The short answer
Over a year, the running cost is mostly electricity, and it scales with how often you use the sauna. At an assumed UK rate of about 27p per kWh and two to three sessions a week, most home saunas add roughly £8–£20 a month, which works out at about £100–£240 a year. A small infrared cabin sits near the bottom of that range; a larger 6–8kW traditional heater used regularly sits near the top. On top of electricity you should allow a little for upkeep — the occasional cleaning, and over time the odd replacement of stones, a heater element or a light — though these are small next to the energy. As ever, the figure depends on the heater, how often you use it and the electricity rate you actually pay.
The annual cost of a sauna is dominated by electricity, so it tracks how often you use it. The figures below assume about 27p per kWh; scale them to your own tariff and your own habit of two, three or more sessions a week.
Typical annual running cost (at ~27p/kWh)
- Small infrared, 2–3 / week~£100–£150 / year
- Traditional 4.5kW, 2–3 / week~£130–£170 / year
- Traditional 6–8kW, 2–3 / week~£170–£240 / year
- Upkeep (stones, element, clean)small, occasional
- Assumed unit rate~27p / kWh
What the year actually costs
Take the per-session figure and multiply by how often you sauna. At about 27p per kWh, a small infrared session is roughly 40–50p, so two to three a week is around £8–£12 a month or £100–£150 a year. A larger 6–8kW traditional heater at £1.35–£1.65 a session works out nearer £14–£20 a month, or £170–£240 a year, used at the same frequency. Use it daily and the annual figure rises in proportion; a cheaper overnight or off-peak tariff brings it down.
| Sauna | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Small infrared (2–3 / week) | ~£8–£12 | ~£100–£150 |
| Traditional 4.5kW (2–3 / week) | ~£10–£14 | ~£130–£170 |
| Traditional 6–8kW (2–3 / week) | ~£14–£20 | ~£170–£240 |
Indicative figures assuming about 27p per kWh and two to three sessions a week. Your cost depends on the heater, frequency and tariff. Source: UK supplier running-cost guides.
The upkeep most guides leave out
Electricity is the bulk of it, but an honest annual budget includes a little upkeep. A traditional sauna may need its stones refreshed every year or two and, over the cabin's life, an occasional heater element. Infrared has fewer moving parts but the panels and electronics can eventually need attention. Both benefit from regular cleaning to keep the wood and benches sound. None of this is large next to the running cost, but it is worth allowing for so the long-term figure is realistic.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a sauna over a year?
For two to three sessions a week at about 27p per kWh, most home saunas cost roughly £100–£240 a year in electricity. A small infrared cabin sits near the bottom of that range and a larger 6–8kW traditional heater used regularly near the top.
Does an infrared sauna cost less to run over a year?
Generally yes. Lower-wattage infrared panels and faster warm-up mean a typical infrared cabin works out lower in cost per session, so over a year of similar use it adds less to the bill than a larger traditional heater.
What else should I budget for besides electricity?
Allow a little for upkeep — occasional cleaning, refreshing the stones on a traditional sauna every year or two, and over time the odd replacement of a heater element or light. These are small compared with the running electricity.
Sources & further reading
- Heracles Wellness — how much does an infrared sauna cost to run
- Your Fitness Hub — home sauna cost UK 2026
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific sauna, home and electricity tariff. Running costs assume about 27p per kWh. They are guidance, not a quotation.