Nina’s Launderette

 Owning a washer and dryer might seem like a luxury, but when you crunch the numbers over time, it could be a financially savvy move—especially when compared to laundry machine rentals or trips to the laundromat. Let’s unpack the real costs, the hidden perks, and the trade-offs you might not have considered. Is it actually cheaper to own a washer and dryer? In most cases, yes—owning is cheaper in the long run. But it's not black and white. Here's a quick breakdown: Option Upfront Cost Ongoing Cost (per month) Total After 3 Years (est.) Owning (new) $1,500–$2,000 ~$10–$20 (energy/water) ~$1,860–$2,720 Owning (used) $300–$800 ~$10–$20 ~$660–$1,520 Renting $40–$80 Included in rental fee ~$1,440–$2,880 Laundromat $6–$10 per load $50–$150 (avg. use) ~$1,800–$5,400 While renting may look affordable up front, it typically ends up more expensive over a few years. The tipping point is usually around 12–18 months, depending on your washer-dryer usage and rental terms. What are the o...

 Owning a washing machine might feel like a long-term win—but is it really cheaper than renting or using a laundromat? Here’s the short answer: if you wash weekly and have space, owning is usually cheaper over time . But the cost equation flips if you’re an infrequent washer, live in tight quarters, or face high repair costs. Below, we break it down—dollars, decisions, and a few surprises. What’s the real cost of owning a washing machine in Australia? Let’s put some real numbers to it. Upfront purchase : Basic top-loaders start at around $500; decent front-loaders hover near $800–$1,200. Running costs : Expect to pay $0.50–$1 per load for electricity and water, depending on your machine's efficiency. Repairs and maintenance : A single fix can cost $150–$300. Warranty coverage varies wildly. Lifespan : Most machines last around 10 years if you treat them kindly. So, doing the maths, a $1,000 machine spread over 10 years works out to just $100 annually—plus utilities...