How Much Does an Infrared Sauna Cost to Run? (Real Numbers)

Most homeowners who use an infrared sauna 4–5 times per week spend between $5 and $20 per month on electricity. That works out to roughly $0.25–$0.75 per session — less than a bottle of water at a gym.

The exact number depends on three factors: sauna size (which determines wattage), session length (most people do 30–45 minutes), and your local electricity rate (the U.S. average is approximately $0.17 per kWh as of 2026). We'll walk through all three below so you can estimate your specific cost.

For comparison: the average gym membership costs $50–$80 per month, and many gyms that offer sauna access require a premium tier. A home infrared sauna pays back its electricity operating cost in just a few years of regular use — and you never share it with strangers.

Infrared saunas are far more energy-efficient than traditional steam saunas, which use 6,000–12,000 watts (6–12 kW). Most infrared models operate in the 1,000–3,000 watt range, and they reach temperature faster — typically 15–25 minutes versus 30–45 minutes for traditional saunas.

Typical power draw by capacity:

• 1-person sauna: ~1,000–1,500 watts (1.0–1.5 kW). Plugs into a standard 120V household outlet.
• 2-person sauna: ~1,400–1,750 watts (1.4–1.75 kW). Usually 120V; some larger models use 240V.
• 3-person sauna: ~1,750–2,400 watts (1.75–2.4 kW). Often requires a dedicated 20A circuit or 240V line.
• 4-person sauna: ~2,000–3,000 watts (2.0–3.0 kW). Typically 240V.

These are peak draw figures. Once the sauna reaches your target temperature (usually 120–150°F), the heaters cycle on and off to maintain it, so average consumption during a session is often 20–40% lower than the rated wattage.

Use this simple formula:

Cost per session = (kW × session hours) × electricity rate ($/kWh)

Then multiply by sessions per month to get your monthly running cost.

Example: 2-person sauna, 4×/week use, $0.17/kWh

• Sauna wattage: 1,600W = 1.6 kW
• Session length: 40 minutes = 0.67 hours
• Preheat included: add ~20 minutes = 1.0 kW·h total per session (blended estimate)
• Cost per session: 1.0 kWh × $0.17 = $0.17
• Monthly (4×/week = ~17 sessions): 17 × $0.17 = $2.89/month

Even in high-cost electricity states like California or Hawaii (where rates can reach $0.30–$0.40/kWh), a 2-person sauna used daily would cost roughly $15–$25/month — still well below a gym membership.

Quick reference table (U.S. average $0.17/kWh, 40-min session + preheat):

Sauna Size	Est. kWh/Session	Cost/Session	4×/Week (Monthly)	Daily Use (Monthly)
1-person (1.2 kW)	0.80 kWh	$0.14	$2.35	$4.25
2-person (1.6 kW)	1.05 kWh	$0.18	$3.05	$5.45
3-person (2.1 kW)	1.40 kWh	$0.24	$4.05	$7.25
4-person (2.6 kW)	1.75 kWh	$0.30	$5.10	$9.10

If you're comparing a home infrared sauna to a traditional Finnish-style or steam sauna, the energy difference is significant:

• Traditional/steam sauna heater: 6,000–12,000 watts. A 9 kW unit running for 1.5 hours (including a 45-minute preheat) consumes ~13.5 kWh per session — costing $2.30 at $0.17/kWh. Daily use: ~$70/month.
• Infrared sauna (2-person): ~1.05 kWh per session. Daily use: ~$5–$6/month.

Infrared saunas also reach temperature 2–3× faster than traditional saunas, which further reduces total energy draw per session.

The bottom line: a home infrared sauna costs roughly 80–90% less to operate than a comparable traditional sauna, and is cheaper to install (no steam generator, no special drainage requirements).

1. Use off-peak electricity hours

If your utility offers time-of-use pricing (many do), running your sauna during off-peak hours (typically evenings and weekends) can reduce costs by 20–40%. Check your utility's rate schedule — it's often listed on their website.

2. Preheat efficiently

Most infrared saunas need only 10–20 minutes to reach optimal temperature, not the 30–45 minutes sometimes cited for older models. Modern carbon heaters heat the cabin quickly. Start preheating shortly before you plan to use it, not an hour in advance.

3. Insulate your space

If your sauna is in a garage or an uninsulated room, the heaters work harder to maintain temperature in winter. Running your sauna in a conditioned space (basement, spare bedroom) improves efficiency. For outdoor or garage installations, a quality sauna cover or insulated enclosure helps.

Electricity is just one part of the total cost picture. Here's what to budget for:

• Purchase price: $1,999–$7,000+ depending on size and features (see our home sauna pricing guide for current price bands)
• Delivery: Most quality brands include free curbside delivery at this price point
• Electrical work: $0 for 1-2 person models (standard outlet), $200–$500 for larger models requiring a dedicated circuit
• Electricity operating cost: $5–$20/month (as detailed above)
• Maintenance: Minimal — wipe down after use, replace carbon heaters every 5–10 years if needed

Over a 10-year ownership period, a quality 2-person infrared sauna purchased for $2,499 and used 4× per week costs approximately $3,000–$3,500 all-in (purchase + electricity + minimal maintenance). Spread across ~2,000 sessions, that's under $2 per session. A gym sauna visit, in comparison, often runs $5–$15 per session when factoring in membership costs.

The bottom line: for regular sauna users, home ownership is almost always the better financial decision within 2–3 years.

Ready to explore options? Browse our infrared sauna lineup or view current pricing by size and feature level.

Electricity cost shouldn't be a barrier to owning a home sauna — as the numbers above show, it's one of the most affordable appliances in your home to operate on a per-use basis.

If you'd like help choosing between specific models, understanding which size fits your space, or calculating the electrical requirements for your home, our team is available to walk you through it at no cost.

Text us at (602) 883-2804 for a quick answer, or request pricing for the models you're considering →