How Much Does It Cost to Start a Laundromat? (2026)
One-time startup cost
$144,500 to $375,000
Monthly burn
$3,450 to $9,250
Itemized cost breakdown
| Item | One-time | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial washer and dryer equipment (new or refurbished) | $80,000 to $200,000 | - |
| Leasehold improvements (plumbing, electrical, flooring, drainage) | $30,000 to $80,000 | - |
| Rent deposit and first month's lease | $6,000 to $20,000 | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| Business licenses and permits | $500 to $2,000 | - |
| Initial supplies inventory (detergent, fabric softener, bags, change) | $1,500 to $4,000 | $200 to $600 |
| Point-of-sale (POS) system and card readers | $2,000 to $5,000 | $50 to $150 |
| Grand-opening marketing and signage | $2,500 to $8,000 | - |
| General liability and property insurance (first month + deposit) | $1,000 to $3,000 | $200 to $500 |
| Utility security deposits (water, electric, gas) | $1,000 to $3,000 | - |
| Working capital reserve (3-6 months operating cushion) | $20,000 to $50,000 | - |
6-month runway
$165,200 to $430,500
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 and dryer equipment (new or refurbished) is one of the largest one-time costs ($80,000 to $200,000). Look for used or leased equipment, a smaller initial order, or a phased buildout to shrink the upfront check.
Leasehold improvements (plumbing, electrical, flooring, drainage) is one of the largest one-time costs ($30,000 to $80,000). Look for used or leased equipment, a smaller initial order, or a phased buildout to shrink the upfront check.
Rent deposit and first month's lease runs $3,000 to $8,000/month. Negotiate the rate up front, shop multiple vendors, or delay this line item until revenue can cover it.
Initial supplies inventory (detergent, fabric softener, bags, change) runs $200 to $600/month. Negotiate the rate up front, shop multiple vendors, or delay this line item until revenue can cover it.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a laundromat?
Total startup costs for a new laundromat in the U.S. typically range from $200,000 to $500,000, with equipment and leasehold improvements accounting for the largest share. A smaller, 1,000-square-foot location with refurbished machines may come in at the low end, while a larger, brand-new buildout with high-end machines can exceed $500,000.
What is the cheapest way to get into the laundromat business?
The cheapest way is to buy an existing, underperforming laundromat and upgrade its equipment. Purchase prices for a going concern can start around $100,000–$150,000, and many sellers offer financing. This path provides immediate cash flow and avoids ground-up buildout costs, though thorough due diligence is essential.
What financing options are available for a laundromat?
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common financing vehicle, offering terms up to 25 years for commercial real estate and 10 years for equipment. Some equipment distributors offer in-house leasing or financing. Traditional bank loans require a 20–30% down payment and strong personal credit. Peer-to-peer lending and seller financing for acquisitions are also used.
What are the biggest ongoing expenses for a laundromat?
The largest ongoing expenses are rent (typically 10–15% of gross revenue), utilities (20–30%), and labor if you hire attendants. Equipment maintenance and replacement parts, insurance, and supplies round out the recurring costs. Machine depreciation is a real but non-cash expense that eventually requires capital reinvestment.
Are there hidden costs in running a laundromat?
Yes, utility rate spikes, emergency repair calls, and compliance costs (fire marshal inspections, ADA requirements) are frequent hidden costs. Many new owners also underestimate the cash needed for change machines, security systems, and the slow season impact — winter months often bring higher dryer usage but also higher heating bills.
National Census establishment data was not available for this category. 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 August 2026. Read our methodology →
Buying a laundromat? Due diligence checklist →
Founder of IdeaCrystal. Previously founder & CTO of Geonode and Repocket.
Connect on LinkedIn →DIRECTIONAL RANGES, NOT YOUR NUMBERS
Does Laundromat make financial sense for you?
These are directional ranges, not your specific numbers. Run the numbers on your exact plan (real demand, competitor pricing, operating costs, and break-even) before you commit this kind of capital.