How Much Do Laundromats Make? Before You Buy One
The numbers to verify, the risks in the lease, and where modern laundromats actually make money
By the Monthly Income Booster editorial team · Updated · How we research and fact-check
On this topic
Laundromats attract buyers because they look passive and cash-generating. Some are excellent businesses; plenty are sold on numbers that don't survive a utility bill check.
Worked example: what the numbers look like
A laundromat's earnings are business profit, not a wage, so BLS wage data does not apply. So instead of a market rate, here is the arithmetic. The laundromat profit calculator's starting inputs — example store size, pricing and costs to replace with a listing's real figures:
| Input or result | Value |
|---|---|
| Washers | 20 |
| Turns per washer per day | 3 |
| Price / utility cost per turn | $4.00 / $1.30 |
| Rent + staff per month | $5,100 |
| Purchase price | $180,000 |
| = Monthly revenue | $7,200 |
| = Monthly profit | −$240.00 |
| = Years to pay back the purchase | -62.5 |
Verify the Volume
Ask for water, gas, and electricity bills for two years. Cycles consume a predictable amount, so utilities reveal the real turn count far better than a seller's spreadsheet.
The Lease Is Half the Deal
Equipment is costly to relocate and customers are neighbourhood-based, so a short or unfavourable lease severely limits what the business is worth to you.
Equipment Age
Old machines use more water and gas, break more often, and deter customers. Factor replacement into your purchase price rather than treating it as a surprise.
Where the Growth Is
Wash-dry-fold service, pickup and delivery, and commercial contracts with gyms, salons, and short-term rentals add revenue without more rent.
Time Commitment
Even attended stores need cleaning, repairs, and cash handling. Budget for a part-time attendant or accept that you are the attendant.
Model It Before You Offer
Put the seller's claims into the laundromat calculator, then re-run it with the numbers you can verify. The gap between them is your negotiating position.
Official sources
Tax rules, limits and pay data change. Check the current figures with the primary source before acting on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are laundromats a good investment?+
They can be, in dense areas with lots of renters and a solid long lease. The risk is overpaying on unverified volume.
How much does it cost to buy a laundromat?+
Prices vary enormously with location, equipment age, and revenue. Judge any asking price against verified profit, not the equipment list.
Can you run a laundromat part time?+
Many owners do, with an attendant covering peak hours. Fully hands-off is rare.
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