Is Laundromat Cheaper Than Washing at Home? The Real Aussie Breakdown

Alex

Quick answer:

Washing at home is usually cheaper per load, but only if you already own a machine and run full loads. If you're a renter without appliances, or you’ve got a mountain of wet laundry and no dryer, a laundromat might actually save you money (and a whole lot of time).

What Hidden Costs Come with Washing at Home?

Anyone who’s had to replace a dead washing machine knows it’s no cheap affair. And that’s just the start.

1. Appliance Cost

Washing machine: $600–$1,500

Dryer: $400–$1,200

You’ll need 4–5 years of regular use to “break even” on those purchases—if you maintain them well and don’t move house.

2. Water and Electricity Use

The average Aussie home washer uses 50–90 litres per load. Combine that with dryer power use and you’re staring at a small rise in quarterly bills—especially if you run half loads.

3. Time and Hassle

Ever waited 2 hours for a cycle to finish, only to realise you forgot to hit "Start"? We’ve all been there. Laundromats usually get the job done faster—multiple loads, running simultaneously.

When Is a Laundromat Actually More Cost-Effective?

Surprisingly often—especially if you:

Live in a rental without laundry hookups
Share a machine with housemates or neighbours
Only do laundry once a week in bulk
Need fast drying in wet seasons
Want commercial machines for doonas, sheets, or towels

Anyone who’s lugged wet sheets from a 5kg washer to a clothesline in Melbourne’s winter knows—you pay for the convenience, but it’s often worth it.

What About Accessibility and Speed?

Using a laundromat near me isn’t just about dollars. It’s about time, too.

Let’s say you’ve got 3 loads to wash and dry. At home, you’re looking at 6–7 hours start-to-finish. At a laundromat? You’re in and out in 1.5 hours, easy. That’s an entire Sunday back in your pocket.

And if your local spot has modern machines, comfy seating, or free Wi-Fi? Even better.

A 2024 survey by Canstar Blue found that 40% of renters under 35 in Australian cities regularly use laundromats—especially during winter or when machines break down. Why? Speed, convenience, and flexibility.

One Sydney user shared:

“My washing machine broke down right before a family visit. I hit the laundromat, smashed through 4 loads, and was home in under 2 hours. Best $30 I spent that week.”

Are There Tricks to Make Laundromats Cheaper?

Absolutely. Here's how smart locals save:

Bring your own detergent to avoid machine markup.
Combine loads (colours, darks, etc.) in larger washers.
Use off-peak times—some laundromats offer discounts.
Skip the dryer on warm days and hang dry at home.

Some laundromats also offer loyalty programs or multi-load discounts. It’s worth asking.

Final Thoughts: Cheap Isn’t Always Best—Smart Is

So, is a laundromat cheaper than washing at home? On paper, no. But in practice, the answer depends on your setup, your time, and your lifestyle.

If you've already got appliances, wash full loads, and hang clothes to dry—home wins. But if you’re juggling flatmates, have limited space, or need a quick turnaround, a laundromat might be the smarter, faster solution.

And for a clearer idea of what to bring, spend, and expect, check out this practical Aussie guide from a laundromat near me.