How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Warehouse in the Inland Empire in 2026?

If you're searching for warehouse space in the Inland Empire, one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much does it actually cost? The answer depends on several factors — the city, the building class, the size of the space, and current market conditions. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what to expect in 2026.

Inland Empire Lease Rates by City

Asking rates across the IE vary significantly by submarket. As a general rule, the closer to the ports and Ontario International Airport, the higher the rate.

• Ontario / Rancho Cucamonga: $1.20 – $1.85 NNN/SF/month
• Fontana / Rialto: $1.05 – $1.55 NNN/SF/month
• Riverside / Jurupa Valley: $1.00 – $1.50 NNN/SF/month
• Corona / Norco: $1.10 – $1.70 NNN/SF/month
• Perris / Moreno Valley: $0.85 – $1.30 NNN/SF/month
• San Bernardino / Redlands: $0.90 – $1.40 NNN/SF/month
• Colton / Bloomington: $0.95 – $1.40 NNN/SF/month

What Does NNN Mean?

Most industrial leases in the Inland Empire are quoted on a Triple Net (NNN) basis. This means the quoted rate covers base rent, but you'll also pay your proportionate share of:

• Property taxes
• Building insurance
• Common area maintenance (CAM)

NNN expenses in the IE typically add $0.08 – $0.18/SF/month on top of the base rate, depending on the building and park. Always ask for an estimated NNN breakdown before signing anything.

What Affects Your Rate?

Building class: Class A buildings with 36'+ clear height, ESFR sprinklers, and large truck courts command the highest rates. Class B older product with lower ceilings and fewer docks comes in lower.

Size: Larger spaces (100,000+ SF) typically achieve better per-SF rates than smaller suites (under 20,000 SF), where landlords have less negotiating room.

Term length: A 5-year lease almost always gets a better rate than a 2-year lease. Landlords reward commitment.

Concessions: In a tenant-favorable market, it's common to negotiate 1-3 months of free rent, a tenant improvement allowance, or reduced rates in the early months. Never pay asking without exploring concessions.

What Can You Actually Negotiate?

Even in a tight market, most landlords expect tenants to negotiate. Common concessions include:

• Free rent: 1-6 months depending on term length and market conditions
• Tenant improvement (TI) allowance: Landlord contribution toward office buildout or facility improvements
• Below-market rates: Especially on spaces that have been vacant 60+ days
• Early termination options or renewal rights

This is where having an experienced tenant rep makes a significant difference — and it costs you nothing since the fee is paid by the landlord.

Bottom Line

For a 20,000 SF warehouse in Ontario at $1.40 NNN + $0.12 NNN expenses, your all-in monthly cost would be approximately $30,400/month. For the same space in Perris at $1.00 NNN, you're looking at around $22,400/month — a $96,000/year difference for the same square footage.

Location is your biggest lever. The right city for your business depends on where your customers are, where your drivers live, and what your logistics network looks like.