Picture this: after a grueling day, you step into a warm, soothing space where stress evaporates, and your body feels renewed. Sounds like a dream, right? But choosing between a home sauna and a steam room can feel like navigating a maze. Which one fits your lifestyle, and what will it cost you in 2025? Let’s break it down, so you can make an informed decision without the guesswork.
What’s the Difference Between a Sauna and a Steam Room?
Before diving into costs, let’s clarify what sets these two apart. A sauna is a heated enclosure designed for dry or slightly humid sessions. There are two main types:
- Traditional Saunas: These use electric or wood-burning heaters to warm the air, reaching temperatures of 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C) with low humidity. They’re perfect for those who love intense heat.
- Infrared Saunas: These use infrared lamps to heat your body directly, operating at cooler temperatures (120°F to 140°F or 49°C to 60°C). They’re gentler and energy-efficient.
A steam room, on the other hand, is a sealed space filled with moist heat from a steam generator. Temperatures range from 110°F to 120°F (43°C to 49°C) with near 100% humidity, creating a spa-like experience.
Why does this matter? The type of heat affects not only your experience but also installation and costs. Saunas are great for muscle recovery and cardiovascular health, as noted by Healthline. Steam rooms excel at hydrating skin and easing respiratory issues, according to Good Housekeeping. Curious about specific benefits? Explore our pages on sauna health benefits and steam room benefits.
If you’re wondering about the difference between sauna and steam room, it boils down to heat type and personal preference. Let’s now tackle the big question: how much will it cost to bring this luxury home in 2025?
Initial Investment: What’s the Upfront Cost?
The cost of installing a home sauna or steam room depends on size, materials, and whether you choose a prefabricated kit or a custom build. Here’s a breakdown based on current data, which we expect to hold relatively steady into 2025, though prices may vary due to inflation or market changes.
| Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Sauna | $1,500–$10,000 | Prefab kits are cheaper; custom builds with premium wood cost more. |
| Infrared Sauna | $1,500–$12,000 | One-person units start low; multi-person models with features cost more. |
| Steam Room | $2,000–$16,500 | Modular units are affordable; custom steam showers require extensive work. |
- Traditional Saunas: A small, two-person prefab sauna might cost as little as $1,500, while a custom four-person model could hit $10,000, per Angi. Factors like wood type (cedar vs. hemlock) and heater quality play a role.
- Infrared Saunas: These range from $1,500 for a single-person unit to over $12,000 for a full-spectrum, multi-person sauna, according to Verywell Fit. Their popularity stems from lower operating costs, which we’ll cover later.
- Steam Rooms: A modular steam room starts at $2,000, but converting a shower to a steam shower averages $4,300, with custom builds reaching $16,500, as noted by HomeAdvisor. The need for waterproofing and plumbing drives up costs.
For budget-conscious buyers, portable saunas offer a cost-effective alternative, starting at under $1,000. Want to explore specific models? Check out our products page for options tailored to your needs.
Operational Costs: How Much to Run Your Oasis?
Once installed, your sauna or steam room will add to your utility bill, primarily through electricity or gas consumption. Here’s how they compare, assuming an average U.S. electricity rate of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- Traditional Saunas: A 6 kW heater running for one hour (including 30 minutes of heat-up time) uses 6 kWh, costing about $0.72 per session. Daily use translates to roughly $21.60 per month, based on calculations from Aqua Vita Spas.
- Infrared Saunas: These are more efficient. A 1.6 kW unit uses 1.6 kWh per hour, costing $0.19 per session, or $5.70 monthly for daily use, per Celebration Saunas. This makes infrared saunas a favorite for cost-conscious users.
- Steam Rooms: A 10 kW steam generator for a 20-minute session uses 3.33 kWh, costing about $0.40 per session, or $12 monthly for daily use, according to ThermaSol.
These estimates assume typical usage. Your costs may vary based on local energy rates and how often you use the unit. For example, using a sauna or steam room a few times a week will significantly lower monthly expenses.
Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Space Pristine
Maintenance is where steam rooms and saunas diverge further.
- Saunas: Traditional saunas require occasional replacement of heating elements or rocks, costing $50–$200 annually, depending on usage. Infrared saunas need minimal upkeep, mainly cleaning with mild solutions. Both benefit from regular wiping to prevent mold, as advised by Good Health Saunas.
- Steam Rooms: The high humidity means more frequent cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria, potentially costing $100–$300 per year for cleaning supplies and professional services. Steam generators may need descaling or part replacements every few years, adding to costs.
While saunas generally have lower maintenance needs, steam rooms require vigilance to maintain hygiene, which can impact long-term expenses.
Other Factors to Consider
Cost isn’t the only factor. Here are additional considerations to guide your decision:
- Installation Complexity: Saunas, especially prefab or portable saunas, are easier to install, often requiring just a dedicated electrical circuit. Steam rooms need waterproofing, tiling, and plumbing, which can increase labor costs, per This Old House.
- Space Requirements: Both can fit in small spaces, but steam rooms often require more structural modifications. A home sauna kit can be a plug-and-play solution for tight spaces.
- Health Preferences: If you love dry heat and intense sweating, a sauna is ideal. If you prefer moist heat for respiratory relief, a steam room might be better. Learn more about infrared sauna benefits or steam room benefits to align with your wellness goals.
Still unsure? Our page on sauna vs steam room offers a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Expert Advice
In 2025, bringing a sauna or steam room into your home is an investment in wellness, but it’s not just about dollars and cents. It’s about creating a space where you can unwind, recharge, and prioritize your health. Whether you lean toward the dry heat of a home sauna or the soothing moisture of a steam room, both offer unique benefits.
To explore our range of options, from best home saunas to custom steam rooms, visit our products page. Need personalized guidance? Contact us today, and let’s turn your wellness vision into reality.