Anyone who’s ever spent a Saturday juggling detergent, coins, and soggy jeans in a laundromat has likely asked themselves: Is this actually saving me money? Or would it make more sense to sort out a laundry setup at home? The short answer is—it depends on how you do the maths, and more importantly, how you value your time, space, and flexibility.

Let’s unpack the real cost differences between using a laundromat and managing your washing at home, particularly in the context of options like laundry machine rental.

How much does it cost to use a laundromat each week?

Using a laundromat seems affordable at first glance. You pay per load—no big upfront investment, no maintenance headaches. But let’s crunch the numbers.

Across most Australian cities, a standard wash costs between $4 to $7, with dryers adding another $4 to $6. If you’re a household of two and doing 3–4 loads per week, that’s roughly $40–$50 weekly, or more than $2,000 a year. And that’s without factoring in transport costs, parking fees, or your time spent waiting around.

Now multiply that by a few years, and suddenly the “cheap” laundromat run doesn’t feel so budget-friendly.

What about water, electricity, and detergent at home?

Home setups aren’t free either. You’re paying for:

• Electricity: A standard front-loader uses around 0.6 kWh per load, which averages to 15–20 cents per wash.

• Water: With water-efficient machines, this might cost another 10–15 cents per load.

• Detergent: Maybe 30–50 cents per wash, depending on your brand.

• Time and convenience: Arguably priceless, but let’s leave that philosophical.

Even if you rent a machine (more on that below), your per-load costs can come down to $1 or less, especially if you line dry your clothes.

Is laundry machine rental a smarter option?

Buying a machine outright is a big upfront cost—easily $600 to $1,500. But rentals? They’re catching on for a reason. Laundry machine rental services in Australia offer front-loaders and washer-dryer combos for as little as $12–$20 a week, which often includes repairs and replacements.

This model works well for renters, students, or anyone in a short-term living situation who doesn’t want to lug around a 90kg machine.

It also bridges the affordability gap between laundromats and ownership. You get the perks of home laundry—convenience, cost-per-load savings, flexibility—without the full cost or commitment.

Are laundromats still worth it for some people?

Absolutely. If you:

• Live in a tiny apartment with no space for a washer

• Only do laundry once or twice a month

• Don’t mind the social aspect or multitasking while you wait (reading, working, scrolling Instagram)

…then laundromats can still be a decent option. Especially if you’re near a well-maintained one with larger machines that can handle big loads or doonas. Some newer laundromats even offer free Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and contactless payment.

But once your weekly load creeps up or convenience becomes king, the cost-benefit leans heavily toward a home setup.

What’s the hidden cost of laundromats?

Let’s talk time.

It takes on average 90 minutes per laundromat visit, including wait times and transit. Do that weekly and you’re losing 78 hours a year—almost two full work weeks.

And that’s not even counting rainy days when every dryer is taken, or the awkward shuffle when someone pulls your undies out mid-cycle.

There’s also the question of hygiene. Public machines can be clean, but they’re also communal. If you’ve ever pulled out your clothes only to find stray pet hair, you know the deal.

Can a laundry machine rental pay for itself?

Yes—and then some. If you’re spending $40/week at the laundromat and switch to a $15/week rental, you’re saving $25/week. That’s $1,300 a year in your pocket, not to mention time and convenience. Over three years, that’s nearly $4,000 in savings.

We’ve seen this play out in countless Aussie households—especially among young families and time-poor professionals. Once they switch, they rarely go back.

And if you’re wondering what the ongoing running costs look like, this breakdown explains it well.

Quick FAQ

Is it cheaper to do laundry at home or at the laundromat?
Over time, doing laundry at home—especially with a rental machine—tends to be cheaper per load and more convenient.

How much does laundry machine rental cost in Australia?
Typically between $12–$25 per week, depending on the model and provider.

Are laundromats hygienic?
Mostly yes, but you’re relying on shared machines. Home use offers more control over cleanliness.

Final thoughts

The real question isn’t just about money—it’s about value. Laundromats offer flexibility, but come at the cost of your time and privacy. Owning a machine demands upfront cash and space. Laundry machine rental, though? It threads the needle between cost, convenience, and flexibility.

For those doing regular loads but not ready to invest in a machine, laundry machine rental offers a savvy middle ground—letting you wash at home without washing out your wallet.

And if you’re curious how rental services stack up against local appliance prices, the Australian Energy Foundation breaks it down here.