What do saunas cost to buy?
| Type | Typical advertised price (AUD) | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 person infrared (entry level) | About $1,850 to $4,500 | Panel type, timber, controller |
| 2 person full-spectrum or low EMF infrared | About $5,000 to $9,000 | Heater technology, EMF testing, build |
| Outdoor barrel sauna, 2 to 4 person | About $4,500 to $9,500 | Timber (pine vs cedar), heater, size |
| Premium cabin or custom build | Quote-based, usually above prefabricated models | Design, glass, timber, site work |
Prices are advertised retail prices from Australian sellers checked in November 2026. Sale prices come and go, so compare like for like.
What extra costs should you budget for?
- Electrical: a dedicated circuit for most traditional heaters. Get a quote from a licensed electrician early.
- Base: slab, pavers or deck for outdoor saunas.
- Delivery and assembly: crane or hiab access can add cost on tight sites.
- Cover or roof: many outdoor barrel saunas need one, sometimes sold separately.
- Accessories: bucket and ladle, thermometer, towels, backrests.
Full details in what to consider before installing a sauna.
How much does a sauna cost to run?
Running cost is roughly heater power (kW) × hours running × your electricity price per kWh. The heater cycles on and off once it reaches temperature, so this gives an upper estimate.
Running cost estimate
Example values only. Use the heater size of the model you're considering and the price on your electricity bill.
Is a home sauna worth it compared with visiting?
If you already pay $30 to $50 a session and go twice a week, that's $3,000 to $5,000 a year. Over a few years, a home sauna can cost less than visiting. Venue pages in the sauna finder include a calculator for exactly this.
Questions people ask
How much is a home sauna in Australia?
Based on advertised prices checked in November 2026, about $1,850 to $9,000 for a 2-person infrared sauna, and about $4,500 to $9,500 for a common outdoor barrel sauna. Premium and custom builds cost more.
How much does it cost to run a sauna?
Multiply heater kW by hours running by your electricity price per kWh. A 6 kW heater running 85 minutes at 32 cents per kWh is under $3 as an upper estimate, because the heater cycles once hot.
Are infrared saunas cheaper than traditional?
Entry-level infrared saunas are usually cheaper to buy and run, and many need no electrician. Premium low-EMF infrared models cost about the same as a quality barrel sauna.
What extra costs come with a sauna?
Electrical work, a base for outdoor saunas, delivery and assembly, a cover or roof, and accessories.