Opening a laundromat cost in 2026
Opening a laundromat costs $200,000 to $1,000,000 per laundromat opened in 2026, and most people pay about $500,000.
What moves the price
- The size of the space and the number of machines move the price the most.
- Buying an existing laundromat costs differently than building a new one.
- Plumbing, gas, electrical and venting work can add a lot to a new space.
- New machines cost more than used ones, which can cost 30% to 50% less.
- Where you live changes rent, permits and building costs.
What is included
The price usually covers the lease deposit, build-out, utilities work, washers, dryers, payment systems, permits and insurance. Working cash for the first months, signs and ongoing rent are often extra. Buying the building adds far more.
Startup cost by type of project
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Leased space laundromat | $200,000 to $500,000 |
| Retool a former laundromat | $100,000 to $300,000 |
| Raw retail shell conversion | $400,000 to $900,000+ |
| Ground-up build or building purchase | $700,000 to $3 million+ |
| Small existing laundromat purchase | $100,000 to $300,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Homebase.
Common line items
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Washers and dryers, new, each | $1,000 to $6,000 |
| Build-out and renovations | $50,000 to $200,000 |
| Plumbing, electrical and HVAC | $45,000 to $150,000 |
| Lease deposit | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Permits, licenses and insurance | $3,000 to $11,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Homebase.
Ways to pay less
- Buy used or refurbished machines, which can cost 30% to 50% less than new.
- Lease a space that already has plumbing and drains in place to cut build-out costs.
- Buy an existing laundromat that needs only light upgrades instead of building new.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Homebase: How To Start A Laundromat: A Step-By-Step Guide
- ThePricer: Cost to Start a Laundromat
- SuperMoney: How Much Does It Cost to Open a Laundromat
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Opening a laundromat costs $200,000 to $1,000,000 per laundromat opened in 2026, and most people pay about $500,000. Most people pay about $500,000 per laundromat opened. The low end is $200,000 and the high end is $1,000,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The size of the space and the number of machines move the price the most; Buying an existing laundromat costs differently than building a new one; Plumbing, gas, electrical and venting work can add a lot to a new space.
How can I pay less?
Buy used or refurbished machines, which can cost 30% to 50% less than new. Lease a space that already has plumbing and drains in place to cut build-out costs. Buy an existing laundromat that needs only light upgrades instead of building new.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: Homebase, ThePricer, SuperMoney. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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