If you've been looking at home saunas, you've probably asked the obvious question: how much does an infrared sauna cost? The sticker price is only part of it. You also pay to get power to it, to run it, and to keep it in good shape. This guide covers all three, plus a worked cost-per-session example, so you can see what a home infrared sauna costs over its first few years.
Quick Answer: How Much Does an Infrared Sauna Cost?
Most people spend between about $300 and $4,000 on the sauna itself. The price depends mostly on the type:
- Portable infrared sauna (pop-up tent or box): roughly $200–$500. You sit inside a soft enclosure with your head outside.
- 1–2 person wooden cabin: roughly $1,500–$4,000. This is where most buyers land.
- 3–4+ person cabin or premium build: often $4,500–$8,000, and luxury models can cost more.
Then add installation (often $0 for a plug-in model, a few hundred dollars or more if you need a new circuit) and electricity (usually a few dollars a month). The sections below cover each one.
Infrared Sauna Price by Type
Here's how the main options compare, using real SnapAbode examples. All prices are at time of writing.
| Type | Example | Price (at time of writing) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable far infrared sauna | Portable Far Infrared Sauna with Heated Foot Pad | $378.99 | Small spaces, renters, trying infrared on a budget |
| 1–2 person cabin with chromotherapy | Nicebeam 1–2 Person Infrared Sauna | $3,249–$3,599 depending on wood, glass and speaker | Solo users or couples who want a full cabin and design options |
| 2-person carbon infrared cabin | 2-Person Carbon Infrared Sauna, Canadian Hemlock | $3,295 | Couples who want a straightforward 1,700-watt carbon heater cabin |
What drives the infrared sauna price up?
- Wood. Canadian Hemlock is the common, budget-friendly choice. Canadian Red Cedar usually costs more. On the Nicebeam sauna, for example, the Red Cedar version runs $100 more than the matching Hemlock version at time of writing.
- Size. More seats means more wood, more heaters and more shipping weight.
- Heater type. Carbon panels spread heat over a wide surface. Some saunas use ceramic or "full spectrum" heaters, which can change the price.
- Extras. Chromotherapy lighting, upgraded speakers, tinted glass and app controls all add up. The Nicebeam sauna's options alone span a $350 price range.
Installation Costs: Power, Space and Assembly
This is the cost people forget. There are three parts to it.
1. Electrical
Infrared saunas run on either standard household power (120V) or a dedicated 240V circuit. The difference matters:
- 120V plug-in models usually need a dedicated outlet but no new wiring. Install cost: often $0.
- 240V or hardwired models need an electrician. Industry guides commonly put this at roughly $250–$1,200, depending on how far the sauna is from your panel and whether your panel has room.
A quick reality check: watts ÷ volts = amps. A 1,700-watt heater on a 120V circuit would draw about 14 amps, which is why a dedicated 20-amp circuit is the usual recommendation for a cabin that size. Always check the product's stated voltage and plug type before you buy, and have an electrician look at your setup if you're unsure. If a voltage isn't listed on a product page, contact us before ordering rather than guessing.
2. Space and flooring
Infrared cabins go indoors on a flat, level, dry floor. A garage, basement, spare room or large bathroom all work. You don't need plumbing or a drain, which keeps this cost low. Budget for a rubber mat or floor protector if you're putting it on carpet or hardwood (often $30–$100).
3. Assembly
Most home cabins arrive as panels that clip or bolt together. Two people can usually assemble one in an afternoon. If you'd rather hire help, a local handyman typically charges a few hundred dollars. Portable saunas set up in minutes with no tools.
Sauna Electricity Cost: What It Really Costs to Run
Good news: running an infrared sauna is cheap. Here's the formula:
Cost per session = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours of use × your electricity rate
The U.S. average residential electricity rate was about 18.8 cents per kWh in spring 2026, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data. Rates vary a lot by state, from around 12 cents to over 40 cents.
Worked example: the 2-Person Carbon Infrared Sauna
Let's run the numbers on the 2-Person Carbon Infrared Sauna, which is rated at 1,700 watts.
- Warm-up: 15 minutes
- Session: 30 minutes
- Total heater time: 45 minutes (0.75 hours)
- Energy used: 1.7 kW × 0.75 h = 1.275 kWh
This assumes the heaters run at full power the whole time. In practice, many saunas cycle their heaters once they reach temperature, so your real cost may be lower. Treat these numbers as a worst case.
| Electricity rate | Per session | 4 sessions/week (per month) | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12¢/kWh (low-cost state) | $0.15 | $2.65 | $32 |
| 18.8¢/kWh (U.S. average) | $0.24 | $4.15 | $50 |
| 30¢/kWh (high-cost state) | $0.38 | $6.63 | $80 |
Even used daily in a high-cost state, that's well under $15 a month. The electricity bill is the smallest part of owning an infrared sauna.
