Thinking about bringing the relaxing heat of a sauna into your home? It’s an exciting investment for your health and wellness, but understanding the costs involved can feel overwhelming. From the initial purchase to installation and long-term expenses, there’s more to owning a sauna than you might expect.

In this guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with different types of saunas, what factors can impact the price, and what you should plan for if you're ready to take the plunge.

Types of Saunas and Their Price Ranges
Key Factors That Affect the Cost of a Sauna
Installation Costs: What to Expect
Operating Costs: Beyond the Initial Purchase
Budgeting for a Sauna: What You Should Plan For
Cost Breakdown by Type and Feature
Is a Sauna Worth the Investment? Pros and Cons

The first step in estimating how much your sauna will cost is knowing the different types available. Saunas come in a range of sizes, materials, and heating methods, each with its own price tag.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas, the kind that use wood-burning or electric heaters, tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. They deliver that classic dry heat and are known for being sturdy, long-lasting investments.

Prices can range from around $2,000 for a smaller, basic model to $10,000+ for larger or custom-built saunas that can accommodate multiple people and come with luxury materials like glass panels or cedar wood interiors.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are growing in popularity due to their affordability and lower energy consumption.

Instead of heating the air around you, they use infrared light to warm your body directly, making the experience gentler while still offering all the wellness benefits.

A good infrared sauna can cost between $1,500 and $6,000, depending on the size and extra features like lighting and sound systems.

Portable Saunas

If you’re not ready to make a big commitment, portable saunas are a budget-friendly option. These smaller units are often made from fabric or lightweight materials and can be set up anywhere in your home.

Prices start around $200 and can go up to $1,500 for more durable, feature-rich models. While they may not provide the full spa experience, portable saunas can still deliver great relaxation and health benefits.

Several factors influence the final cost of your sauna, from the materials used to the size and any extra features you might want to include.

Size and Capacity

Larger saunas designed to accommodate multiple people will naturally cost more than smaller, one-person models. If you're thinking about hosting sauna parties or have a big family, plan to budget for a larger unit.

A two-person sauna will usually be more affordable than a four- or six-person one.

Materials Used

The materials your sauna is made from will play a big role in its cost. High-quality wood like cedar or hemlock is common in traditional saunas and provides excellent insulation, but it can be expensive.

Infrared saunas may use more affordable materials, such as tempered glass or composite wood, but adding higher-end finishes will still increase the price.

Heating Systems and Energy Efficiency

The type of heating system you choose can also affect the price. Traditional wood-burning or electric heaters are typically more expensive than infrared systems.

That said, electric saunas often require additional electrical work, which can add to your costs. On the plus side, opting for an energy-efficient model may save you money on your electricity bill over time.

Additional Features and Customizations

Many modern saunas come with a host of add-ons like chromotherapy (color light therapy), Bluetooth sound systems, or smart controls that let you adjust the temperature from your phone.

These custom features can significantly increase the price, so it’s essential to consider what you really need to enjoy your sauna experience.

Once you’ve picked out your sauna, it’s time to think about installation, which can be a significant part of the total cost.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Some smaller saunas are designed for easy DIY installation, which can help you save money upfront.

However, larger saunas, particularly traditional models that require specialized wiring or ventilation, often need professional installation.

Professional installation can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000+, depending on the complexity of the setup and local labor rates.

Electrical and Ventilation Requirements

Many saunas require additional electrical work, particularly if they need a 220-volt outlet or a dedicated circuit. If your home isn’t already equipped for this, hiring an electrician could add $500 to $1,500+ to your budget.

Ventilation is also important, especially for indoor saunas, and may require additional work to ensure proper airflow and moisture control.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation

If you’re installing your sauna outdoors, you’ll need to consider extra costs for foundation work, weatherproofing, and potentially adding a roof or shelter to protect it from the elements.

Indoor saunas, on the other hand, may require modifications to your home, such as reinforcing floors or ensuring there’s enough space in your bathroom, basement, or other areas.

Owning a sauna isn’t just about the upfront cost — there are also ongoing expenses to keep in mind.

Energy Usage

Different types of saunas use varying amounts of electricity.

Traditional saunas with electric heaters are the most energy-intensive, typically using around 6 to 8 kWh of electricity per session, which can add up to $20–$30 per month depending on usage.

Infrared saunas are more energy-efficient, consuming 1.5 to 3 kWh per session, translating to lower monthly operating costs.

Maintenance and Upkeep Costs

Saunas require minimal maintenance, but there are some upkeep costs to consider. Traditional saunas may need the wood treated periodically, and all saunas should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold or mildew.

If your sauna has any custom features like lights or sound systems, these may need occasional repairs.

Replacement and Upgrading Parts

Heating elements in traditional saunas generally last 10–15 years, but you may need to replace them sooner depending on how often you use your sauna.

Infrared panels have a similar lifespan. Replacing these parts can cost $300 to $1,000+.

Now that you have a sense of the various costs involved, it’s time to figure out what you can realistically afford. Start by determining how often you’ll use the sauna and whether you need any extra features.

If you're just looking for a simple, personal sauna to unwind in after a long day, you can likely get away with spending $1,500 to $3,000.

However, if you want a larger unit with lots of bells and whistles, your budget should be closer to $5,000 to $10,000+.

Here’s a rough breakdown to guide your budgeting:

- Portable Sauna: $200–$1,500  

- Basic Infrared Sauna: $1,500–$3,500  

- Mid-Range Traditional Sauna: $3,000–$6,000  

- High-End Custom Sauna: $6,000–$10,000+

Financing Options: Many sauna manufacturers offer financing plans that allow you to pay for your sauna over time. If you’re opting for a higher-end model, financing may make it more accessible.

Be sure to shop around for interest rates and terms that fit your financial situation.

Before you make your final decision, it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential downsides.

Health Benefits of Owning a Sauna

Saunas provide numerous health benefits, from reducing stress and helping with muscle recovery to improving cardiovascular health. Many people find that the relaxation alone is worth the investment.

Potential Downsides and Risks

On the flip side, saunas require space, regular maintenance, and energy consumption. If you’re not planning to use it regularly, the initial investment may not be worthwhile.

Resale Value of Homes with Saunas

While saunas can add appeal to your home, especially in cold climates, they don’t always increase resale value significantly.

If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, it’s worth researching whether a sauna will enhance its marketability in your area.

Investing in a sauna can be a great way to enhance your home and support your wellness routine, but it’s important to consider all the associated costs. From the initial purchase and installation to ongoing maintenance and energy usage, there’s more to owning a sauna than meets the eye.

Take the time to research your options, set a budget, and determine whether the long-term benefits are worth the investment for you.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Before beginning any sauna routine or making decisions related to your health, we strongly recommend consulting with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider. Use this information at your own risk and discretion.