Laundromat Startup Cost Calculator
How much does it cost to open a laundromat? Enter your store size, machine counts, and per-unit costs to get an instant, itemized estimate of your startup budget — equipment, buildout, and a contingency buffer included.
Enter your numbers
Your estimated startup cost
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All figures are estimates. Actual costs vary hugely by market, landlord terms, and equipment choices.
How to use this calculator
Start with the size of the space you are looking at and how many washers and dryers you plan to install. A typical mid-size store runs about 2,000 square feet with 30 washers and 15 dryers, which is why those are the defaults.
Next, set your buildout cost per square foot — this covers plumbing, electrical, flooring, and leasehold improvements — and the per-unit cost of your washers and dryers. Commercial washers commonly run $5,000 to $12,000 each, dryers $3,000 to $8,000 each. Finally, keep a contingency buffer (5% by default) for the surprises every build uncovers.
How it works
The math is straightforward and every figure is an estimate:
Equipment cost = number of washers × washer unit cost + number of dryers × dryer unit cost. This is almost always the biggest line item.
Buildout cost = floor space in square feet × buildout cost per square foot.
Total estimated cost = (equipment cost + buildout cost) × (1 + contingency ÷ 100). The estimated range is simply the total × 0.9 to total × 1.1.
With the defaults, equipment comes to $300,000 and buildout to $120,000, for a subtotal of $420,000. A 5% contingency brings the estimated total to $441,000, with an estimated range of roughly $397,000 to $485,000.
What this estimate does not cover: the lease or purchase of the space itself, security deposits, business licenses and permits, insurance, utility hookup fees, signage, and working capital for rent, utilities, and payroll during the first months before revenue stabilizes. Real projects routinely need a separate six-month operating reserve on top of the build cost.
Buy existing vs. build new: buying an existing laundromat is often cheaper because the machines, plumbing, and utilities are already installed, and you get existing cash flow from day one. Building new typically runs in the $350,000–$500,000 range but gives you modern, energy-efficient equipment and your pick of location.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest cost of opening a laundromat?
The machines. Commercial washers typically run $5,000 to $12,000 each and dryers $3,000 to $8,000 each, so a 30-washer, 15-dryer store can spend $250,000 to $400,000 on equipment alone — usually more than the entire buildout.
Is it cheaper to buy an existing laundromat or build a new one?
Buying an existing store is often cheaper upfront because the machines, plumbing, and utilities are already in place, and it comes with established cash flow. Building new typically costs $350,000 to $500,000 but lets you choose modern, energy-efficient equipment and a better location.
Should I lease or buy my laundromat machines?
Buying outright has the lowest lifetime cost and the best margins, but leasing or financing lowers the cash you need on day one — important if your budget is tight. Financing adds interest cost, so compare the total payments against buying when you can.
How long does it take for a laundromat to become profitable?
As a rough estimate, most laundromats take 1 to 3 years to reach stable profitability, depending on location, rent, and how efficiently the store is run. Well-placed stores are often described as generating 20% to 30% cash-on-cash returns, but results vary widely by market.
What costs does this calculator not include?
This is a build-cost estimate only. It does not include the lease or purchase of the space itself, security deposits, business licenses and permits, insurance, utility hookup fees, signage, or the working capital you will need for the first months of rent, utilities, and payroll before revenue stabilizes.