How Much Does It Cost to Open a Laundromat? Startup Costs, Equipment and Financing
How much it costs to open or own a laundromat
In this article
Opening a laundromat is capital-intensive: the biggest costs are commercial washers and dryers, build-out (plumbing, venting, electrical, water heating), and lease deposits. Buying an existing laundromat costs a multiple of its cash flow plus equipment value. Ongoing costs are mainly rent, water, gas, electricity, repairs and staff.
Startup cost breakdown (new build)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Washers | Several sizes; the largest equipment expense |
| Dryers | Stacked and large capacity |
| Water heater/boiler | Sized to washer count |
| Plumbing, drains and venting | Often a major construction cost |
| Electrical and HVAC | Depends on the space |
| Payment system | Coin, card or app |
| Flooring, lighting, seating, carts, tables | Customer comfort |
| Signage and security cameras | |
| Lease deposit and rent during build-out | |
| Permits, legal and design | |
| Working capital | Cover the ramp-up period |
Buying an existing laundromat
Price usually depends on net cash flow, lease length and terms, equipment age, and location. Older equipment means lower prices but upcoming replacement costs. See How to buy a laundromat business.
Ongoing monthly costs
- Rent and common area charges
- Water and sewer
- Gas (water heating and dryers)
- Electricity
- Repairs and parts
- Attendant wages
- Insurance, software, marketing
Ways to reduce startup cost
- Buy an existing store with good equipment
- Use distributor equipment financing
- Negotiate tenant improvement allowances
- Start self-service and add wash-and-fold later
- Choose energy-efficient machines to lower utilities
Financing options
Equipment financing, SBA loans, conventional bank loans, seller financing and partners/investors.
Is it worth it? Read Is a laundromat a good investment? and How much can a laundromat make?.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a laundromat?
It's a significant investment driven by equipment, build-out and location; get quotes from distributors and contractors for your space.
How much does it cost to own a laundromat each month?
Rent, utilities, repairs, wages and insurance are the main ongoing costs.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a laundromat?
Buying an older store can be cheaper upfront but may need equipment replacement soon.
Can you finance laundromat equipment?
Yes, equipment financing and SBA loans are common.
What is the biggest expense in a laundromat?
Equipment upfront; rent and utilities ongoing.
How long does it take to open a new laundromat?
Several months for lease, permits, build-out and installation.
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AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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