Data Center Bare Rack Cost

The cost of a bare rack in a data center typically ranges from $79 per month for a single 1U in secondary markets to $1,500 per month for a full rack in Tier III facilities, with additional costs for power, connectivity, and setup.

Pricing Overview

Single Rack Units (1U): Renting a single 1U in a Tier III data center generally costs $79 to $109 per month in secondary U.S. markets, including basic power (1–2 amps at 208V) and shared cooling . Half Racks: Half-rack colocation typically starts at $400 to $600 per month, covering 20–30 amps of 208V power, space, and shared cooling . Full Racks: Full racks, also called cabinets, range from $900 to $2,000 per month, depending on location, facility tier, and power configuration. Centrally located Tier III facilities with dual 20-amp 208V circuits usually cost $1,000 to $1,500 per month . Setup Fees: Many providers charge a one-time setup fee, often around $1,000, which covers deployment and initial configuration .

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Power Consumption: Colocation pricing is heavily influenced by power usage. Facilities may charge per kW, with North American rates averaging $196 per kW per month for medium-scale deployments, and all-in rates including power and services closer to $250 per kW per month .
2. Location: Costs vary by region. Secondary markets like Houston or New Jersey are cheaper, while major metros like New York or Silicon Valley command premiums .
3. Facility Tier and Services: Higher-tier facilities (Tier III or IV) with redundant power, advanced cooling, and 24/7 support cost more. Optional services like remote hands, cross-connects, and bandwidth add to the total .
4. Rack Size and Configuration: Full racks are more cost-effective per unit than single RUs due to scale. Half or quarter racks are practical for smaller deployments but may have slightly higher per-unit costs .

International Considerations

European colocation facilities have similar structures, with setup fees and monthly costs influenced by local energy prices, real estate, and compliance requirements. Cooler climates like Amsterdam or Montreal can reduce operational costs due to lower cooling needs .

Summary

• 1U Rack: $79–$109/month
• Half Rack: $400–$600/month
• Full Rack: $900–$2,000/month
• Setup Fee: ~$1,000
• Power Costs: $196–$250 per kW/month in North America
• Additional Costs: Connectivity, remote hands, and optional services Choosing the right data center and rack configuration requires balancing space, power, location, and service needs to optimize both upfront and ongoing costs .