How much does it cost to run a sauna?

Your sauna is an investment in your health and mental well-being, giving you time to destress, recharge and enjoy the company of family and close friends.

Once purchased, the costs associated with use of your sauna will mostly revolve around energy needed to start up and maintain the temperature inside. Fortunately, the costs associated with regular sauna use aren't especially high.

Running an at-home sauna costs significantly less than a gym membership or visiting a public sauna, while also offering the peace and relaxation that only being in your own space can give you.

Are you ready to explore options for an at-home sauna? Shop now for the unit that best fits your needs and home aesthetic.

How much does a sauna cost per session?

At-home saunas can cost 50 cents to $2 per hour session. The exact cost per sauna session will vary based on your sauna size, electricity rates in your area and session length. If you have an outdoor sauna, your cost per session could increase as your unit will work against the outdoor temperature.

To estimate how much your sauna will cost per session, you can multiply the kilowatts you are using per session by the average U.S. rate of $0.15/kW.

The cost of using your own home sauna is well below the price of going somewhere to use a sauna, which can cost $25 to $65 per session depending on session length and where you live.

How much electricity does a sauna use?

The amount of electricity your sauna will use depends on the model you select. Larger saunas will use more electricity to heat a bigger area. You can expect your sauna to use anywhere from 6kW to 10.5kW of electricity.

To learn the exact kilowattage of a specific sauna or any other questions you may have, schedule a call with a sauna expert.

How much does it cost to run a sauna for 30 minutes?

To run your sauna for a 30-minute session, the cost can range from 80 cents to $1.20. This amount includes the cost of your sauna heating up, which can take about half an hour as well as running your sauna for a 30-minute session.

Which factors affect sauna operating costs?

• Heater type: Higher kilowatt saunas will use more energy.
• Sauna size: Larger saunas will require more heat and energy.
• Frequency: Regular or longer sauna use can increase the operating cost.
• Heating: Longer heating times will increase overall costs.
• Local rates: Electricity rates in your area will determine the exact cost of using your sauna.

How can I find an efficient sauna solution?

If you are looking for an efficient sauna solution, look at your needs before shopping for an at-home sauna.

Consider how many people you are going to take advantage of the sauna benefits at the same time. Saunas that fit large numbers of people take longer to heat up and stay warm. These larger units will have slightly larger wattage requirements, which can add to the overall cost. When browsing for an efficient sauna, look at the size and kilowatt designation of specific units.

Start browsing our sauna collection to find the best unit for you.

This information is compiled from reputable sources (including articles by the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical, UCLA Health, and NPR) reflecting sauna use of about 4–7x/week at ~20 min/session, but Rate Outdoors has not independently conducted or verified this research. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice or a substitute for professional care. Consult a healthcare provider before starting regular sauna use—especially if you are under 18, pregnant, or managing cardiovascular or blood pressure conditions. You are ultimately responsible for assessing your own health and risk.