Starting a laundromat business can be a profitable venture, especially in areas with a high population of renters and busy professionals who lack in-home laundry machines. However, it requires careful planning, a solid laundromat business plan, and understanding of the full initial costs and monthly expenses involved. This blog breaks down all major costs — from equipment and space to staffing and operational expenses — so you know exactly what to expect when launching your laundry business.

How Much Does Starting a Laundromat Business Really Cost?

The initial cost to start a laundromat business varies widely based on location, size, and services offered. In the United States, startup costs typically range from $200,000 to $500,000 or more if you build from scratch — and can go up to $1.2 million in some areas depending on real estate and equipment quality.

These costs include leasing or purchasing the space; renovating it for plumbing, electrical work, and customer comfort; and buying commercial-grade washers, dryers, payment systems, and other necessary machines.

Smaller or basic self-service laundromat setups might start at around $50,000 to $150,000 but will have fewer machines and limited services.

Important components of these initial costs are:

• Location Costs: Lease deposit or purchase, often a large chunk of initial investment.
• Equipment Costs: Commercial washers and dryers, which may be the largest expense.
• Renovation and Utilities Setup: Plumbing, electrical, and build-out work.
• Licensing and Permits: Business license, zoning, and compliance fees.

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, buying an existing laundromat reduces startup cost and gives you an established customer base, with prices commonly ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 depending on location and performance metrics.

What Goes into Your Laundromat Business Plan Costs?

A strong laundromat business plan details not just startup expenses but everything needed to operate smoothly over time. Your plan should include:

• Equipment Needs: Commercial washers, dryers, change machines, vending machines, and card or coin systems.
• Space and Location Costs: Rent or mortgage, renovations, and utility upgrades.
• Initial Inventory: Detergents, softeners, bags, hangers, and other supplies.
• Marketing and Branding: Signage, launch promotions, and advertising.
• Legal and Administrative: Business registration, insurance, and professional fees.

The clarity of your business plan directly influences your ability to secure financing, attract partners, or even buy a laundromat business for sale because lenders and investors want to see a realistic path to profitability.

What Are the Monthly Costs to Run a Laundromat?

Once your laundromat business is open, you’ll face recurring monthly expenses:

• Utility Costs: Water, gas, and electricity — often one of the largest recurring expenses for laundromats.
• Staffing Costs: If you hire attendants or customer service staff, these wages must be included in your budget.
• Supplies & Maintenance: Detergents, machine maintenance, repair parts, and cleaning supplies.
• Rent or Mortgage: Your monthly lease or mortgage payments on your business location.

Some estimates suggest monthly operating costs can range from several thousand dollars to over $15,000, depending on size, location, and whether you offer additional services beyond self-service machines.

How Does Location Affect Your Startup Costs?

The location of your laundromat business plays a huge role in overall initial costs. Prime locations near apartment buildings, universities, or high-population neighborhoods often require higher rent or purchase prices but can generate stronger customer traffic.

On the other hand, smaller towns or less competitive areas might offer cheaper real estate but require targeted marketing, service innovation, or additional offerings (like pick-up and delivery) to attract customers.

Can You Start a Laundromat with No Money?

Starting a laundromat business with no money upfront is challenging. Even small setups require equipment, space, and working capital. However, some options to consider include:

• Securing Business Loans: Financing equipment or leasing space through business loans or SBA financing.
• Equipment Leasing: Leasing washers and dryers instead of buying them outright.
• Partnering or Investors: Finding investors or partners to contribute capital in exchange for equity.

Without initial capital, options are limited — but creative financing and solid planning can help you enter the laundromat market.

How Much Can a Laundromat Business Make?

While revenue varies widely based on location, size, and pricing strategies, many laundromats generate between $5,000 to $25,000+ per month in gross income depending on traffic and services offered.

Profitability depends on balancing operational costs with pricing, machine use, and customer demand. Self-service laundromats typically have leaner staff costs, while full-service locations that offer wash-and-fold or pick-up services can increase revenue.

What About Laundry Business Franchise Options?

If you prefer a structured model with brand support, you can explore laundry business franchise opportunities. Franchise costs vary depending on the brand and its requirements, often including franchise fees, royalty percentages, and initial investment requirements, which can be significant but come with established operational systems.

Franchises may offer benefits like marketing support, training, and operational standards that help you reduce some risks of starting from scratch. However, they usually require higher initial capital.

How Does Networking and Digital Business Tools Support Your Laundromat Launch?

In the modern business landscape, connecting with customers and partners early helps your laundromat grow faster. A digital business card acts as a modern networking tool that lets you share your laundromat’s contact details, social profiles, website, and service information instantly. When you meet potential investors, suppliers, or local businesses interested in partnerships, sharing a digital business card makes your introduction more professional and ensures they can find your offerings online immediately.

This kind of digital networking support enhances your brand’s reach and supports the marketing elements of your laundromat business plan by creating responsive and shareable contact channels — an advantage over traditional paper business cards.

FAQs About Laundromat Startup Costs

How much does a laundromat business cost to start?
Startup costs typically range from $200,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on location, size, and equipment quality.

Can you start a laundromat with no money?
It’s difficult without capital. Options like loans, leases, or investors may help you start.

What are the monthly costs to run a laundromat?
Monthly expenses usually include utilities, staffing, supplies, and rent, often totaling several thousand dollars.

Summary

Launching a laundromat business requires significant upfront investment and thoughtful planning. Initial costs range broadly based on location and scale, often between $200,000 and $500,000, with monthly operating expenses adding to your budget. Whether you start a new laundromat, buy an existing one, or explore franchise options, understanding these expenses helps you build a realistic laundromat business plan. Strategic use of digital tools like a digital business card can boost your networking and marketing efforts, helping to support long-term growth and customer engagement.