Just like with most things, the prices of home saunas vary depending on the quality of the units. You can find very basic ones for well under $1,000, entry-level cabin saunas for around $1,200 to $1,500, and top-of-the-line multi-person saunas for $5,000 to $15,000 ore more.
It's a matter of figuring out what your budget and which type of sauna you want and taking it from there.
A small infrared sauna that fits in a corner or spare room will be far more affordable than a custom-built traditional sauna with a large heater, thick cedar walls, and multiple benches.
Also keep in mind that the purchase price may not be the final price. Depending on the sauna, you may need to account for shipping, assembly, electrical work, ventilation, a foundation or other installation costs.
Let's jump in and look at what you can expect to pay for different types of home saunas.
The following ranges provide a general idea of current home sauna prices. Actual pricing will vary based on the brand, size, materials, heating system and installation requirements.
| Type of Sauna | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Portable Sauna Tent or Blanket | $200–$1,000 |
| Entry-Level Infrared Sauna | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Mid-Range Infrared Sauna | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Premium Infrared Sauna | $5,000–$15,000+ |
| Prefabricated Traditional Sauna | $4,000–$10,000+ |
| Outdoor Sauna | $5,000–$20,000+ |
| Custom-Built Sauna | $10,000–$30,000+ |
These ranges can overlap quite a bit. A large, premium infrared sauna may cost more than a smaller traditional sauna, while an outdoor model with extensive site preparation can quickly exceed its advertised price.
There are a number of different factors that come into play when it comes to the cost of a sauna. Below is a closer look at what drives pricing — and where it may make sense to invest a little more.
Sauna Type
The first major consideration is the type of sauna you choose.
Portable sauna tents and infrared sauna blankets are usually the least expensive options. They don’t provide the same experience as sitting inside a permanent sauna cabin, but they can make sense if space and budget are limited.
Prebuilt infrared saunas are generally the easiest permanent models to install. Many smaller units use a standard household outlet, although larger and more powerful models may require a dedicated 20-amp circuit or 240V service.
Traditional saunas tend to cost more because they require a more powerful heater, greater heat retention, additional insulation and, in many cases, professional electrical work.
Outdoor and custom-built saunas can cost substantially more once you factor in the structure, foundation, weather protection, power supply and delivery.
Wood and Materials
One important factor to consider is the wood.
Home saunas are commonly made from Canadian hemlock, cedar, basswood, eucalyptus, Nordic spruce or aspen. Each wood has its own look, aroma, durability and price. Learn more in our best wood for sauna guide.
Cedar is popular because it handles heat and moisture well and has the traditional sauna appearance and aroma many people want. Basswood and eucalyptus are commonly used by premium infrared sauna companies, while hemlock is found in many affordable and mid-priced models.
The wood type alone doesn’t determine quality. Panel thickness, proper drying, fit, finish and overall construction are just as important.
Thicker panels and solid construction also add to the price. A well-insulated, tightly fitted sauna holds heat better and should provide a more consistent experience over time.
Some buyers are also concerned about adhesives, plywood, MDF and other materials that may produce odors or off-gassing when heated. If this is important to you, look for published testing and clear information from the manufacturer rather than relying solely on general “low-tox” marketing claims.
Size and Capacity
Another factor of course is the size of the sauna.
For obvious reasons, a 1-2 person sauna will not be as expensive as a 5-6 person unit, assuming all other factors are equal. Why? Because there is more wood, more heating panels/larger capacity heating unit, additional benches and other consideration for larger units.
However, size is not always a reliable indication of price. A premium one-person sauna can easily cost more than a basic three-person model.
Another thing to keep in mind is that manufacturer capacity ratings can be optimistic. A sauna marketed as a two-person model may be comfortable for one person but a little tight for two. If you have the space and budget, moving up one size may make the sauna more comfortable and give you room to stretch out.
If you’re buying a ready-made sauna or kit, entry-level cabin-style infrared saunas generally start around $1,200 to $1,500. Very basic portable models and sauna tents can cost considerably less.
Mid-range two- to four-person infrared cabins often run from approximately $3,000 to $7,000.
Premium full-spectrum infrared saunas can reach $8,000 to $15,000 or more, particularly when you add higher-end woods, extensive heater coverage, red light therapy, app controls, larger touchscreens and other upgrades.
There are many infrared sauna options available today, but it’s important to recognize that not all heating systems are the same.
You’ll find differences in heater placement, surface area, temperature, warm-up time, wavelength delivery and overall heat coverage. EMF and electrical-field measurements can also vary based on where and how they are tested.
This is why I prefer established sauna manufacturers that clearly explain their technology and provide meaningful testing information. A cheaper sauna may still work perfectly well, but you should understand what you’re giving up to get the lower price.
| Brand | Approximate Starting Price | General Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | $1,200+ | Budget |
| JNH Lifestyles | $2,100+ | Budget to Mid-Range |
| Good Health | Pricing Varies | Mid-Range to Premium |
| Heavenly Heat | $4,500+ | Premium |
| Clearlight | $5,000+ | Premium |
| Sunlighten | $5,000+ | Premium |
| Sun Home | Pricing Varies | Premium to High-End |
Many of the better infrared sauna companies don’t display complete pricing online. You may have to request current prices based on the series, size, wood and options you want.
