You’ve finally decided to create your dream wellness space. And, whether you’re a homeowner looking to add a luxury retreat or a contractor planning a custom spa build, the reality is that saunas aren’t as cheap as they used to be.
However, it depends on the type and capacity.
As one of the most trusted names in the sauna industry, we specialize in top-quality saunas, heaters, kits, accessories, and expert recommendations tailored to your needs.
This guide explains the average cost ranges for indoor, outdoor, and infrared saunas, as well as the installation, wiring, and material costs.
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We also draw the line between budget-friendly options vs. luxury builds.
Cost of Indoor Saunas: Price Breakdown
Golden Designs "Copenhagen Edition" 3-Person Traditional Steam Sauna
$6,999.00
$8,999.00
Golden Designs "Copenhagen Edition" 3-Person Traditional Steam Sauna With a Golden Designs traditional steam sauna constructed with Canadian Red Cedar, you can turn that dream of your very own home spa into a reality. Even where space is at a… read more
As far as prices go, one of the first key considerations when getting a sauna is whether it is to get an indoor or outdoor unit.
The price of an indoor sauna varies depending on the heating source, electrical complexity, capacity, and the manufacturer.
Our collection's various indoor saunas from reliable brands cost $1,899 to $17,000.
Here’s a table to put things in perspective:
INDOOR SAUNA TYPE | AVERAGE PRICE RANGE | CAPACITY |
Entry-level indoor saunas | $1,900 to $5,000 | 1-2 persons |
Mid-range indoor sauna | $6,000 to $10,000 | 2-4 people |
Premium indoor saunas | $10,500 and $17,000. | 4-6 people |
Although capacity isn’t the singular reason for high prices, some 2-person saunas cost as high as $10,000 due to their extra features and material build.
Entry-level indoor saunas
Entry-level indoor saunas have fewer heaters and fewer controls, but they are efficient. They only have a capacity for one person and are usually infrared saunas.
For example, models like the Dynamic "Avila" and Finnmark FD-1 Full-Spectrum infrared saunas are $1,900 and $4,680, respectively, but they can only accommodate 1 to 2 persons.
Mid-range indoor sauna
The type of indoor saunas that fall under the mid-range price are usually those with up to 4-person capacity and higher heating technology.
For example, Golden Designs’ Forssa Edition costs up to $6,300, but it’s a 3-person traditional steam sauna.
Hybrid models like the Finnmark FD-5 Trinity XL Infra-Steam Sauna ($8,995) also fall within this category.
It combines infrared therapy with traditional rocks and steam to provide all the benefits of infrared while soaking up the benefits of a medical-grade Red light therapy LED panel.
They will have nice features like audio for entertainment and controls that aid temperature precision, unlike budget-friendly models (think adjustable temperature and humidity controls).
Premium indoor saunas
The peak of splurging for indoor saunas would be in premium models. In our collection, we stock models like Golden Designs’ Karlstad PureTech 6-Person and Nora PureTech™ 2-Person.
Both come in full-spectrum, hybrid saunas with Red Cedar Wood interiors and cost over $10,000.
These models command higher prices for their high-end features like tempered glass doors, faster heating, smartphone app integration, and come with a prefabricated kit for easy setup.
Our engineering team can analyze your site conditions, calculate heat loss based on your local climate, and recommend the ideal outdoor sauna system for your specific requirements.
Cost of Outdoor Saunas: Price Breakdown
Outdoor saunas must withstand rain, sun, wind, and sometimes snow.
This usually requires heavier-duty materials, such as treated wood or weather-resistant cladding, insulation, and sealing, to maintain heat despite external temperature changes.
So that explains why they are more expensive.
The various outdoor saunas from reliable brands in our collection cost $4,390 to $32,000.
Here’s a table to put things in perspective:
OUTDOOR SAUNA TYPE | PRICE RANGE | KEY FEATURES |
Entry-Level Outdoor Barrel or Compact Cabin Saunas | $4,000-$6,000 | Fits 1–2 people, basic wood construction, simple electric heater, DIY kits, minimal insulation, limited weatherproofing |
Premuim Outdoor Saunas | $6000-$15,000 | Fits 4–6 people, high-end wood, advanced heater (digital control, faster heat-up), panoramic glass, ergonomic benches, LED lighting, rain/snow resistant roofing |
Luxury Custom Outdoor Saunas | $20,000-$35,000 | Custom-built, luxury finishes, smart controls, steam options, integrated sound system, large-capacity (6+), designer-grade interiors, commercial-grade durability |
Under the entry-level outdoor barrel or compact cabin saunas, you can find models in our collection like the SaunaLife’s Model E6 and Model E7 Sauna Barrel.
