Laundry Cost Calculator
Compare the real cost of washing at home against using a laundromat.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Estimate home laundry cost from the energy, water, detergent and laundromat prices you enter. The result is a scenario, not a measured appliance bill; actual use varies by machine, cycle, load and local rates.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Loads per week 5 · Energy per load 1.3 kWh · Electricity price 0.17 $/kWh · Water per load 20 gallons · Water and sewer price 6 $/1000 gal · Detergent per load 0.25 $ · Dryer energy per load 3.3 kWh · Laundromat price per load 4.5 $ Cost per load at home 1.152 $ · Weekly cost at home 5.76 $ · Annual cost at home 299.52 $ · Annual cost at the laundromat 1,170.00 $ · Annual saving 870.48 $ · Biggest component Energy and drying · Energy and dryer cost per load 0.782 $
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only. Building codes, wiring regulations and safety requirements differ by country and change over time, and nothing here replaces a licensed professional or a permit. For structural, electrical or gas work, follow local code and have the installation inspected.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
C = E × p_e + V_w ÷ 1000 × p_w + C_d; E = E_m + E_d
- C
- Cost per load at home
- E
- Energy per load (kWh, washer + dryer)
- p_e
- Electricity rate
- V_w
- Water used (gal)
- p_w
- Water rate per 1,000 gal
- C_d
- Detergent cost per load
Annual cost = per-load cost × loads/week × 52; savings = (laundromat price − home cost) × loads/week × 52. Inputs are user estimates.
Frequently asked questions
What costs are included in the home laundry estimate?
The estimate adds the washer and dryer energy you enter, water use at your stated rate, and detergent cost. It does not infer appliance consumption or separate hot-water heating; use measured or manufacturer data when available.