Investing in a home sauna is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only is this personal relaxation sanctuary going to deliver tangible physical and mental benefits, but it may even impact your property value if you choose to sell your home one day!
But, how much does a sauna cost? Sauna prices vary wildly based on the technology, size, build quality, and many other factors. It’s important to account for not just the cost of sauna installation, but also ongoing costs associated with running and maintaining your sauna.
The key takeaway, though, is that the home sauna cost is worth every penny. It’ll provide an ROI for years to come. No matter your budget Elite Vitality has the perfect luxury sauna for you, too. Get in touch today and we’ll help you weigh your options, or learn about sauna prices below!
Factors Influencing Sauna Prices
There are so many moving pieces impacting what you’ll pay for a home sauna. From the type of sauna itself to size, craftsmanship, features, customization, and installation considerations, here’s what influences sauna prices.
Type of Sauna and Heater
Infrared, traditional, and hybrid heaters all have their unique benefits, and each uses a different type of heater. Figuring out which style you want to buy is the first step in getting a closer estimate of the at-home sauna cost.
An infrared sauna for sale is typically going to be the most economical choice - both in terms of upfront price, installation costs, and ongoing operating costs.
This technology is unique in that it heats the body directly rather than the air around you. They work at lower temperatures, which can be a good thing or a drawback depending on your personal preferences. Some find it more comfortable, while others prefer a more intense heat.
That being said, a traditional sauna actually heats the air around you and works at higher temperatures. These rely on either an electric heater or a wood-burning stove. Either way, this more authentic sauna experience tends to be more expensive.
Hybrid or steam saunas combine multiple technologies, and thus, cost a bit more. You get what you pay for in terms of versatility, though!
Size and Capacity
There’s a fairly direct correlation between the cost of sauna and its size. A 1 person infrared sauna is obviously going to be more expensive than a 5 person infrared sauna, or an 8-person sauna for that matter.
This isn’t just because of the additional materials needed to manufacture the sauna, but also the costs of installation. Larger saunas are more expensive to heat because they need bigger, more powerful heaters.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Not all sauna brands are created equal. The industry’s most trusted brands handcraft their saunas from premium woods like cedar or hemlock, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. These look better, perform better, and last longer - and these benefits come at a cost.
The same can be said of the heater quality, too. Even within the specific technologies we discussed above - electric, infrared, and wood-burning - quality can vary, and with it, so can price.
Beyond the actual craftsmanship, the features inside the sauna dictate its price as well. Some are equipped with more ergonomic seating, large glass windows, Bluetooth connectivity, speakers, and other features that won’t be cheap.
Customization Options
If you’re trying to create a custom sauna with unique features such as LED lighting, a specialized design, or any other personalizations, expect to pay more than you would for a standard sauna kit.
But, this is something we love helping your customers do here at Elite Vitality. If you want to bring your own bespoke sauna to life don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about how it works and what we can do together.
Location and Installation Complexity
Finally, where and how you install your sauna also influence its cost. There’s give and take here. An indoor sauna may require proper ventilation which can raise the cost, but you don’t have to stress about weatherproofing or foundation preparation like you would an outdoor sauna.
In general, more complex installations with plumbing, gas lines, or electrical upgrades are going to cost more. Be sure to factor all this into your budget as well to get a more accurate cost of sauna investment.
How Much Does a Sauna Cost to Buy?
All that being said, how much does a sauna cost? First, we’ll unpack the typical at-home sauna cost if you’re planning to purchase a unit from a trusted brand, like those available here at Elite Vitality. Here are some average sauna prices:
- Entry-Level Saunas: Compact infrared saunas or traditional models start at $1,500 to $4,000. They typically seat 1-2 users with simple setups and little customization.
- Mid-Range Options: A standard 2-4-person sauna with better materials, superior insulation, and upgraded features like LED lighting or Bluetooth audio can cost between $5,000-$10,000.
- Large, Luxury Models: High-end saunas with premium cedar construction, smart controls, and hybrid heating systems start at $10,000 and can exceed $40,000 for larger units or commercial-grade builds. Custom units fall under this umbrella, too.
Again, there’s no way to know with any level of certainty how much an at-home sauna will cost until you start digging into the details and weigh your options.
Our most affordable option here at Elite Vitality is around $6,000, but that’s because we only carry the most trusted manufacturers and their most sought-after models. We only provide the best of the best, nothing less.
Choosing to buy a sauna provides convenience, quality assurance, and the ability to select models that suit your lifestyle. Your purchase will likely be backed by a warranty for greater peace of mind, too.
But, how much does a sauna cost to build instead?
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Sauna From Scratch?
We know that sauna prices can cause some serious sticker shock, and this might lead you down the DIY path. Here’s what you need to know about DIY sauna costs and the challenges you’ll face along the way.
Typical DIY Sauna Costs
So, how much does it cost to build a sauna from scratch? It might surprise you to learn that you’re not actually saving much money, if any at all. The total investment can end up costing $2,000 to $6,000. Here’s how it shakes down:
- Lumber: High-quality wood like cedar or hemlock can cost $500-$2,000 depending on the size of your sauna and the grades you choose.
- Heater: Expect to pay $500-$5,000 for an electric sauna heater or wood-burning stove.
- Accessories: Stones, seating, lighting, and insulation can add another $500-$2,000.
This isn’t accounting for unexpected costs that might pop up along the way, too - like tools, delivery fees, or costly mistakes in the building process. You might find that you’d have saved money if you just paid for a professionally-crafted sauna upfront!