Here’s a general idea of where some of the leading brands fall:
Dynamic Saunas
Dynamic is one of the more affordable cabin-style brands, with models generally starting around $1,200 and moving up to approximately $3,500.
The company makes the most sense for someone who wants a traditional infrared sauna cabin without paying for premium construction, extensive customization or personal sales support.
JNH Lifestyles
JNH saunas generally start around $2,100 and move up depending on the collection, size and features.
The company offers a much broader lineup than many value-oriented brands, including far-infrared, full-spectrum, low-EMF and outdoor models.
Good Health Saunas
Good Health falls more in the middle to upper portion of the market. Pricing varies depending on the size and heating system, and the company often promotes special offers rather than listing one fixed price for every model.
The company is worth considering if you want a better-built sauna with strong heater coverage but don’t necessarily need all the technology offered by some of the premium brands.
Heavenly Heat
Heavenly Heat saunas generally start at approximately $4,500 and go up based on the model, size and whether you choose an indoor or outdoor sauna.
The company focuses heavily on low-tox materials, low EMF and chemical-sensitive buyers. You’re paying for the construction approach and materials rather than a long list of added features.
Clearlight
Clearlight saunas generally start at approximately $5,000 and go up depending on the series and size.
The Premier line offers far-infrared heat and is usually the better value. The Sanctuary line adds full-spectrum heating at a higher price.
Clearlight isn’t inexpensive, but its construction, spacious interiors, warranty and customer support help justify the price for many buyers.
Sunlighten
Sunlighten cabin saunas generally start at approximately $5,000 and move up significantly depending on the collection, size, wood and available options.
The Signature is the company’s far-infrared line, while the mPulse and Amplify collections add more advanced heating technology and features. Sunlighten also offers the portable Solo System, which starts at approximately $2,000.
I own a three-person Sunlighten mPulse Conquer, and it has been a very positive experience. It was certainly not the least expensive choice, but the interior space, solid construction, app controls and built-in red light therapy were important to me.
Sun Home Saunas
Sun Home is generally one of the more expensive brands, particularly when you look at its larger indoor and outdoor models.
The company stands out for integrated red light therapy, modern styling and strong heat output, but it probably won’t be the first choice for someone trying to keep costs down.
Prices and promotions change regularly, so use these figures as general guidelines rather than guaranteed quotes.
You can also see our complete infrared sauna brand comparison for a closer look at how these companies differ.
Traditional saunas usually cost more to install than infrared models because they operate at much higher temperatures and require a larger electric or wood-burning heater.
A prefabricated traditional sauna may cost anywhere from approximately $4,000 to $10,000 or more.
A custom-built traditional sauna can easily reach $10,000 to $30,000 once you factor in the wood, framing, insulation, vapor barrier, benches, heater, electrical work, ventilation and labor.
The final cost will depend heavily on whether you are installing a prebuilt room or constructing the entire sauna inside an existing space.
Electric Sauna Heater Costs
A typical electric sauna heater for a home installation may cost anywhere from approximately $700 to $4,000 or more depending on the size, controls, features and brand.
When you factor in the complete sauna room, the overall cost for a mid-to-large electric sauna installation often falls in the $4,000 to $10,000-plus range. Premium and custom installations can cost considerably more.
Electric heaters typically require dedicated 240V wiring, proper clearances and adequate ventilation. Installation labor can therefore add significantly to your cost.
Heat retention and insulation quality also matter. A less expensive build that struggles to retain heat may take longer to warm up and cost more to operate.
Wood-Burning Sauna Costs
Wood-burning sauna setups tend to be more complicated because they require proper ventilation, a chimney or flue, fire-safe clearances and an appropriate location.
The wood sauna heater alone may cost approximately $800 to $3,000 or more.
For a complete home sauna using a wood-burning heater, total costs can easily reach $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the size, materials and installation.
You’ll also have the ongoing cost of firewood along with chimney cleaning and maintenance. These saunas are generally best suited to outdoor buildings or spaces specifically designed around a wood-burning heater.
Gas Sauna Heater Costs
Gas heaters are less common in residential saunas but remain an option for larger rooms and commercial installations.
The heating unit alone may cost approximately $800 to $4,600 or more. Full installation can be considerably more expensive once you account for the gas line, ventilation, controls, permits and professional labor.
For most homeowners, an electric or infrared system will be easier to install and maintain.
Besides the wood, size and heating unit, the construction itself plays a major role in sauna pricing.
It’s great to start with high-quality components, but how are those components put together?
Panel fit, insulation, heater placement, bench construction, ventilation and wiring all affect how the sauna performs. Doors should close tightly, panels should line up properly and the interior should heat evenly without obvious cold spots.
