How Much Does a Laundromat Cost in 2026?
How much does a laundromat cost? The average laundromat cost is $3.50-$7.50 per load in 2026. Based on real pricing data from 12,700+ laundromats across 28 states, washing clothes at a laundromat costs $2.00-$5.00, with drying adding $1.00-$2.50. Here's your complete breakdown of laundromat prices, what affects costs, and proven money-saving strategies.
Quick Answer - Average Laundromat Cost (2026): $5.25 per load total. Regular wash: $2.50-$4.00, Large wash: $4.00-$8.00, Drying: $1.00-$2.50 per load. Based on 12,700+ real locations across 28 states.
Average Laundromat Prices in 2026
💧 Washing Costs
🔥 Drying Costs
💰 Total Cost Per Load (Wash + Dry)
What Affects Pricing?
- Location: Urban areas cost 20-40% more than rural locations
- Machine size: Larger capacity machines cost proportionally more
- Facility quality: Modern, well-maintained locations charge premium prices
- Local competition: Areas with many laundromats often have competitive pricing
- Operating costs: Rent, utilities, and labor costs affect pricing
Average Laundromat Costs by State
🌴 Florida Laundromat Costs
Regular wash:
$2.25-$4.50
Large wash:
$4.00-$7.00
Drying:
$1.00-$2.25
Total per load:
$3.25-$6.75
☀️ California Laundromat Costs
Regular wash:
$3.00-$6.00
Large wash:
$5.00-$9.00
Drying:
$1.25-$3.00
Total per load:
$4.25-$9.00
🤠 Texas Laundromat Costs
Regular wash:
$2.00-$4.00
Large wash:
$3.75-$6.50
Drying:
$0.75-$2.00
Total per load:
$2.75-$6.00
🗽 New York Laundromat Costs
Regular wash:
$3.50-$6.50
Large wash:
$6.00-$10.00
Drying:
$1.50-$3.50
Total per load:
$5.00-$10.00
Wash-and-Fold Service Costs
📦 Full-Service Pricing
Per Pound Pricing
Typical Load Costs
Additional Services
When Wash-and-Fold Makes Sense
- Time value: If your time is worth $15+/hour, wash-and-fold can be cost-effective
- Convenience: No need to wait around or return for drying cycles
- Quality: Professional folding and stain treatment
- Bulk loads: Cost per pound decreases with larger quantities
Laundromat Essentials We Recommend
These products make your laundromat trips easier and help you save money. Links may earn us a small commission.
Mesh Laundry Bags (Set of 5)
Protect delicates and keep small items together so nothing gets lost or damaged in commercial machines.
Typical price: $8-$12Portable Laundry Cart with Wheels
Makes transporting heavy loads from your car to the machines much easier, especially for multiple loads.
Typical price: $25-$40Travel Size Detergent Pods
Pre-measured for exact loads so you never overpour. Saves money vs. buying single-use packets at the laundromat.
Typical price: $6-$10Quarter Roll Holder / Organizer
Keep your quarters organized and ready to go. No more digging through pockets or bags for loose change.
Typical price: $5-$8Laundromat vs Home Washing Costs
| Cost Factor | Laundromat | Home Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Per Load Cost | $3.50-$7.50 | $1.50-$3.00 |
| Initial Investment | $0 | $800-$2,500 |
| Monthly Maintenance | $0 | $10-$25 |
| Time Required | 1.5-2 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Detergent/Supplies | Often included | $0.50-$1.00/load |
Break-Even Analysis
If you do 2 loads per week, laundromats cost $364-$780 annually, while home washing costs $156-$312 plus initial investment. Home washing breaks even after 2-4 years for frequent users.
Money-Saving Strategies
💡 Smart Usage Tips
- ✓Use large machines efficiently: Fill them to capacity for better value per pound
- ✓Bring exact change: Avoid change machine fees (typically $0.25-$0.50)
- ✓Optimize drying time: Remove clothes promptly to avoid over-drying costs
- ✓Use dryer sheets sparingly: Or skip them entirely for synthetic fabrics
🎯 Timing Strategies
- ✓Off-peak discounts: Some locations offer 10-20% off during slow periods
- ✓Loyalty programs: Earn free washes after 10-15 paid loads
- ✓Student discounts: Many locations offer 10-15% off with student ID
- ✓Download apps: Get digital coupons and track spending
💰 Monthly Savings Potential
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average laundromat cost in 2026?
The average laundromat cost in 2026 is $5.25 per load total (wash + dry). This breaks down to $2.50-$4.00 for washing and $1.00-$2.50 for drying. Based on pricing data from 8,448+ laundromats across FL, CA, TX, and NY.
How much does it cost to wash clothes at a laundromat?
In 2026, washing one load at a laundromat typically costs $2.00-$5.00 for regular machines and $4.00-$8.00 for large capacity machines. Prices vary by location, with urban areas generally more expensive than rural locations.
How much does it cost to dry clothes at a laundromat?
Drying typically costs $0.25-$0.50 per 8-10 minute cycle. Most loads require 30-40 minutes of drying time, making the total dry cost $1.00-$2.50 per load.
What is the average cost per load at a laundromat?
The average cost per load at a laundromat (wash + dry) ranges from $3.50-$7.50, with the national average being around $5.25 per load including washing and drying.
How much do laundromats charge per load?
Laundromats charge $2.00-$5.00 per wash load for standard machines and $4.00-$8.00 for large capacity machines. Add $1.00-$2.50 for drying. Total average: $5.25 per complete load.
What are average laundromat prices by state?
Average laundromat prices vary by state: Texas is cheapest ($2.75-$6.00/load), Florida mid-range ($3.25-$6.75/load), California higher ($4.25-$9.00/load), and New York most expensive ($5.00-$10.00/load).
How much does wash-and-fold service cost?
Wash-and-fold services typically cost $1.25-$2.50 per pound, with most locations charging around $1.75 per pound. A typical load (8-12 pounds) costs $14-$30.
Are laundromats more expensive than home washing?
Per load, laundromats cost more ($3.50-$7.50) than home washing ($1.50-$3.00), but when factoring in machine purchase, maintenance, utilities, and time value, costs can be comparable for occasional users.
How much does it cost to do laundry at a laundromat monthly?
The average monthly laundromat cost is $40-$65 for individuals doing 2 loads per week. Families may spend $80-$130 monthly. Using large machines efficiently can reduce costs by 20-30%.
Related Articles
Laundromat Cost FAQ
All your laundromat pricing questions answered - from cost per load to monthly budgets.
Payment FAQLaundromat Payment Methods
Do laundromats take cards? Apple Pay? Complete payment guide for 2026.
Service FAQWash and Fold Service FAQ
How much does wash and fold cost per pound? Is drop-off laundry worth it?
Compare Laundromat Prices by City
Laundromat costs vary by location. Find affordable options near you:
Find Affordable Laundromats Near You
Compare prices at 12,700+ laundromats across 28 states.