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Laundromat Cost: Startup & Ongoing Costs

Updated  3 sources

Typical startup cost

$200,000 – $1,000,000

Opening a laundromat typically costs $200,000 – $1,000,000, with the final figure set by size, equipment, and whether you buy or build.

A laundromat is an equipment-heavy business. Most of the money goes into commercial washers and dryers, the plumbing, gas, and electrical work that supports them, and the space itself. That is why published startup figures run from several hundred thousand dollars up to a million or more.

The range above comes from Delta Capital Group and was checked on Oct 13, 2026. Three paths account for most of the spread: buying an existing store, building a new one in leased space, or developing a larger full-service operation.

Laundromat startup cost by approach

Buying a store that already operates means you pay for the business, its equipment, and its customers. Building from scratch means you pay for everything yourself but choose the layout and machines.

Laundromat startup cost by approach

Item Typical range Relative price range
Most new builds $300,000 – $750,000
Buying an existing laundromat $200,000 – $600,000
Building a new laundromat (build-out model) $400,000 – $1,200,000

Sources: Delta Capital Group: Laundromat cost; Cents: Laundromat startup costs

Buying is usually the cheaper entry point, though existing equipment may need replacing sooner than new machines. Building from scratch costs more up front and takes longer to open, and the build-out is the largest variable.

Build-out and equipment costs

Laundry equipment needs heavy utilities. Dryers need venting and gas or high-amp electricity, washers need water lines and drains, and the hot water system has to keep up with demand.

Laundromat build-out and equipment costs

Item Typical range Relative price range
Build-out (2,000 to 3,000 sq ft space) $100,000 – $300,000
Plumbing, drains and gas hookups $30,000 – $80,000
Electrical work (240-volt and high-amp circuits) $25,000 – $60,000
Commercial water heaters or boilers $15,000 – $40,000
Total equipment package (mid-size store) $180,000 – $400,000

Sources: Delta Capital Group: Laundromat cost; Cents: Laundromat startup costs

Build-out totals depend on the condition of the space. A building that already has the right plumbing and power costs less to convert than raw space. Equipment is often the biggest line in the budget, and a mid-size store needs a lot of machines.

How much do commercial washers and dryers cost?

Machine prices rise with capacity and features. Large washers earn more per cycle, but they cost much more, and card-operated models cost more than coin-only ones.

Commercial laundry equipment price (each)

Item Typical range Relative price range
Small washer (20 lb) $1,500 – $3,500 each
Medium washer (30 to 40 lb) $3,500 – $7,000 each
Large washer (60 to 80 lb) $7,000 – $15,000 each
New commercial dryer $2,500 – $10,000 each

Source: Delta Capital Group: Laundromat cost

Used or refurbished equipment can lower the budget, though it carries more maintenance risk and a shorter remaining life. Ask any seller about warranty terms, service history, and parts availability.

Monthly laundromat operating costs

Once the doors open, the largest recurring costs are rent and utilities. Water, electricity, and gas bills scale with how busy the store is.

Laundromat monthly operating costs

Item Typical range Relative price range
Utilities (water, electric, gas) $3,000 – $6,000/mo
Rent or mortgage $1,500 – $6,000/mo

Source: Homebase: How to start a laundromat

Other recurring costs include insurance, maintenance and repairs, supplies, and payroll if the store is attended. Maintenance matters because a broken machine earns nothing.

What affects the cost of a laundromat

  • Store size and machine count. More machines mean more equipment, more utility capacity, and more floor space.
  • Buy or build. An existing store and a ground-up build sit in different price bands.
  • Condition of the space. Plumbing, drains, venting, and electrical upgrades can drive build-out costs.
  • Location. Lease rates and construction costs differ by market.
  • Payment systems. Card and app payment systems cost more than coin changers.
  • Water heating. Commercial water heaters or boilers are a major capital item.

Why estimates vary

Published guides draw their ranges from different assumptions.

Estimates by source

Item Typical range Relative price range
Delta Capital Group $200,000 – $1,000,000
Cents $200,000 – $600,000
Homebase $200,000 – $1,000,000

Sources: Delta Capital Group: Laundromat cost; Cents: Laundromat startup costs; Homebase: How to start a laundromat

One source may describe the cost of buying a store, while another describes opening a new one. Some include working capital and a security deposit, while others cover only equipment and construction. Because laundromats range from small neighborhood shops to large full-service stores, a wide published range is expected, not a sign of error.

Questions to ask before you buy or build

  • What are the water and sewer connection costs in this location?
  • Does the building have enough electrical and gas capacity for the planned machines?
  • How old is the equipment, and what do the service records show?
  • What do the utility bills for the past year look like?
  • What are the lease terms and renewal options?

Buyers of an existing store should ask for the financial records and have a licensed accountant review them. A business attorney can review the purchase agreement or lease.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to open a laundromat?

Published estimates run $200,000 – $1,000,000. Most new builds fall between $300,000 – $750,000.

How much does it cost to buy an existing laundromat?

One guide puts it at $200,000 – $600,000, depending on the store's size and condition.

How much do commercial washers cost?

Prices run from $1,500 – $3,500 each for a small unit to $7,000 – $15,000 each for a large one.

How much does a commercial dryer cost?

A new commercial dryer runs $2,500 – $10,000 each.

What are the monthly costs of running a laundromat?

Utilities typically run $3,000 – $6,000/mo, and rent or a mortgage runs $1,500 – $6,000/mo.