Investing in a home sauna is one of the most rewarding ways to enhance your everyday well-being. Beyond the relaxation and health benefits, it’s also a long-term addition that can increase your property’s value and transform how you rest and recover.
But understandably, one of the first questions many homeowners ask is: “How much does it really cost to own and run a sauna at home?”
Let’s break down the numbers — and the value — so you can plan with confidence.
The Initial Investment
The total cost of a home sauna depends on capacity, placement (indoor or outdoor), and finish level.
At Iloa, we curate a range of premium saunas designed for long-lasting use, sustainability, and aesthetic harmony in the home — whether that’s a compact indoor infrared model or a panoramic outdoor retreat.
Here’s a guide to current pricing (as of October 2025):
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Indoor infrared (1–4 person): £1,395 – £4,900
Perfect for modern homes and apartments, infrared saunas are easy to install, energy-efficient, and plug directly into a standard UK socket. -
Premium indoor stone or glass-front saunas (4–6 person): £4,750 – £6,995
Crafted from high-quality timber and fitted with digital controls, LED lighting, and tempered glass, these designs bring spa-level wellness into your living space. -
Outdoor barrel and oval saunas (4–6 person): £3,995 – £6,995
A statement feature for any garden — red cedar or thermowood construction, stunning panoramic windows, and electric or wood-fired heat options. -
Large outdoor and wood-fired builds (6–8 person): £4,500 – £7,350
Designed for entertaining and shared rituals, these spacious cabins balance rustic charm with contemporary performance.
Most Iloa customers invest between £1,500 and £7,500 depending on size, location, and design preferences.
The Running Costs
A modern sauna is far more energy-efficient than many expect.
Let’s take a typical 2-person infrared sauna as an example:
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Power rating: 2–3 kW
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Session length: 30–40 minutes
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Frequency: 3 sessions per week
At an average UK electricity rate of £0.30 per kWh, each 40-minute session costs approximately:
2.5 kW × 0.67 hours × £0.30 = about 50 pence per session
Even with three sessions per week, that’s around £6 per month — less than a streaming subscription.
Larger outdoor or wood-heated models (5–6 kW) might cost £1–£2 per session, still remarkably low for a luxury wellness experience at home.
Installation & Maintenance
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Electrical setup: Most indoor infrared saunas use a standard plug. Traditional or hybrid saunas may require a dedicated electrical line installed by a qualified electrician (£150–£300).
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Assembly: Modular saunas are delivered in pre-built panels, allowing straightforward assembly or professional installation.
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Maintenance: Minimal. Wipe down benches and glass with mild natural cleaners. Heating elements and timber structures are built to last years with regular use.
The Long-Term Value
Unlike short-term wellness products or memberships, a home sauna becomes part of your lifestyle — a quiet, restorative space for relaxation, recovery, and reflection.
It offers long-term value that extends beyond cost: reduced stress, improved circulation, deeper sleep, and an opportunity to disconnect daily. Many Iloa owners describe their sauna not just as an appliance, but as a ritual that grounds and replenishes them.
Quick Summary
| Cost Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial purchase | £1,500 – £7,500 | Depends on size & design |
| Installation (optional) | £150 – £500 | Electrical setup & assembly |
| Running cost | £0.50 – £2 per session | Energy-efficient operation |
| Monthly average | £6 – £10 | Based on 2–3 sessions per week |
Final Thoughts
Owning a home sauna is far more accessible — and affordable — than most people imagine. With careful design, efficient heating systems, and sustainable materials, the ongoing costs are minimal while the benefits last for decades.
That said, every home and household is unique. Installation requirements, energy tariffs, and usage habits can all influence actual costs. The figures shared here are estimates based on typical UK averages and should be viewed as a helpful guide rather than precise data.
If you’d like personalised guidance on choosing the right sauna for your space — and a clearer idea of real-world running costs — our team would be delighted to help.