A new washer and dryer set costs $1,200 to $2,500. Renting one costs $60 a month. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay, how much cash you have upfront, and how you feel about paying for repairs.
St. George is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in Utah. The population jumped from around 90,000 to over 110,000 in recent years. People are moving in from out of state, settling into apartments and new builds, and they all need laundry machines. Many of them do not plan to stay forever.
Here is a straight comparison of the costs, risks, and trade-offs.
The Upfront Cost of Buying
A mid-range washer and dryer set runs $1,200 to $1,800. A premium set with steam cycles and smart features runs $2,000 to $2,500. That is the sticker price. It is not the total cost.
Delivery fees from big-box stores range from $50 to $150. Installation adds another $100 to $200 if you need hookups adjusted. Haul-away of your old machines costs $25 to $50 per unit. Sales tax in St. George is 6.75%, adding $81 to $169 on the machines alone.
Total day-one cost for a mid-range set: $1,456 to $2,367. That money is gone before you run your first load.
The Upfront Cost of Renting
Renting a washer and dryer from DryAndWashRent costs $60 per month for both machines. Installation is a one-time fee of $39.99. There is no delivery charge.
Total day-one cost: $99.99. You do laundry the same day.
Ongoing Costs When You Buy
The average washer lasts 10 to 13 years. The average dryer lasts about the same. That sounds like a long time. The problem is repairs.
Repairs typically start around year 5. A broken pump, a failed heating element, a worn belt. Each repair costs $200 to $400 for parts and labor. Most machines need 2 to 3 repairs over their lifetime. That adds $400 to $1,200 in unplanned costs.
You also pay for water and electricity, but those costs are the same whether you rent or own the machines.
Ongoing Costs When You Rent
The monthly cost stays at $60. That covers both machines. Maintenance and repairs are included at no extra charge. If something breaks, DryAndWashRent fixes or replaces it.
Over 12 months, you pay $720 in rent plus the $39.99 installation. Total first-year cost: $759.99. Over 24 months, total cost: $1,479.99. Over 36 months: $2,199.99.
The Break-Even Point
A mid-range set costs about $1,500 all-in on day one. At $60 a month in rental fees, you hit that same number at month 25. That makes buying cheaper if you stay put for 3 or more years and your machines do not need repairs.
Factor in one $300 repair at year 5, and the break-even point shifts closer to 30 months. Factor in two repairs, and it shifts past 3 years.
The math favors renting for anyone staying less than 2.5 to 3 years. It also favors renting for anyone who does not want surprise repair bills.
Flexibility for Renters and New Residents
St. George has a large renter population. Many residents are here for work, school at DSU, or to test out southern Utah before committing. Buying appliances ties you down.
When you move, you either haul heavy machines to your next place or sell them at a loss. Used washers and dryers sell for 30 to 50 cents on the dollar. A $1,500 set becomes $500 to $750 on the resale market.
Renting is month-to-month. No long-term contract. When you move, you call to schedule a pickup. No resale hassle, no Craigslist ads, no dragging a 200-pound dryer down a flight of stairs.
Maintenance Is Included
Owning means you handle maintenance. That means diagnosing problems, finding a repair tech in St. George, scheduling the visit, and paying the bill. A single service call can cost $75 to $100 just for the technician to show up, before parts.
With a washer and dryer rental from DryAndWashRent, maintenance is part of the deal. Something stops working, you call (435) 767-7225. The problem gets handled. You do not pay extra.
This is especially valuable for first-time renters, students, and anyone who does not want to become an amateur appliance repair technician.
When Buying Makes More Sense
Buying makes sense if you own your home, plan to stay at least 5 years, and have the cash upfront. It also makes sense if you want a specific brand or model with features you care about.
If you are settled in St. George long-term, own your place, and have $1,500 to $2,500 to spend right now, buying is the cheaper path over a decade.
When Renting Makes More Sense
Renting makes sense if you are new to St. George and not sure how long you will stay. It makes sense if you rent your home. It makes sense if you do not have $1,500 sitting in your bank account for appliances.
It also makes sense if you value predictability. The cost is $60 a month, every month. No surprise repair bills. No depreciation. No moving headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a washer and dryer?
Buying is cheaper over 5 to 10 years if you stay in the same home. Renting is cheaper for stays under 2.5 to 3 years. Renting also eliminates repair costs, which average $200 to $400 per incident and typically start around year 5 of ownership.
How much does it cost to rent a washer and dryer in St. George?
DryAndWashRent charges $60 per month for both a washer and a dryer. Installation is a one-time $39.99 fee. There are no delivery charges, no long-term contracts, and maintenance is included. Call (435) 767-7225 to get started.
Do rental washers and dryers come with maintenance?
Yes. DryAndWashRent includes maintenance and repairs at no extra cost. If your washer or dryer breaks down, they fix or replace it. You do not pay for parts, labor, or service calls. This is one of the biggest advantages of renting over buying.
Ready to rent a washer and dryer in St. George? Fill out our quick form or call (435) 767-7225.