A new washer and dryer set costs $800 to $3,500 in 2026. The exact price depends on the brand, features, and where you buy. Most people spend $1,200 to $2,000 for a solid pair that will last 10 years.
That is the sticker price. The true cost is higher. Delivery, installation, haul-away, sales tax, and eventual repairs add $300 to $1,500 over the life of the machines. Here is a breakdown by price tier so you know exactly what to expect.
Budget Washer and Dryer Sets: $800 to $1,200
Budget sets get the job done. They wash clothes. They dry clothes. They do not have smart features or steam cycles. They are basic machines built to a price point.
Amana is the go-to budget brand. A top-load Amana washer and electric dryer set runs $800 to $900. Basic Whirlpool sets start around $1,000 to $1,200. These are no-frills machines with mechanical controls and standard cycle options.
The trade-off is durability. Budget machines use cheaper components. Bearings, pumps, and control boards tend to fail sooner. Expect the first repair around year 4 or 5 instead of year 6 or 7. Each repair runs $200 to $400 for parts and labor.
A budget set works well if you need laundry machines now and want to spend as little as possible upfront. Just know the total cost of ownership climbs faster because of earlier and more frequent repairs.
Mid-Range Washer and Dryer Sets: $1,500 to $2,000
This is where most buyers land. Mid-range sets from Maytag, GE, and mid-tier Samsung and LG models offer better build quality, more wash cycles, and quieter operation.
A Maytag top-load set runs about $1,500 to $1,700. A GE front-load set with steam runs $1,700 to $2,000. Samsung and LG offer comparable models in the same range. These machines handle larger loads and have better spin speeds, which means shorter dryer times and lower energy bills.
Mid-range machines typically last 10 to 13 years. Repairs still happen, but usually not until year 6 or 7. The components are better, so the machines hold up longer under regular use.
For a household of 2 to 4 people doing 5 to 8 loads per week, a mid-range set is the sweet spot between price and performance.
High-End Washer and Dryer Sets: $2,500 to $3,500+
High-end sets come from Samsung Bespoke, LG WashTower, and Speed Queen. These machines have the best motors, the quietest operation, and features like AI-powered cycle detection, built-in Wi-Fi, and allergen-removal steam settings.
The Samsung Bespoke front-load set runs $2,800 to $3,200. The LG WashTower stacked unit runs $2,500 to $3,000. Speed Queen commercial-grade sets start at $2,800 and go past $3,500. Speed Queen is built like a laundromat machine. It is designed to last 25 years.
High-end machines make sense if you own your home, plan to stay for 10+ years, and want the best performance. They do not make sense if you are renting your home or plan to move within 5 years. You will never recoup the extra cost.
Hidden Costs Beyond the Sticker Price
The price tag on the machine is not the total cost. Several fees add up before and after you bring the machines home.
Delivery costs $50 to $150 from most big-box stores. Some retailers offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount, but many charge separately. Installation costs $100 to $200 if your hookups need adjusting or if you are switching from a top-load to a front-load setup. Haul-away of your old machines costs $25 to $50 per unit.
Sales tax in St. George is 6.75%. On a $1,500 set, that adds $101. On a $2,500 set, that adds $169.
Extended warranties run $100 to $300 depending on the coverage length and retailer. The manufacturer warranty covers 1 year on most brands. After that, you pay for every repair out of pocket unless you bought the extended plan.
Add it all up. A $1,500 washer and dryer set actually costs $1,815 to $2,100 when you include delivery, installation, haul-away, tax, and a basic extended warranty.
The True Cost of Ownership Over 10 Years
Sticker price plus fees is only the beginning. Machines break down. The average washer or dryer needs 2 to 3 repairs over a 10-year span. Each repair costs $200 to $400.
A mid-range set that costs $1,800 all-in on day one will cost an additional $400 to $1,200 in repairs over its lifetime. That brings the 10-year cost to $2,200 to $3,000.
A budget set that costs $1,100 all-in will need repairs sooner and more often. The 10-year cost lands around $1,900 to $2,700. The savings on the purchase price get eaten by higher repair costs.
A high-end set that costs $3,200 all-in may need fewer repairs, but the upfront cost is so high that the 10-year total runs $3,400 to $3,800. Speed Queen is the exception. Their machines rarely need service, but you pay $2,800+ for that reliability.
The Rental Alternative: $60 per Month
Not everyone has $1,000 to $3,500 sitting in a bank account for laundry machines. Not everyone wants to deal with repairs, warranty claims, and resale headaches when they move.
DryAndWashRent offers washer and dryer rentals in St. George for $60 per month. That covers both machines. Installation is a one-time $39.99 fee. Maintenance and repairs are included at no extra charge.
Over 12 months, the total cost is $759.99. Over 24 months, it is $1,479.99. There is no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime.
Renting makes sense for renters, new residents, students at DSU, and anyone who does not want a large upfront expense. It also makes sense for anyone who values predictable monthly costs over ownership.
The break-even point between renting and buying a mid-range set is around 25 to 30 months. If you plan to stay in St. George for less than 2.5 years, renting costs less. If you stay longer, buying a mid-range set becomes cheaper over time.
But buying carries risk. One $350 repair at year 3 pushes the break-even point out further. Selling used machines at a loss when you move pushes it further still. Renting has zero risk. The cost is $60 a month, every month, with no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a washer and dryer in 2026?
The average cost of a new washer and dryer set in 2026 is $1,200 to $2,000 for mid-range models. Budget sets start at $800. High-end sets run $2,500 to $3,500+. After delivery, installation, tax, and warranty, expect to pay 15 to 25% more than the sticker price.
Is it worth buying a cheap washer and dryer?
A budget washer and dryer set in the $800 to $1,200 range works for basic laundry needs. The downside is shorter lifespan and earlier repairs. Budget machines often need their first service call by year 4. Over 10 years, repair costs can erase much of the upfront savings compared to a mid-range set.
Can you rent a washer and dryer instead of buying?
Yes. DryAndWashRent offers washer and dryer rentals in St. George, Utah for $60 per month for both machines. Installation is $39.99 one time. Maintenance is included. There is no long-term contract. Call (435) 767-7225 or visit dryandwashrent.com to get started.
Ready to rent a washer and dryer in St. George? Fill out our quick form or call (435) 767-7225.