By Nick Kremers | WashBizHub Founder & Third-Generation Laundromat Professional | Updated May 2026
Starting a laundromat in 2026 requires a significant capital investment, but with proper planning, the returns can be exceptional. After helping hundreds of aspiring laundromat owners through our WashBizHub platform and watching over 500 successful openings in our 74,000+ member community, I've compiled the most comprehensive startup cost breakdown available anywhere.
The total cost to start a laundromat in 2026 ranges from $150,000 to $900,000+, depending on store size, location, equipment selection, and whether you're building from scratch or converting an existing space. This guide breaks down every dollar you'll spend, with real data from actual openings across all 50 states.
Quick Cost Summary: What You'll Spend
Before we dive deep into each category, here's the high-level overview based on our analysis of 500+ laundromat openings tracked through the WashBizHub CLEANBI platform:
| Store Size | Square Footage | Equipment Cost | Buildout Cost | Total Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $80,000-$150,000 | $30,000-$80,000 | $150,000-$300,000 |
| Medium | 2,000-3,000 sq ft | $150,000-$280,000 | $60,000-$150,000 | $300,000-$550,000 |
| Large | 3,500-5,000+ sq ft | $250,000-$450,000 | $100,000-$250,000 | $500,000-$900,000+ |
Category 1: Equipment Costs ($80,000-$450,000)
Equipment is the single largest expense when starting a laundromat, typically representing 45-55% of your total investment. The two dominant commercial laundry equipment brands are Dexter Laundry and Speed Queen, with Dexter being the preferred choice among our community members for their superior build quality, lower maintenance costs, and excellent factory support through distributors like