In most homes, a sauna session costs roughly $0.80 to $2 per use, depending on the heater size, insulation, electricity rates, and how long the sauna runs. Traditional saunas typically use between 6kW and 9kW heaters, which heat the space in about 30–45 minutes. Once the sauna reaches temperature, the heater cycles on and off to maintain heat, reducing overall power usage.
A typical sauna session lasts around 45 to 60 minutes, including the heating time. Here’s a general estimate based on our most common traditional heater sizes.
- 4.5kW $0.70 - $1.10
- 6kW $0.90 - $1.40
- 9kW $1.20 - $2.00
These estimates assume average residential electricity rates and a standard home sauna used for about one hour. Most people use their sauna 3–5 times per week, meaning the monthly electricity cost often falls between $12 and $40.
Even with daily use, many home saunas cost less than a gym membership to operate
How much electricity do saunas use?
Traditional electric saunas use 4.5 kW to 9 kW heaters depending on the size of the sauna. Electricity consumption depends on:
- Heater size
- Sauna insulation
- Outdoor temperature
- Length of the sauna session
- Frequency of use
A common 6kW sauna running for one hour consumes about 6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. Because the heater cycles once the sauna is hot, the real energy use is often slightly lower. Infrared saunas typically use less power because they operate at lower temperatures. While infrared saunas are cheaper to run, traditional saunas provide the higher heat and steam experience many people prefer.
Tips to reduce sauna running costs
If you want to keep sauna electricity costs low, a few simple habits make a big difference.
- Preheat only when needed: turn the sauna on shortly before use rather than leaving it running.
- Choose the right heater size: an appropriately sized heater will heat efficiently without wasting energy.
- Limit door opening: opening the sauna door frequently allows heat to escape and increases heating time.
For most homeowners, the cost of running a sauna is surprisingly low. A typical session often costs about the same as running a clothes dryer for an hour. With moderate use, many people spend less than $20 per month on sauna electricity.
Considering the relaxation, health benefits, and convenience of having a sauna at home, the operating cost is generally very manageable.