Challenges of DIY Sauna Installation
Costs aside, the challenges of building your own home sauna from scratch are also important to consider. You need to be realistic with yourself about your skills and time availability for this project.
Crafting a proper frame, ensuring ventilation, and sealing the interior against moisture can be tricky without experience. If you have a background in carpentry or some other form of contracting, it might be feasible - otherwise, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
That’s not to mention the electrical and plumbing side of things, either. Safely installing heaters is something best left to licensed professionals.
Mistakes along the way can heat loss, poor insulation, or structural issues over time. The whole point of investing in a sauna is to relax, unwind, and enjoy the experience. That’s why it’s worth leaving the sauna building process to the experts.
How Much Does a Sauna Cost to Run?
Now, how much does a sauna cost to run? The ongoing cost of sauna operation is something many homeowners don’t account for in their initial budget, and then, they’re caught off guard when they see their first monthly energy bill after using the sauna.
Just as with the cost of sauna itself, the sauna prices for operation are influenced by many moving parts. Your local rates, the type of heater you choose, and how often you use your sauna all dictate what you’ll pay over the course of your sauna’s life.
We’ll break it down by technology below:
- Electric Sauna Heaters: A typical 6 kW heater costs about $0.50-$1.50 per hour, assuming an average electricity rate of $0.10-$0.30 per kWh. Regular use 3 times per week can add up to $6-$18 per month, which isn’t bad at all!
- Infrared Saunas: These work at a lower wattage (1.5–3 kW) and thus are more energy-efficient, costing roughly $0.15-$0.90 per session or $3-$10 monthly for similar usage.
- Wood-Burning Stoves: Firewood costs range from $5-$10 per bundle. A single session typically requires one to two bundles, resulting in weekly costs of $15-$30 for regular use. But if you live in a remote area with access to free firewood, you can cut this altogether!
- Gas Heaters: Propane or natural gas usage depends on the heater’s efficiency. Expect to spend $10-$25 monthly for smaller saunas and up to $50 for larger setups.
Your sauna’s insulation will play a role in the ongoing costs of operation as well, so be sure to keep that in mind. Timers and pre-set temperature settings also help optimize energy use.
Don’t forget about the maintenance costs of sauna usage, either. Over the course of your sauna’s life, you may need to repair worn parts or replace things like stones or bulbs. This begs the question, is the cost sauna memberships a more economical choice?
Comparing With the Cost of Sauna Memberships
Maybe your local spa has sauna packages and you’re interested in purchasing these instead of buying your own home sauna. Or, perhaps there’s a gym near you that has a sauna as part of the monthly membership dues.
Either way, you need to sit down and consider how much you’ll use the sauna to figure out which is the most cost-effective option.
Those who are only going to use a sauna occasionally - say 1-2 times a month - will probably find using a sauna membership is cheaper. Monthly fees typically range from $50 to $200, amounting to $600 to $2,400 annually.
But the truth is, sauna benefits require consistent use, ideally, a few times a week. This can quickly add up if you’re paying the cost of sauna memberships. Over five years, you could easily ramp up expenses in the range of $3,000 to $12,000 or more. That’s the at home sauna cost!
This isn’t even accounting for the convenience and privacy that come with owning a sauna yourself, too. Shared saunas are a hassle to get to, you need to pack up your bag and drive across town. They might have limited hours of access, too.
Plus, who wants to share a sauna with somebody they don’t know? No thanks. There’s no telling how well the sauna is cleaned and cared for, either.
In contrast, a home sauna offers unlimited access, complete control over your environment, and the freedom to enjoy your sauna whenever it suits you. The choice is clear!
The At Home Sauna Cost is an Investment in Your Home, Health, and Happiness!
Like we said from the start, the key takeaway is that the at home sauna cost is a small price to pay for everything it can do for you. This is an investment in your home, health, and happiness - what price could you possibly put on that?
The benefits over time far outweigh the initial cost of sauna installation. You can use the sauna to support faster recovery, reduce stress, detoxify, and so much more.
There’s nothing like the convenience and privacy of having this right in your house or backyard. It could even add resale value to your home, too. So, why not take the next step at Elite Vitality?
Enjoy Competitive Sauna Prices Backed by Exceptional Support at Elite Vitality!
Elite Vitality is your one-stop shop for all things sauna, with an extensive catalog designed to accommodate any budget without compromising on quality. We only source from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers: Finnmark, Saunum, HUUM, Harvia, and more.
That means you gain access to traditional and infrared styles alike. You can also find the optimal size, ranging from compact 1-person saunas to luxurious 8-person units. All models are carefully crafted from high-quality materials with advanced features to maximize enjoyment.
Whether you’re interested in a barrel sauna or cabin sauna, we’ve got the perfect design waiting to be discovered. Take a look at our catalog and see what catches your eye. Better yet, connect with our team today for one-on-one assistance!
Wrapping Up Our Home Sauna Cost Guide
We’ve covered a lot in this home sauna cost guide, and we hope you have a better understanding of what moves the needle on sauna prices.
In closing, how much does a sauna cost? It can vary from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. There are just too many moving pieces to give you a definitive answer. That’s why we invite you to contact us today at Elite Vitality.
We’ll talk about your space, your preferences, and your budget. From there we’ll be able to present a few different options and help you pick the perfect home sauna. Take the next step today!
