Is It Cheaper to Buy a Washer or Use a Laundromat?

Deciding between buying a washer and using a laundromat depends on many things—cost, convenience, and how often you do laundry. If you’re living in a small apartment, managing a tight budget, or just starting out on your own, heading to the laundromat might seem easier. But is it the most cost-effective option in the long run? 

At first, buying a washer can seem expensive. But over time, it can save you money, especially if you do laundry often. Let’s look at the details to help you decide what works best for your lifestyle and budget.

Cost of Buying a Washer

A new washer can cost between $300 and $1,000 or more, depending on the brand and features. Some popular brands include Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung. The price also increases if you want smart features or a washer-dryer combo.

Don’t forget extra costs like delivery and installation. These services can add around $50 to $200. If you're on a tight budget, many stores offer payment plans. This can make it easier to pay over time without hurting your finances too much.

Cost of Using a Laundromat

Laundromats charge per load. On average, it costs $2 to $5 to wash a load, depending on machine size and where you live. Drying usually costs another $1.50 to $5.

Some laundromats also offer extra services like:

  • Wash and fold (adds convenience but also cost)

  • Detergent charges (if you don’t bring your own)

  • Membership discounts (may offer savings but often come with upfront fees)

These costs may seem small, but they can add up quickly if you do laundry often.

Maintenance and Repairs at Home

Washers at home need regular care. This includes:

  • Cleaning the filter

  • Checking hoses for leaks

  • Running a cleaning cycle now and then

Small repairs like changing a belt or fixing a hose might cost between $50 and $200. Bigger issues could cost more.

Most washers last 10 to 15 years if well cared for. You can avoid some repair costs by choosing a model with a good warranty. Also, learning to do simple repairs yourself can save money in the long run.

Utility Bills from Using a Washer

When you wash clothes at home, your water and electricity use go up. On average, a washer uses about 15–40 gallons of water per load and adds a few dollars to your electric bill each month.

To save money, you can choose an energy-efficient washer. These models use less water and power, which lowers your monthly bills.

Still, if you don’t do laundry often, your increase in utility bills may not be worth the upfront washer cost.

Frequency of Laundry

How often you do laundry is a big factor. If you’re washing clothes multiple times a week—say, for a family of four—buying a washer makes more sense financially.

If you're single or live with one other person and only do laundry once a week, the laundromat might be cheaper in the short term.

Ask yourself:

  • How many loads do I do each week?

  • Do I have time to visit a laundromat regularly?

  • Can I afford the upfront cost of a washer?

Your answers will guide your choice.

Time and Convenience

Doing laundry at home saves time. You don’t have to carry your clothes back and forth. You can do laundry while watching TV, cooking, or working from home.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Home Washer

  • Do laundry anytime

  • No waiting for machines

  • Save travel time

  • Wash small loads when needed

Laundromat

  • Must leave your home

  • May need to wait for a free machine

  • Not ideal during bad weather or busy days

  • Can wash many loads at once using multiple machines

If your schedule is packed, having a washer at home is often more convenient.

Space in Your Home

Before buying a washer, make sure you have enough space. Many apartments have small laundry areas or none at all. Check the size of the washer you want and see if it fits your available space. 

You’ll also need to think about plumbing, power outlets, and whether your floor can handle the weight—especially if you live in an upper-level unit. If you’re short on space, a stackable or compact washer might work better. 

But if there’s really no room, it may be best to keep using laundromats or look into a portable washer that connects to a sink.

Resale Value of a Washer

If you plan to move in a few years, you might worry about what happens to the washer. Some people include the washer in the home sale. Others sell it separately.

A used washer can still be worth a few hundred dollars, especially if it's a known brand and in good condition. Washers with modern features and energy-saving options usually sell better.

So, while appliances lose value over time, you can still recover some of your cost if you choose to sell it later.

Impact on the Environment

There’s also the environmental side to consider. At home, energy-efficient washers use less water and electricity, and you can control the type and amount of detergent you use. 

Laundromats, on the other hand, often have high-capacity machines that can be more efficient per load, but shared machines aren’t always well-maintained, which can lead to higher water and energy use. If lowering your impact matters to you, choosing an efficient washer or an eco-friendly laundromat can make a difference.

Which Option Saves More?

If you do laundry often—around three times a week—using a laundromat can quickly become costly. Each trip adds up week after week, and by the end of the year, you’ll have spent quite a bit just to keep your clothes clean.

Buying a washer at home costs more at the start, but you only pay for water, electricity, and small maintenance after that. These ongoing costs are much lower than what you’d spend at a laundromat over time.

So, if you do laundry regularly, owning a washer will help you save more in the long run. The first year might cost about the same as a year of laundromat visits, but every year after that will cost far less.