How much does a home sauna cost to run in the UK?
A home sauna costs less to run than most people expect. We work out the cost per session and per month for infrared and traditional saunas at UK electricity prices.
A 2-person infrared sauna typically costs around 40–60p per session to run in the UK, or roughly £5–£10 a month at three to four sessions a week. A traditional sauna with a 6–9 kW heater costs more – usually £1.50–£3 per session. The exact figure depends on your tariff, the sauna’s power and how long you heat it.
The simple formula
Running cost = heater power (kW) × hours in use × your electricity price per kWh.
The examples below use 25p per kWh. Check your own bill for your unit rate – it may be higher or lower, and cheaper off-peak tariffs can cut costs further.
Cost per session
| Sauna | Power | Warm-up + session | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-person infrared (e.g. Solstice) | ~1.2–1.6 kW | 15 + 30 min | 30–45p |
| 2-person infrared (e.g. Equinox) | ~1.6–2 kW | 15 + 30 min | 40–60p |
| Outdoor infrared (e.g. Luminar) | ~2–3.5 kW | 20 + 40 min | 60p–£1 |
| Traditional, 6–9 kW heater (e.g. Nova) | 6–9 kW | 40 + 45 min | £1.50–£3 |
Heaters do not run at full power all the time – once the cabin is up to temperature, the thermostat cycles them on and off. Real costs are often a little below these figures.
Cost per month
- Infrared, 3–4 sessions a week: about £5–£10 a month.
- Traditional, 3 sessions a week: about £20–£35 a month.
- Ice bath with chiller: typically a few pounds a week, depending on how cold you keep it and whether it is in the sun. See our home ice bath guide.
Compared with a gym or spa
A single spa or sauna session in the UK often costs £15–£30. If you use a home sauna three times a week, you would spend that in a few days at a spa – the electricity for a whole month at home is usually less.
Five ways to keep costs down
- Choose infrared if you mainly want warmth and sweat rather than steam – see infrared vs traditional.
- Pick the right size. A bigger cabin takes longer to heat.
- Use the app or timer so the sauna is ready when you are, not an hour early.
- Keep the door shut during warm-up.
- Use off-peak tariffs if your supplier offers them.
Installation costs to budget for
The one-off cost that surprises people is the electrics. A plug-in 1–2 person infrared sauna may need nothing more than a suitable 13 A socket. Larger and outdoor saunas need a dedicated circuit, which a registered electrician typically quotes for after a site visit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an infrared sauna cost to run per session?
Around 40–60p for a 2-person model at 25p per kWh, including a 15-minute warm-up.
Is a traditional sauna expensive to run?
A 6–9 kW traditional sauna typically costs £1.50–£3 per session, so £20–£35 a month at three sessions a week.
Can a sauna run off a normal plug?
Some 1–2 person infrared saunas run from a standard 13 A socket. Larger and traditional saunas need a dedicated circuit from a registered electrician.
