Laundromat vs Used Washer Breakeven
Laundromat vs Used Washer Breakeven Calculator
What this calculator does
A cheap used washer can beat laundromat costs over time. This calculator finds the breakeven point.
The math, with a worked example
Savings per load = laundromat cost − home cost. Months to break even = washer price ÷ (savings per load × loads per month). A $5 laundromat load versus $1 home load with 8 loads per month saves $32 per month. A $100 used washer pays for itself in about 3.1 months.
Why this matters
At $5 a laundromat load versus about $1 at home, a $100 used washer stops being an expense after 3 months and starts being $32 a month back. The breakeven month is the whole decision, and it's one division away.
Methodology and transparency
Months to break even = washer price ÷ ((laundromat cost − home cost per load) × loads per month). The home-load cost hides the most: water, electricity, and detergent are real but small, while a used machine's repair risk is the wildcard the model omits — a $100 washer that dies at month 4 roughly doubles the true breakeven. Budget a repair buffer if the machine has no history. Everything runs in your browser; no data is sent or stored.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08
Common questions
Does this include dryer cost?
Include dryer cost in the per-load numbers if needed.
What if the washer breaks?
Repair costs are a risk. The breakeven assumes the washer keeps working.