Is it cheaper to own a washing machine?

 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.

But here’s the kicker: this only makes financial sense if you’re washing at least once a week. Otherwise, you’re parking a few hundred dollars in a corner of your laundry for little return.

How do laundry machine rentals compare?

Renting a washer in Australia typically costs $15–$25 per week. That’s roughly $780–$1,300 a year—way more than owning in the long run.

However, you get:

  • No upfront cost

  • No repair worries

  • Flexibility to upgrade or cancel

It’s the classic convenience trade-off. Think of it like leasing a car—you pay more overall, but your hands stay clean.

When does renting make more sense?

You’re not throwing money away if:

  • You're in short-term accommodation

  • You move often

  • You don’t have space for a full unit

  • You’re cash-strapped and can’t drop $1,000 upfront

And let’s be honest—no one wants to deal with a broken machine while renting in a sharehouse.

Is using a laundromat cheaper?

Australia’s laundromats typically charge $4–$6 per wash, with dryers costing similar. If you wash weekly, that’s $416–$624 a year.

Add petrol, time, and the odd rainy-day dryer drama, and it stacks up fast. But for ultra-light users (once a fortnight or less), laundromats are often the cheapest no-commitment option.

What other costs get overlooked?

A few things most people forget to factor in:

  • Delivery and installation: Up to $100 for some retailers

  • Laundry detergent: Ongoing cost regardless, but varies by machine

  • Environmental cost: Inefficient machines draw more water and energy

  • Space: Especially relevant in urban rentals or studio flats

Then there’s the subtle psychological cost: maintenance stress. Anyone who’s mopped up a leak at midnight knows what I mean.

So… is buying really cheaper?

If you:

  • Own your home (or plan to stay long-term)

  • Do laundry regularly

  • Can afford the upfront cost

Then yes, buying is generally cheaper—by hundreds of dollars a year.

But if you’re renting short-term, washing irregularly, or want to keep things simple, laundry machine rental may be the smarter move. It’s an option that’s quietly grown in popularity across Aussie cities.

In fact, there’s a whole cost breakdown comparing these options here if you're weighing it all up.

What’s the verdict from real Aussies?

Anyone who’s juggled laundry in a tiny flat knows the score—space is precious, and plumbing isn’t always on your side. On the flip side, folks with kids or larger households often swear by their machine, calling it a “sanity saver.”

There’s social proof everywhere: online forums like Whirlpool or Aussie Facebook housing groups are brimming with debates like “Should I rent or buy my washer?”

And that’s exactly what Cialdini taught us—when we’re unsure, we look to others. So the next time you’re tossing up between coin-op or committing to a washer, see what the neighbours are doing.

Quick FAQ

Is it cheaper to buy or rent a washer?
Buying is cheaper long-term, but renting wins on convenience and flexibility.

What’s the average washer lifespan?
Around 10 years with regular maintenance.

How often should I use a laundromat to make it cost-effective?
Less than once a week—otherwise, buying starts looking better financially.

Final thoughts

Like so many things in life, the answer depends on how often you use it, how long you’ll stay, and what you value more: convenience or control. While owning is often the cheaper route, for many modern Aussies—especially renters—laundry machine rental hits the sweet spot between cost and simplicity.

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