How much does a bunker cost?
How much does a bunker cost?
$200 – $400 average cost per square foot
$40,000 – $80,000 average installed cost (200 square feet)
Average underground bunker cost
Building an underground bunker costs $200 to $400 per square foot or $40,000 to $80,000 total on average. Large, luxury doomsday bunkers cost $9 million or more. People typically build bunkers to withstand serious disasters like nuclear fallout or bombs, but some use them for natural disasters like tornadoes.
| National Average Cost | $60,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $20,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $9,000,000 |
| Average Range | $40,000 to $80,000 |
An underground bunker, also known as a bomb shelter or fallout shelter, is a structure designed to provide safety from nuclear radiation or physical attacks. Bunkers were more common during WWII and the Cold War but are now gaining popularity again.
Bomb shelter cost by size
Most economy or standard bunkers are 100 to 400 square feet in size, while some high-end shelters are larger than the average house and have amenities like swimming pools and bowling alleys.
Professional bunker installation companies typically include an emergency escape hatch, kitchen, bathroom, lighting, filtration system, and a bunk bed—depending on the size and model. Some come with extras like a decontamination room, solar generator, and extra storage.
| Size (square feet) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| 200 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| 300 | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| 400 | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| 500 | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 1,000 | $200,000 – $400,000 |
Some bomb shelters come with bunk beds. This may not be the most comfortable option but saves space and money.
Fallout shelter cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to install a fallout shelter or bunker:
Prefab vs. custom: Most bunker companies manufacture prefabricated units, but you can also hire a contractor to build one from scratch. Prefab bunkers typically cost less than custom work and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Delivery: If you buy a prefab bunker, you may have to pay $1,000 to $10,000 extra for delivery. Some companies offer free shipping or build it into their pricing.
Reinforcement: Most bunkers use a simple steel shell or shipping container for walls. Some choose to encase the shell in concrete for extra durability. Concrete walls cost $15 to $40 per square foot or $90 to $320 per linear foot.
Above-ground vs. underground: An above-ground shelter typically costs less than an underground shelter but doesn’t provide as much protection against radiation or bombs.
A storm shelter costs $3,000 to $12,000+Â if built above ground or $4,000 to $20,000+Â below ground.
An above-ground indoor safe room costs $3,600 to $11,200, depending on the size and materials. Most safe rooms are prefabricated and made of steel.
Permit: Building permits cost $500 to $2,000 for large construction projects. Ask your installer if they’ll cover the permit for you.
Labor
The labor cost for installing a bunker varies depending on your location and the scope of the project. Many prefab companies include excavation and installation costs in their pricing.
| Project | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation costs | $1,100 – $5,600 |
| Tree removal costs | $150 – $2,000 |
| Gas line cost | $360 – $740 |
| Running electricity cost | $1,200 – $7,100 |
| Plumbing pipes cost | $4 – $5 per square foot |
| Water heater cost | $600 – $5,600 |
| Septic tank cost | $3,500 – $8,500 |
| Appliances cost | $2,500 – $6,800 |
| Flooring cost | $4 – $15 per square foot |
Security
Adding security cameras and other related features can help you stay safe in dangerous situations:
A security camera costs $125 to $450 installed.
A full home security system costs $199 to $900 for the equipment and installation and $25 to $50 per month for monitoring fees.
A security door costs $400 to $800 with installation.
Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot and helps by camouflaging any entrances, solar panels, vents, or generators.Â
Privacy fencing costs $25 to $60 per linear foot with installation.
Luxury upgrades
Some people consider bomb shelters temporary since you may only need them for a couple of weeks to avoid fallout from a nuclear incident. However, those who build full-on doomsday bunkers consider them long-term housing.
While long-term underground housing seems like an unlikely scenario, some people spend a lot of time and money preparing for any situation. Here are some features available in luxury bunkers:
Building a greenhouse costs $5 to $30 per square foot or $2,500 to $15,000, plus the cost of hydroponic systems or grow lights.
Home theater installers charge anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000.
An indoor pool costs $25,000 to $120,000 for the pool itself. A dehumidification system costs $1,100 to $3,500.
Hot tub installation costs $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the type and how much electrical work the installer does.
A sauna costs $3,000 to $10,000 with installation.
Bunker FAQs
What is a bunker?
A bunker, also called a bomb shelter or fallout shelter, is an underground structure meant to withstand a major disaster. Most people build bare-bones bomb shelters and stock them with just enough to live there for a few days or weeks. Full-on doomsday bunkers, on the other hand, are a long-term solution.
Can I build a bomb shelter myself?
Bomb shelter builders use reinforced steel, concrete, or other durable materials to build bunkers as well as excavation equipment. While you could technically build one yourself, you run the risk of creating an unsafe structure. You’d also have to install complex filtration systems, septic systems, and some sort of power supply.
It takes a lot of work and experience to construct a quality bomb shelter safely and legally. Talk to a structural engineer near you for advice.
What kind of filters do bunkers use?
Bunker manufacturers use a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (or NBC) filter system for air. If you only need a shelter for natural disasters, or chemical and biological attacks instead of nuclear fallout, you may want to use a less-expensive HEPA filter.
For water, you’ll either need to have a large quantity of clean water stored in your shelter or a high-quality water filter.
How deep should I install an underground bunker?
In order to survive a nuclear blast, a bunker needs to be at least 3 to 5 feet underground. However, the exact depth depends on the size and type of disaster you’re anticipating.
Getting estimates from bunker installers
Before hiring a bomb shelter installer near you, follow these steps:
Compare 3+ similar bunker estimates.
Read customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Browse pictures of recent jobs if possible.
Choose a licensed, bonded, insured, and experienced company.
Avoid suspiciously low estimates.
Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty.
Only pay in full after they finish the job.
Questions to ask bomb shelter companies
Make sure you hire a high-quality bunker installer by asking the following questions:
What does this quote include?
How deep will you need to dig?
What kind of air filters do you use?
Does this include any appliances or fixtures?
Should I stay at home while you work?
Will you complete the plumbing and electrical work yourself?
Who do I contact if I have any issues afterward?
How do you make sure you avoid gas or power lines underground?
Can you add paint or install flooring, too?
How long will the project take?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.