Sauna Cost Calculator
"What will it do to my electric bill?" is the question that stalls every sauna purchase. Pick your sauna type, set your local rate, and get the real number — per session, per month, per year.
US average ≈ 17¢/kWh. Check your bill — coastal states often run 25–40¢.
Where the watts actually go
For traditional saunas, the heat-up phase is most of the bill — a 6.5 kW heater running 30–40 minutes before you step in costs more than the session itself. Infrared cabins heat up in ~10 minutes and blankets skip warm-up entirely, which is why their per-session costs are pocket change. Running cost is a tiebreaker, though, not the decision: the real choice is heat style, and purchase price dwarfs electricity for years.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a sauna use?
An infrared cabin draws 1.6–3.0 kW; a traditional electric heater draws 4.5–9 kW. A 30-minute infrared session uses roughly 1–1.5 kWh (about 15–25¢ at average US rates). A 45-minute traditional session including heat-up runs 6–9 kWh (about $1.00–1.50).
Does a sauna raise your electric bill a lot?
Less than most people fear. Even a daily 30-minute infrared habit adds roughly $5–10/month at average US rates. A frequently used traditional sauna adds $20–40/month — the heat-up phase, not the session itself, is most of the draw.
Are sauna blankets cheaper to run than cabins?
Yes — blankets draw around 0.5–0.7 kW, roughly a third of a small infrared cabin, and need no heat-up time. A session costs a few cents.
Shopping? Our home sauna rankings flag the real heater draw and temperature ceiling on every pick, and the cost guide covers purchase + install.