Laundromat guide
Laundromat prices: what a load actually costs
A standard load costs roughly $5 to $8 at a US laundromat — about $2.50–$5.00 to wash and $1.50–$3.00 to dry. Machine size moves that number more than anything else.
| What you are paying for | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard top-load washer | $2.50 – $4.00 | One hamper, about 12–15 lb |
| Large front-load washer (20–30 lb) | $4.50 – $7.00 | Two loads at once, or a small duvet |
| Extra-large washer (40–60 lb) | $8.00 – $14.00 | Comforters, sleeping bags, several loads |
| Dryer | $0.25 per 6–10 minutes | A full load usually needs 30–45 minutes |
| Wash-and-fold (drop-off) | $1.25 – $2.50 per lb | Often a 10 lb minimum |
| Soap, softener or bleach from the vending machine | $1.00 – $2.00 | Cheaper to bring your own |
Ranges reflect commonly advertised US pricing in 2026 and vary by metro. Individual machines are priced by the operator; the price card on the wall is the authority.
Where the money actually goes
Drying is the sneaky cost. A wash is a single fixed charge, but dryers bill by time, and an over-stuffed dryer can run two or three cycles before the load is dry. Two half-full dryers usually finish faster and cost less than one packed dryer. Shaking each item out as it goes in helps more than people expect.
Bring your own supplies
Vending-machine detergent is convenient and costs three to four times supermarket prices. A single pod and a dryer sheet from home saves a couple of dollars per trip, which is most of a dryer cycle.
Coins, cards and apps
Coin-only shops are still common, especially independents. Larger operators have moved to loyalty cards or phone apps, which often carry a small load-up fee or a minimum top-up. If you are trying a new place, quarters are the safe assumption — and the change machine can be empty at the end of a busy weekend.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one load cost at a laundromat?
About $5 to $8 in total for a standard load — roughly $2.50–$5.00 to wash and another $1.50–$3.00 to dry, depending on how long the dryer runs. Large-capacity machines cost more.
How much does it cost to dry clothes at a laundromat?
Most dryers charge $0.25 for 6 to 10 minutes. A normal load needs 30–45 minutes, so budget $1.25 to $2.00. Splitting a heavy load across two dryers is often cheaper than running one for twice as long.
How many quarters do I need for laundry?
For one standard load, plan on 20 to 32 quarters ($5–$8). Take more than you think: change machines run out, and a second dryer cycle is common with towels and jeans.
Do laundromats take credit cards?
Increasingly, yes. Many chains have moved to a reloadable loyalty card or a phone app, and some accept tap-to-pay directly on the machine. Plenty of independent shops are still coin-only, so carry quarters unless you know otherwise.
Is wash-and-fold worth it?
At $1.25–$2.50 per pound, a 15 lb load costs roughly $19–$38 versus about $6 doing it yourself. You are buying back an hour and a half, which is a fair trade when the alternative is sitting in the shop.
What is the average cost per load at a laundromat?
About $5 to $8 all in for a standard load — roughly $2.50–$5.00 to wash and $1.50–$3.00 to dry. That is the figure to budget per hamper.
How much is 10 lbs of laundry?
At a wash-and-fold counter, 10 lb is the usual minimum and costs about $12.50 to $25.00 at $1.25–$2.50 per pound. Washing the same 10 lb yourself is one standard machine, so about $5 to $8.
What is the cheapest time of day to do your laundry?
Machine prices do not change by the hour, so the saving is indirect: at a quiet time you get the machine size you actually need rather than splitting a load across two, and you are not paying for a second dryer cycle while you wait. Weekday mornings and late evenings are emptiest.
Is laundry service cheaper than doing it yourself?
No — it is roughly three to five times the cost. A 15 lb load is about $6 self-service against $19–$38 dropped off. You are buying back about ninety minutes.
Why are laundromat prices going up?
Utilities and equipment, mostly. Washers and dryers are the second-largest cost after rent, and water, gas and electricity have all risen faster than general inflation in most metros.