$84K–$500K+
Total Range
$200K
Typical Start
20–35%
Profit Margin
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | |||
| Commercial Washers (10-20) | $26,000 | $87,000 | $2,600-4,350 each, front-load preferred |
| Commercial Dryers (10-20) | $17,000 | $52,000 | $1,700-2,600 each, stack to save space |
| Payment Systems | $4,000 | $17,000 | Card readers, coin changers, or app-based |
| Seating & Folding Tables | $1,700 | $7,000 | Benches, carts, vending machines |
| Security System | $900 | $4,500 | Cameras, alarm, secure coin boxes |
| Facility | |||
| Lease Deposit & First Rent | $4,000 | $17,000 | Depends on location, size, and market |
| Buildout & Plumbing | $17,000 | $87,000 | Plumbing, electrical, drainage, flooring |
| Legal & Insurance | |||
| LLC Filing | $50 | $500 | Varies by state |
| Insurance | $1,700 | $4,500 | General liability + property, annual |
| Operations | |||
| Working Capital | $9,000 | $44,000 | 3-6 months rent, utilities, maintenance |
| TOTAL | $84,000 | $500,000+ | |
Laundromat Costs by State
Real estate, equipment, and utility costs vary significantly by state:
Buy Existing vs. Build New
The biggest decision in laundromat ownership:
Buy an Existing Laundromat
$100K–$300K
- Proven revenue from day one
- Existing customer base and location
- Equipment may need upgrades
- Lower risk, faster ROI
Build a New Laundromat
$200K–$500K+
- Brand new equipment (15-20 year life)
- Choose optimal location and layout
- 6-12 month buildout before opening
- Higher upfront cost, longer payback
Ways to Reduce Startup Costs
- Buy existing: Purchasing a running laundromat avoids $50,000-100,000 in buildout costs and starts revenue immediately
- Lease equipment: Distributors offer lease-to-own programs that reduce upfront equipment costs by 60-70%
- Retool over rebuild: Replace machines gradually in an existing space rather than a full buildout
- Skip coin systems: Card and app-based payment eliminates coin changers ($3,000-8,000) and reduces theft
- Add wash-and-fold: Generates 30-50% more revenue with minimal extra equipment investment
Common questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.01 How much does it cost to open a laundromat?
A laundromat costs $84,000 to $500,000+ to open. The biggest expenses are commercial washers and dryers ($40,000 to $140,000), buildout and plumbing ($17,000 to $87,000), and the lease deposit. Buying an existing laundromat typically costs $100,000 to $300,000 and avoids buildout costs.
Q.02 Are laundromats profitable?
Laundromats average 20-35% net profit margins — among the highest for brick-and-mortar businesses. A well-run laundromat grosses $100,000 to $500,000 annually. The business model is attractive because it is largely passive income once set up, with low labor requirements and consistent demand.
Q.03 Is it better to buy an existing laundromat or build new?
Buying existing is usually better for first-time owners. You get proven revenue, established customers, and avoid the 6-12 month buildout period. A purchase costs $100,000 to $300,000 for a typical operation. Building new costs more upfront ($200,000-500,000+) but gives you newer equipment and the layout you want.
Q.04 How many washers and dryers do I need?
A small laundromat has 10-20 washers and 10-20 dryers. A mid-size operation runs 20-40 of each. The rule of thumb is 1 washer per 1,000 people in your service area. Front-load commercial washers cost $3,000-6,000 each, and commercial dryers cost $2,000-4,000 each.
Q.05 Do laundromats need employees?
Many laundromats operate unattended with just a part-time attendant for cleaning and machine maintenance. This keeps labor costs extremely low — often $500-2,000/month. Adding wash-and-fold service requires staff but increases revenue 30-50%. Some owners manage their own laundromat part-time.
Q.06 What is the average ROI on a laundromat?
Laundromats typically achieve 20-30% cash-on-cash return and pay for themselves in 3-5 years. A $200,000 laundromat generating $80,000/year in net income returns 40% annually. The combination of high margins, low labor, and recession-resistant demand makes laundromats one of the strongest ROI small businesses.
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