You should also consider how easily components can be repaired or replaced. A cheaper sauna isn’t much of a bargain if a control panel or heater fails and replacement parts are unavailable.
| Sauna Type | Typical Installation Requirements |
|---|---|
| Smaller Infrared | Standard household outlet in many cases |
| Larger Infrared | Dedicated 20-amp circuit or 240V may be required |
| Traditional Electric | Dedicated 240V service and professional wiring |
| Gas | Gas connection and proper ventilation |
| Wood-Burning | Chimney or flue, fire-safe clearances and ventilation |
| Outdoor | Foundation, site preparation and exterior power |
Installation costs vary considerably depending on the type of sauna.
Here’s what you can generally expect:
Basic electrical work may cost several hundred dollars, while a more involved installation can reach $2,000 or considerably more.
Always check the electrical requirements before ordering. It’s not uncommon for buyers to discover after delivery that the sauna requires a circuit they don’t currently have.
Shipping is another cost that buyers sometimes overlook.
Some sauna companies include curbside shipping, while others charge based on the size of the sauna and your location. White-glove delivery and assembly may be available for an additional fee.
Before buying, find out:
A sauna may be relatively easy to assemble once all the pieces are in place, but getting several large, heavy panels into a basement or upstairs room can be another story.
Infrared saunas are generally the least expensive permanent models to operate because they use less power and run at lower temperatures.
Depending on local electricity rates, sauna size, wattage and session length, an infrared sauna may cost anywhere from approximately 15 cents to $1 or more per session.
A traditional electric sauna generally costs more because it uses a larger heater and takes more energy to reach and maintain its higher temperature.
Wood-burning costs depend on the local price and availability of firewood, while gas-sauna operating costs will vary based on fuel rates and heater efficiency.
For most homeowners, operating expenses are relatively small compared with the original purchase and installation costs.
Besides the wood, the heater, the construction, the installation and the costs involved in getting your sauna to work, the only additional costs besides daily operation are any extras that you choose to have.
Depending on the company, you may be able to choose different woods, larger windows, additional benches or different door configurations. You can also add things like red light therapy, chromotherapy, Bluetooth audio, smartphone controls, upgraded lighting and ergonomic backrests.
Some of these upgrades can definitely improve your experience, but others may not be worth the additional expense. Think about which features you’ll actually use before paying for every available option.
You can save money by building your own sauna from scratch or purchasing a precut sauna kit, particularly if you already have the necessary carpentry skills and tools.
However, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to DIY construction, and it isn’t a project to take lightly. You’ll need to account for the framing, insulation, vapor barrier, ventilation, wood selection, heater clearances and electrical requirements. You may also need permits depending on where you live and the type of sauna you’re building.
Doing the work yourself can save you several thousand dollars in labor, but mistakes involving moisture, wiring, ventilation or heater placement can become expensive to correct. For most buyers, a prefabricated sauna or professionally designed kit provides a better balance of convenience, cost and customization.
That depends on how often you plan to use the sauna and what matters most to you.
If you expect to use it several times a week for many years, spending more for better construction, comfort, heater coverage and customer support may be worthwhile. If you’re new to sauna use, have limited space or aren’t sure how often you’ll use it, a more affordable model may make more sense.
I'm in my sauna pretty much every day, so it's well worth it for me if I break it down by usage. But your situation may be different.
A sauna is a long-term investment, but there is no reason to pay for features you don’t need. I would focus first on the heating system, construction, testing, warranty and support before paying extra for screens, speakers and other upgrades.
The right choice really depends on your budget, the space you have available and the kind of sauna experience you want.
If you have limited space or aren’t ready to invest in a permanent sauna, a portable sauna or blanket may be a good place to start. These are the least expensive options, although they won’t give you the same experience as sitting inside a full sauna cabin.
Infrared saunas are usually the easiest permanent models to add to a home. They’re available in a wide range of sizes and prices, require less time to heat up and are generally less expensive to operate.
Dynamic and JNH are worth considering if you want to keep the price down, while Good Health falls more in the middle.
Clearlight, Heavenly Heat, and Sunlighten make more sense for buyers willing to pay for better materials, construction, support or more advanced features.
A traditional sauna will generally cost more to purchase and install, but it provides the higher temperatures, hot stones and steam that many sauna users prefer. A prefabricated model can help control the cost, while a custom-built traditional sauna gives you more freedom with the size, layout, wood and heater. You’ll just need to account for professional wiring, insulation, ventilation and the other work involved in creating the room.
Outdoor saunas are another good option if you have the space and don’t want to give up a room inside your home. They can provide a more traditional sauna experience and become an attractive part of the property, but site preparation, delivery, a foundation and running electricity outside can add quite a bit to the final price.
Whichever type you choose, don’t base your decision solely on the advertised price. Take a close look at the heating system, construction, electrical requirements, shipping, assembly, warranty and availability of replacement parts. Optional features can also increase the price quickly, so think about which ones you’ll actually use.
There isn’t one correct amount to spend on a home sauna. The goal is to find one that fits your space, provides the experience you want and is built well enough to last without paying for things that don’t matter to you.
You can see our picks for the best infrared saunas, compare nine popular infrared sauna brands or explore our guides to traditional and outdoor saunas to narrow down your options.
And if you still aren’t sure which sauna fits your home and budget, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.