Start a Business · Startup costs
How much does it cost to start a laundromat?
Estimate the all-in cost to open a laundromat: commercial washers and dryers, the utility buildout that surprises everyone, lease, and working capital.
Estimated cost
$319,000
Typical range $271,150 – $414,700
- Washers & dryers$160,000
- Plumbing/gas/electrical buildout$75,000
- Water heating system$15,000
- Lease deposit + first months$15,000
- Card/coin payment system$18,000
- Signage, security & furniture$12,000
- Permits & licenses$3,000
- Working-capital buffer$21,000
- Total$319,000
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$150k to $350k is the common range. Equipment financing helps here.
How this estimate is calculated
- The utility buildout (water lines, gas for the dryers, drains, and heavy electrical) is the cost first-timers underestimate. It can rival the equipment itself.
- Buying an existing laundromat is often cheaper than a new build: you inherit the buildout and machines. This calculator models a new/re-equipped store; adjust the buildout line down for a turnkey purchase.
- Water and gas dominate monthly costs, so the working-capital cushion matters more here than in most businesses.
- The range reflects how much your lease's existing infrastructure and equipment mix move the real number.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a laundromat?
A new or re-equipped laundromat typically runs $200,000 to $500,000 all-in, driven by commercial washers/dryers and the plumbing/gas/electrical buildout. Buying an existing store can be far less. Use the calculator above to price your exact setup.
Is a laundromat profitable?
Laundromats can produce steady, semi-passive cash flow once established, but margins hinge on your water/gas/electric costs and rent. The high upfront capital is the trade-off for low day-to-day labor.
What's the cheapest way to start?
Buy an existing, already-plumbed laundromat and re-equip selectively, rather than building out raw retail space. The buildout is where new stores spend six figures.