How Much Does It Cost to Start a Laundromat? (2026)
One-time startup cost
$167,000 – $683,000
Monthly burn
$2,800 – $16,350
Market size (national)
US establishments
10,911
People employed
41,070
Annual payroll
$1.0B
Avg payroll / location
$95K
The 'Coin-operated laundries and drycleaners' industry (NAICS 812310) in the U.S. demonstrates a fragmented market with 10,911 establishments, employing 41,070 people, implying an average of only 3-4 employees per location. The $1.0B total annual payroll, resulting in an average of ~$95,487 per establishment, suggests many are likely owner-operated or have minimal staff, indicating a mature market but with many independent small businesses rather than large chains dominating.
Source: U.S. Census County Business Patterns 2022 · Coin-operated laundries and drycleaners (NAICS 812310)
Itemized cost breakdown
| Item | One-time | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Washer/Dryer Equipment | $75,000 – $300,000 | — |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-out | $50,000 – $200,000 | — |
| Lease/Rent Deposit & First Month | $5,000 – $25,000 | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Utility Connection Fees & Upgrades | $10,000 – $50,000 | — |
| Business Licensing & Permits | $500 – $5,000 | — |
| Commercial Insurance (General Liability, Property) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $100 – $500 |
| Point of Sale (POS) System & Card Readers | $2,000 – $10,000 | $50 – $200 |
| Initial Detergent/Supplies Vending Inventory | $500 – $2,000 | $100 – $500 |
| Security System & Surveillance | $2,000 – $8,000 | $50 – $150 |
| Marketing Launch (Signage, Grand Opening) | $1,000 – $5,000 | — |
| Working Capital/Cash Reserve | $20,000 – $75,000 | — |
6-month runway
$183,800 – $781,100
Startup cost plus six months of burn — a rough floor for how much cash to have in hand before you open, since most businesses aren’t profitable from day one.
How to lower these costs
- Commercial Washer/Dryer Equipment is one of the largest one-time costs ($75,000 – $300,000) — look for used or leased equipment, a smaller initial order, or a phased buildout to shrink the upfront check.
- Leasehold Improvements & Build-out is one of the largest one-time costs ($50,000 – $200,000) — look for used or leased equipment, a smaller initial order, or a phased buildout to shrink the upfront check.
- Lease/Rent Deposit & First Month runs $2,500 – $15,000/month — negotiate the rate up front, shop multiple vendors, or delay this line item until revenue can cover it.
- Commercial Insurance (General Liability, Property) runs $100 – $500/month — negotiate the rate up front, shop multiple vendors, or delay this line item until revenue can cover it.
Customize these numbers →
Edit line items for your exact plan with the free startup cost calculator.
But is it profitable? →
See margins, demand, and competition for a laundromat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total startup cost to open a laundromat?
Total startup costs for a laundromat in the US typically range from $150,000 for a small, existing location to over $500,000 for a new build-out with modern equipment.
What is the cheapest way to get into the laundromat business?
The cheapest way is often by purchasing an established, smaller laundromat that needs minimal upgrades, potentially through seller financing, or considering smaller, unattended models requiring less labor.
What financing options are available for new laundromat owners?
Common financing options include SBA loans (especially 7(a) or 504 loans for equipment and real estate), conventional bank loans, equipment leasing, and private investor capital.
What are the significant ongoing monthly costs for a laundromat?
Major ongoing monthly costs include rent, utilities (water, gas, electricity), insurance, maintenance and repairs, supplies (detergents, bags), and potentially payroll if attended.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Hidden costs can include unexpected large-scale equipment repairs or replacements, security upgrades, escalating water/sewer surcharges, and increased marketing spend to combat new local competition.
National establishment, employment and payroll counts are real figures from the U.S. Census County Business Patterns dataset. Cost and margin figures are informed estimates drawn from public industry sources (trade associations, government labor/business statistics, industry reports) combined with real Google Ads search-demand data. They are directional, not audited — actual costs and margins vary by market and operator. Updated July 2026.
Buying a laundromat? Due diligence checklist →
Founder of IdeaCrystal. Previously founder & CTO of Geonode and Repocket.
Connect on LinkedIn →These are directional ranges, not your specific numbers. IdeaCrystal checks real demand and competition for your idea before you commit this kind of capital.
Get a free signal scan of your idea →