon_reality": "~5-10% below Public Storage in matched markets, but expect 15-25% increase within 3-6 months of promo ending.",
      "notes": "Largest US operator by location (3,500+) after absorbing Life Storage in the 2023 merger. Former Life Storage units are now Extra Space; overlapping-market rates pulled up 5-15% toward Extra Space levels during integration.",
      "absorbed_brand": "Life Storage (merged 2023)",
      "sources": ["selfstoragecost.com/extra-space-storage-cost", "reit.com/news/articles/extra-space-hits-the-ground-running-after-life-storage-merger"]
    },
    "public_storage": {
      "name": "Public Storage",
      "position": "priciest major, most locations",
      "promo": "$1 first month (classic hook)",
      "coupon_reality": "$1-first-month promo is real; so is the 15-25% hike a few months later. Decide on the year-one total.",
      "notes": "No firm national 10x10 menu published; positions above Extra Space in matched markets.",
      "sources": ["publicstorage.com/blog/public-storage/the-complete-guide-to-storage-unit-prices-in-2026.html"]
    },
    "uhaul": {
      "name": "U-Haul Self-Storage",
      "small_units": {"low": 70, "high": 90, "note": "5x5-5x10"},
      "position": "cheap small units, moving tie-ins",
      "coupon_reality": "One free month with truck rental is the standing play.",
      "notes": "Small-unit pricing competitive; larger units vary by facility age.",
      "sources": ["uhaul.com"]
    },
    "smartstop": {
      "name": "SmartStop Self Storage",
      "ten_by_ten_observed": {"typical": 100, "note": "online promo, early 2026 member report"},
      "position": "national REIT (ticker SMA)",
      "coupon_reality": "Aggressive intro stack: first month free + up to 15% off, or 50% off month one, or 3 months at 50%. Discount is month-one only.",
      "notes": "Publicly traded; online rates beat walk-in.",
      "sources": ["smartstopselfstorage.com/40-savings", "consumersadvocate.org/storage-units/c/smartstop-self-storage-review"]
    },
    "prime_storage": {
      "name": "Prime Storage",
      "ten_by_ten_observed_low": {"price": 49, "note": "Bronx, low end, mid-2026"},
      "coupon_reality": "First-month-free and up-to-50%-off offers standing; big-metro facilities run far higher.",
      "notes": "East-Coast-heavy operator; teaser is month one, budget for the step-up.",
      "sources": ["primestorage.com", "findstoragefast.com/ny/bronx-storage-units"]
    },
    "simply_self_storage": {
      "name": "Simply Self Storage",
      "ten_by_ten_observed": {"low": 160, "high": 212, "average": 171},
      "location_examples": {"orlando": 160, "cypress_ca_climate": 188, "seattle_heated": 212},
      "hidden_fees": {"admin_one_time": 24, "insurance_monthly_from": 10},
      "coupon_reality": "Averages ~$171 (about $20 below industry average), but $24 admin fee and mandatory insurance (from $10/mo) are add-ons the quote hides.",
      "notes": "Owned by Blackstone (BREIT).",
      "sources": ["move.org/simply-self-storage-review/", "movebuddha.com/blog/simply-self-storage-review/"]
    },
    "storage_king_usa": {
      "name": "Storage King USA",
      "ten_by_ten_observed_miami": {"low": 89, "high": 176, "average": 175.67},
      "locations": "170+",
      "military_discount": "5%",
      "coupon_reality": "'Book Now, Pay When You Move In' holds a unit with nothing upfront; 5% active-military discount.",
      "notes": "Mid-size national chain; reserve online for the better rate.",
      "sources": ["storagekingusa.com", "sparefoot.com"]
    },
    "storagemart": {
      "name": "StorageMart",
      "ten_by_ten_band": {"low": 90, "high": 180, "note": "per-facility online pricing; no national menu"},
      "coupon_reality": "Prices each facility by zip online; honest answer is 'check your location.' National standard 10x10 ~$90-180, climate ~$120-250.",
      "notes": "Family-owned Midwest-and-national operator; online reservation rates beat walk-in.",
      "sources": ["storage-mart.com", "nearbystoragerentals.com/how-much-does-a-10x10-storage-unit-cost-today/"]
    },
    "istorage": {
      "name": "iStorage",
      "ten_by_ten_band": {"low": 90, "high": 180, "note": "quote-by-zip online; no published national menu"},
      "coupon_reality": "Part of National Storage Affiliates; pricing quoted per facility online with usual first-month promos.",
      "notes": "Observable national band shown rather than an invented precise figure this chain does not publish.",
      "sources": ["nearbystoragerentals.com/how-much-does-a-10x10-storage-unit-cost-today/", "mygoodmovers.com/storage-guide/how-much-does-a-self-storage-unit-cost"]
    }
  },
  "cross_chain_facts": [
    "The move-in rate is a teaser; budget move-in + 20%, where most renters land by month six.",
    "2026 is a rare renter's market: national average 10x10 fell to ~$130-136 (some $75-class lows), the lowest in five years.",
    "Life Storage no longer exists as a separate brand — it merged into Extra Space (2023), now the largest US operator by location.",
    "Compare year-one totals, not first months; $1-first-month at a hike-happy chain routinely loses to a boring flat rate.",
    "Rates are hyper-local: two facilities three miles apart can differ 40%; online rates beat walk-in."
  ]
}