More premium models like SaunaLife’s Model G11 Sauna Kit and Model CL7G are within the $6000-$15,000 range.
Factors That Determine The Cost Of A Sauna
Factors like heating power, size, seating capacity, electric vs. wood heating, installation cost, and others can influence the price of a sauna unit.
1. Power
Entry-level heaters are best for small saunas (3–5 kW) and hold 30–40 lbs of stones. They’re simple and budget-friendly.
Mid-range heaters work for 6–9 kW saunas. They look better, hold more stones, and have smart Wi-Fi controls. They're also more durable than entry-level models.
Premium heaters offer sleek design, app control, and soft steam for a spa-like feel. They are perfect for luxury homes or commercial spaces.
2. Size and Seating Capacity
A sauna's size and seating capacity affect its cost because they determine the amount of material and equipment needed.
You may see an expensive sauna with a 2-person capacity, but you can’t see a cheaper 6-person sauna.
The 1 to 2 person sauna costs $2,000-$4,500 for indoor saunas and $3,000-$6,000 for outdoor saunas. It's great for solo users, couples, and small spaces.
Even though it has a smaller heater, it heats up quickly and is highly energy efficient. It is also very easy to install (plug-and-play).
The 4-person family sauna costs between $4,500 and $8,500 and is ideal for small families or group sessions.
It has a larger heater between 6 and 8 kilowatts, more space, and seating, and it would require professional installation and dedicated circuits.
3. Electric vs. Wood Heating
The Electric heating versus wood stove heating factor also matters.
While the two fall under the types of traditional saunas, they are very different and, therefore, have different cost implications both at the time of installation and going forward.
For example, the cost of purchasing and installing an electric sauna heater ranges between $800 and $3,500. They require unique circuit breakers, wiring, voltage, and power checking and matching.
There are also ongoing costs, such as the electricity bill from each session and the maintenance of the heater and sauna.
An electric sauna heater can be set to a precise temperature. It requires little maintenance and is best for indoor or residential use. It is also generally cleaner and easier to use than a wood stove heater.
A wood stove heater, on the other hand, needs firewood and is not dependent on electricity. It gives off a traditional vibe and produces more heat in a natural climate.
4. Installation Cost Factors: Professional vs. DIY
Most people wonder if they need a professional or if they can do it themselves, and our answer is always the same: there are many factors beyond the materials and equipment. These include time, labor, and the complexity of the installation itself.
Hiring a professional for indoor sauna installation will be smooth and easy, ensuring the electrical and plumbing work goes well.
In most places, you need code compliance and permits to install a sauna, so it's best to hire a professional to obtain the permits you need for indoor installation.
The cost of a professional is estimated to be between $1,000 and $4,000, and the exact price will be determined by the complexity, sauna size, and the region in which you live.
Aside from installation expenses, outdoor saunas require site preparation, including running electrical lines, site leveling, preparing the foundation, assembling the ceiling, and so much more.
Our engineering team can analyze your site conditions, calculate heat loss based on your local climate, and recommend the ideal outdoor sauna system for your specific requirements.
Maintenance Cost for Saunas
Think of the maintenance costs in infrared heaters, which are minimal with rare panel channels, electrical use, and constant cleaning. They are between $20 and $50 per year.
Compared with a wood stove sauna heater, which requires regular firewood, ventilation systems, ash, wood, soot cleaning, and wood handling, maintenance costs can reach $300 to $1000 per year.
Component replacement is usually not frequent, although it can be expensive, especially in electrical heaters and infrared saunas.
In general, the benefits of owning your sauna, be it indoor or outdoor, regardless of the type, have significant advantages, mainly because of the ease and comfort of accessibility and convenience.
Where Can I Buy a Home Sauna? Sauna Heater Supply: Best Store To Buy Sauna Units
At Sauna Heater Supply, we are the sauna heater experts. We sell only sauna heaters, and our focus is on providing you with the best products from top brands.
We stock a variety of sauna solutions from trusted brands such as Finnmark, Golden Designs, SaunaLife, Huum, Harvua, Narvi, Cozy, Amerec, and many others.
Our expertise ensures you get the perfect sauna heater and a smooth and enjoyable online shopping experience tailored specifically to your needs.
Upon placing an order, you will receive a confirmation email. If the item is in stock, we will typically ship it within five business days and deliver it within 14 days.