The Real Number: Cost Per Session Over 5 Years
To compare a home sauna with paying per visit, spread the purchase price over the sessions you'll actually use. Here's the same 2-person sauna over five years, at four sessions a week:
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sauna (at time of writing) | $3,295 |
| Installation (120V plug-in, DIY assembly) | $0 |
| Floor mat | $50 |
| Electricity, 5 years at U.S. average | ~$250 |
| Cleaning supplies and towels | ~$100 |
| 5-year total | ~$3,695 |
| Sessions (4/week × 52 weeks × 5 years) | 1,040 |
| Cost per session | about $3.55 |
If you need a $1,000 electrical upgrade, the cost per session rises to roughly $4.51. Drop-in infrared sessions at wellness studios often cost $25–$50 each, so regular users can make back the purchase price within a year or two. If you'll only use it once a week, the math is slower: about $13.50 per session over five years.
On a tighter budget? The Portable Far Infrared Sauna at $378.99 (at time of writing) works out to under 40 cents per session in purchase cost over the same five years.
Hidden Costs to Plan For
- Shipping and delivery. Cabins are heavy. Check shipping costs at checkout, and make sure you have a clear path and a helper to move the boxes in.
- Sales tax. On a $3,300 purchase, that's often $150–$300.
- Repairs. Heater panels can fail over time. Check the warranty terms before you buy.
- Upkeep. Wipe down the bench and floor after use, and air the cabin out. Towels on the bench help protect the wood.
Before You Buy: A Quick Checklist
- Measure your space, including clearance around the cabin and ceiling height.
- Confirm the sauna's voltage and plug type, and check that you have a suitable outlet or circuit.
- Decide on wood: Hemlock for value, Cedar if you prefer its aroma and look.
- Be honest about how often you'll use it. That decides your real cost per session.
- Check the warranty and return policy.
Safety Notes
Research on sauna use, mostly from long-term Finnish studies of traditional saunas, has linked regular sessions with cardiovascular benefits. Studies on infrared saunas specifically are smaller and shorter, so the evidence is still limited. Whatever kind of sauna you use, keep a few rules in mind:
- Start with short sessions (10–15 minutes) at a lower temperature and build up slowly.
- Drink water before and after. Leave right away if you feel dizzy, nauseous or unwell.
- Avoid alcohol before or during a session.
- Talk to your doctor first if you're pregnant, have heart disease or low or high blood pressure, take medications that affect heat tolerance or sweating, have implanted medical devices, or have any chronic condition.
- Children and older adults should get medical advice before using a sauna.
Infrared Sauna Cost FAQ
How much does an infrared sauna cost for a home?
Portable models start around $200–$500. Most 1–2 person wooden cabins cost $1,500–$4,000, and larger or premium cabins run $4,500 and up. SnapAbode's cabin saunas are $3,249–$3,599 at time of writing.
How much does an infrared sauna add to my electric bill?
Usually just a few dollars a month. A 1,700-watt sauna used 45 minutes per session, four times a week, costs about $4 a month at the 2026 U.S. average rate of roughly 18.8¢/kWh, assuming the heaters run at full power the whole time.
Do I need an electrician to install an infrared sauna?
Not always. Many plug-in models only need a suitable dedicated outlet. Larger 240V or hardwired saunas need a licensed electrician. Check the product's stated voltage first.
Is a Hemlock or Cedar sauna more expensive?
Cedar usually costs more. On the Nicebeam 1–2 person sauna, the Red Cedar version is $100 more than the matching Hemlock version at time of writing.
Is a home infrared sauna worth the cost?
If you'd use it several times a week, the cost per session can drop to a few dollars over five years, far less than typical studio drop-in prices. If you'd use it rarely, a portable sauna is a lower-risk way to start.
Can I combine an infrared sauna with a cold plunge?
Many people do. If you're curious about adding cold water to your routine, see our guide to setting up a cold plunge at home for under $500.
Ready to Choose Your Sauna?
Compare the 2-Person Carbon Infrared Sauna, the Nicebeam 1–2 Person Infrared Sauna (Hemlock or Red Cedar), or start small with the Portable Far Infrared Sauna. SnapAbode offers free U.S. shipping on orders over $50.
This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting infrared sauna use, especially if you have a medical condition.