Learn about sauna cost and how to budget for the best sauna for your situation before you buy. What should you consider when it comes to how much you’ll spend?
Sauna costs vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including size and features. If you’re in the market for a sauna, what do you need to know when determining your budget?
If you’re considering a sauna for your home, you aren’t alone. Whether you’re interested in installing a sauna for relaxation or you have other specific health and wellness goals in mind, you are part of a growing group of homeowners who have decided that a sauna is one of the best investments they can make in their health and homes.
But how do you decide how much to spend? What should you prioritize, and what limits are you facing regarding features and price?
Here’s what you need to know about budgeting if you’ve decided to invest in a sauna.
Average Cost
Before you begin evaluating the various features, it’s a good idea to get a general overview of approximately how much you can expect to spend on a sauna.
The smallest, most basic indoor sauna prices begin in the low thousands of dollars. Larger outdoor saunas, and those with custom features, can run tens of thousands of dollars, so there is a wide range.
Price reflects a variety of things, including:
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Indoor vs. outdoor
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Large vs. small
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Custom-built vs. standard “off the shelf”
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Building quality and materials
Types of Saunas
There are two general categories of saunas, including:
Traditional Saunas
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Use electric or wood-burning heaters to heat stones
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Usually made of cedar or another type of durable wood
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Tend to have a higher price point but are very durable
Infrared Saunas
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Heat using infrared panels instead of steam
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Tend to be smaller and are easy to install indoors
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Lower price point than traditional saunas
Choosing between an indoor and outdoor sauna [link to Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna: Which One Should You Choose?] is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. To determine which option is better, you’ll need to consider space, foundation, ventilation, and electrical requirements.
Size and Capacity
The larger the sauna, the higher the price tag, in most cases. This means that if you’re on a limited budget, you might be restricted in terms of size. The good news is that you have plenty of options, whether you’re in the market for a one- or two-person sauna or want to fit the entire family into the space.
One thing to keep in mind: Bigger isn’t always better. There’s no sense in spending more on a large sauna that fits several people if you intend to use the sauna alone for relaxation and health benefits.
If you’re looking for a larger, multi-person sauna, we love the Pure Cube Neptune Sauna - Knotty Red Cedar (Item Code: HUDSON).
Installation and Setup Costs
Remember, the price tag you see when shopping for a sauna won’t be the final price you’ll pay, since installation costs apply.
And installation can add a significant chunk to your cost, depending on the situation.
For example, you may need electrical upgrades to support sauna heaters, professional installation services, or ventilation adjustments for indoor units. Outdoor saunas may require additional preparation, such as building a level base, installing a concrete pad, or constructing a deck to support the structure. You may also need to plan for electrical connections or the setup of a wood-burning heater.
Make sure you factor in these costs ahead of time so you can budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses during installation or shortly after the sauna is delivered.
Ongoing Costs
Finally, make sure you’re aware of the ongoing costs to operate your sauna. This doesn’t need to be part of your initial budget, but it might affect your decision. Operating costs aren’t exorbitant, but as you might expect, larger saunas tend to cost more to run than smaller ones.
Also, remember you’ll need some accessories, and you might need to replace some of them over time. For example, if you’re operating a steam sauna with heated rocks, we carry a variety of options, including Leisurecraft Replacement Sauna Rocks (Item Code: RCK03).
Make sure you budget for the ongoing costs so you can use your sauna as often as you’d like. If regular use isn’t financially realistic, the initial investment may not deliver the value you expected.
Choosing the Right Sauna for You
Installing a sauna in your home is an investment you won’t regret, as long as you take your time evaluating your options and find something that fits your needs and budget.
If you’d like to know more about the various options and what to consider when buying a sauna, or you’re ready to get started installing the sauna of your dreams, we can help. If you’re new to sauna ownership and you’d like guidance in choosing the right model, visit us at Pool Products Canada.