The listing says $10/SF. Your actual cost is closer to $16/SF once you add NNN charges, then more once Denver’s winter heating bills arrive. Small warehouse pricing in Denver varies widely by space type, submarket, and building age, and the advertised rate only tells about half the story. Here is what you really write a check for each month, so you can budget before you sign.
Denver warehouse costs at a glance
- WareSpace buildings
- Centennial (now leasing) & Park Hill (coming soon)
- Unit sizes
- 200-2,000 sq ft
- Traditional all-in cost
- $16-20/SF with NNN, utilities
- All-inclusive rate
- From $1,000/mo, one flat rate
- Lease terms
- Short-term, 6 to 12 months
What Drives Denver Warehouse Pricing
- Size. Smaller spaces cost more per square foot. A 20,000 SF warehouse might lease around $10/SF while a 1,500 SF unit in the same area runs $13 to $15/SF.
- Submarket. Central and west Denver command premiums over outer corridors like Brighton, where rents can fall below $8/SF.
- Features. Climate control, heavy electrical, dock-high loading, and finished office all add cost.
- Building age. Newer Class A industrial runs higher than the 1970s and 1980s small-bay stock most small businesses end up in.
Denver Warehouse Pricing by Space Type
| Space type | Annual rent (NNN) | All-in estimate | Monthly (1,000 SF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic warehouse | $10-14/SF | $14-18/SF | $1,167-1,500 |
| Climate-controlled small-bay | $12-16/SF | $16-20/SF | $1,333-1,667 |
| Flex space with office | $15-20/SF | $19-24/SF | $1,583-2,000 |
| Co-warehousing (all-inclusive) | $20-26/SF | Included | $1,667-2,167 |
A basic shell is four walls, a slab, and a roll-up door. Climate-controlled small-bay is the standard product for e-commerce and light assembly. Flex adds finished office. Co-warehousing folds rent, utilities, maintenance, and amenities into one rate with no NNN and no buildout.
Understanding NNN and Denver’s Heating Premium
Most Denver listings quote NNN: the number you see is base rent only. You also pay property taxes, building insurance, and common area maintenance, typically $4 to $6/SF a year.
| Cost component (1,000 SF at $13/SF NNN) | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Base rent ($13/SF) | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| NNN expenses ($5/SF) | $5,000 | $417 |
| Utilities (with winter heat) | $2,400 | $200 |
| Total occupancy cost | $20,400 | $1,700 |
That $13/SF listing actually costs about $20/SF all-in. Denver’s 6,000+ heating degree days mean winter utility bills run above the national average, especially in older, less efficient buildings, so do not budget off the advertised rate alone.
Move-In Costs: What You Need Upfront
For a 1,000 SF traditional lease, budget for first month, last month, a security deposit, and utility deposits, often $5,000 to $9,000 at signing, plus $1,000 to $3,000 for shelving and setup. Co-warehousing move-in is typically first month plus a one-month deposit, with no buildout.
No NNN. No winter-bill surprise.
See your real Denver price in one number
WareSpace Denver bundles rent, taxes, insurance, all utilities (heat included), HVAC, racking, and WiFi into one flat rate from $1,000/mo. Units from 200 to 2,000 sq ft, short-term leases, move-in ready, no hidden fees.
Submarket Pricing Comparison
| Submarket | Small warehouse (NNN) | Vacancy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Denver | $11-14/SF | 1.2% | Tightest market, central access |
| Southwest Denver | $10-14/SF | 2.0% | Rising rents, strong small-bay stock |
| Central Denver / RiNo | $12-15/SF | 7.6-8.5% | Premium, character buildings |
| Aurora | $8-14/SF | Variable | Value, east-metro and I-70 access |
| I-76 / Brighton | $4-8/SF | 20.8% | Cheapest, but mostly big-box |
For a 1,000 SF space, the gap between Brighton and central Denver can be $400 to $700/month, but Brighton is overwhelmingly big-box, so usable small-bay there is scarce. For the same analysis in other markets, see our Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte cost guides.
Denver Warehouse Cost FAQ
How much does small warehouse space cost in Denver?
Small-bay space runs $12 to $15/SF NNN. Add NNN ($4 to $6/SF) and utilities and the true cost is $16 to $20/SF. For 1,000 SF, expect roughly $1,300 to $1,800/month depending on submarket and features. Co-warehousing runs more per square foot but includes everything.
What does NNN mean for Denver leases?
NNN means you pay base rent plus property taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance, usually $4 to $6/SF in Denver. Ask for NNN history and caps before signing.
Where is the cheapest warehouse space in Denver?
I-76/Brighton at $4 to $8/SF NNN, but it is mostly big-box and farthest from central Denver, so small-bay options are limited.
Is co-warehousing more expensive than a traditional lease?
Per square foot, yes, but it includes utilities, heat, maintenance, and amenities with no buildout, lower move-in cost, and no personal guarantee.
Get One Honest Number for Denver Space
Stop decoding $/SF quotes and stacked NNN fees. WareSpace Denver offers small warehouse units from 200 to 2,000 sq ft with all-inclusive pricing from $1,000/mo, loading docks, year-round HVAC, and flexible terms. No hidden fees, no winter-bill surprises. Book a tour or get an instant price estimate. New to the model? See how co-warehousing works, or browse the full Denver market guide.