Do Laundromats Save You Money? An Honest Aussie Breakdown

Alex

Short answer: They can—but it depends.

For many Australians, especially renters and inner-city dwellers, a weekly trip to the laundromat can work out cheaper than running a home washer and dryer. But the maths changes based on your living setup, appliance age, energy prices, and how you value your time. Let’s unpack the real costs—and savings—behind laundromats, and whether they stack up for you.

What’s the average cost of using a laundromat in Australia?

Across major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, laundromats typically charge:

$4–$7 per wash, depending on load size
$1–$2 per 10 minutes of drying, or ~$4 per full dry
Some charge extra for detergent or large machines (e.g. doona washers)

So, a full wash and dry usually totals $8 to $10.

If you’re washing a week’s worth of clothes, that might be all you need. But if you're doing multiple loads or separate whites and colours (like my nan insists on), the costs do creep up.

What other factors change the equation?

Let’s be real—it’s never just about electricity bills.

1. Appliance costs

Buying a decent washer and dryer could set you back $1,000 to $2,500. Even second-hand, you’re looking at a few hundred dollars upfront.

2. Maintenance & repairs

Repairs, plumbing issues, or a broken motor? That’s on you. A laundromat, meanwhile, takes care of it all—and replaces worn-out machines regularly.

3. Space and lifestyle

In compact apartments or shared houses, you might not even have the space or hookups for laundry appliances. Laundromats give you commercial-size washers and dryers without needing to install a thing.

4. Time efficiency

At a laundromat, you can do three full loads in one hour. At home? That’s an all-afternoon job. If your weekends are tight (and whose aren’t?), this time-saving might be worth more than a few dollars.

Real-world example: Jules the barber saves his Saturdays

Jules runs a small barber shop in Northcote. He doesn’t have a washer at home, and honestly, he doesn't want one. “I chuck everything in the back of the car once a week—towels, capes, my gym stuff. One hour at the laundromat, job done,” he says.

His weekly spend? Around $12. But compare that to what it would cost to buy a washer, find space in his flat, and do laundry in batches every few days? “Nah,” he says, “the laundromat keeps it simple.”

That’s Consistency, by the way—one of Cialdini’s persuasion principles. People stick with what’s easy and proven to work. Jules found a rhythm, and it works for his lifestyle.

When do laundromats not save you money?

Large families with daily laundry needs
Households with solar (free daytime energy = free hot washes)
People with high-efficiency appliances already installed
Homes with outdoor lines and no need for dryers

In these cases, the per-load cost at home is probably lower—and the convenience of doing it while you binge Netflix can't be beat.

Are laundromats cheaper than using a dryer at home?

Yes—often.

Drying clothes at home with a vented dryer costs around $1 to $1.50 per cycle. More for older models. Dryers also wear out quickly and add to household heat and humidity.

Laundromat dryers? Industrial-grade, faster, and often more energy-efficient. Plus, you’re not paying for machine depreciation or surprise repairs.

If you're drying indoors regularly, switching to a laundromat—especially during rainy winters—can be a smart move both financially and practically.

Quick FAQ

Q: Are laundromats cheaper than buying a washing machine?

In the short term—yes. Over 5+ years, home ownership might win, depending on your usage.

Q: Can I save more by air-drying at home and washing at the laundromat?

Definitely. That’s the sweet spot for many renters—fast wash, free dry.

Q: Do laundromats use more water and power than home machines?

Not always. Many use high-efficiency commercial units that use less water per kg than old top-loaders.

So… do laundromats really save you money?

If you're living solo or in a small household, don't have laundry appliances, or want to avoid upfront costs—yes, laundromats can save you money. Even more so if your washer or dryer is ancient, inefficient, or broken (and repairs are just too steep).

For larger households or homes already running solar, a home setup can still be cheaper over the long run—but even then, the occasional laundromat visit can be a solid backup.

Ultimately, it's not just about dollars—it’s about value. And if one weekly trip to a clean, reliable laundromat near me buys back your time, clears your space, or saves you the headache of appliance drama—that’s money well spent.