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How Much Does It Cost to Open a Laundromat? (2026 Equipment Breakdown)
The equipment cost of opening a laundromat is driven by store size and machine count — a full retool of a 2,000–3,000 sq ft store means 20 to 40 machines plus installation, payment systems, and water heating. This is one of the rare niches where six-figure financing with 7–10 year terms is normal.
This covers the equipment; your lease, plumbing, and utilities upgrades are separate and vary by location. Distributor financing (Speed Queen, Dexter, Huebsch) is the backbone of the industry. Here's what the equipment runs.
What a laundromat costs: full breakdown
| Configuration | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial washers (per unit) | $3,500 – $15,000 | 20 lb front-loaders to 80 lb+ giants; larger capacity = better revenue/sq ft |
| Stacked dryers (per unit) | $6,000 – $12,000 | Gas hookups and venting can add meaningful install cost |
| Full retool (2,000–3,000 sq ft store) | $150,000 – $500,000 | Machines, install, payment systems, water heating |
| Payment / loyalty system | $15,000 – $40,000 | Card/app systems lift revenue 10–20% and finance alongside the machines |
What drives the price
- Store size and machine count (the biggest factor).
- Machine mix — larger-capacity washers earn more per square foot.
- Installation: gas hookups, venting, and water heating.
- Card/app payment and loyalty systems.
- New vs. used machines and distributor financing terms (7–10 years).
Financing a laundromat?
Most buyers finance rather than pay cash — the equipment is collateral, which keeps rates lower than unsecured borrowing. The highest-leverage move is comparing at least two offers: a dealer or manufacturer quote against an independent lender.
See our full laundromat equipment financing guide for real rates, terms, a payment calculator, and what lenders look for.
Get matched with equipment lenders →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a laundromat?
A full equipment retool of a 2,000–3,000 sq ft store — 20 to 40 machines with install, payment systems, and water heating — runs $150,000–$500,000. Individual commercial washers are $3,500–$15,000 and stacked dryers $6,000–$12,000. Lease and utilities upgrades are additional.
How are laundromats financed?
Distributor captive financing (Speed Queen's Alliance, Dexter, Huebsch) is the industry backbone and offers the longest terms in equipment lending — commonly 7–10 years — because the machines last 15–20. Quote one independent lender against the distributor to improve terms.
Do payment systems really pay off?
Card and app payment systems ($15,000–$40,000) typically lift revenue 10–20% over coin-only and finance alongside the machines, so they usually earn their cost.
Prices are typical market ranges, not quotes, and vary by region, condition, and configuration. Browse all equipment cost guides or find your machine's financing guide.