How Much Does a Mattress Cost?
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health and sanity, and you need a good mattress for that.
A new bed can be a significant investment, and you probably already noticed that the price range is vast, from just a couple hundred bucks to even over $5,000.
But how much does a good mattress cost? And what should you watch out for?
Let’s get into it.
Factors That Affect Mattress Price
There are a few factors that affect the price of a mattress. The most prominent ones are:
- Type – some mattress types cost more to produce;
- Materials – unique materials usually come with a special price;
- Construction – how is the mattress made? Are there any particular features? A complicated structure leads to a higher price;
- Size – the bigger the bed, the more materials are used;
- Where it’s made – the country of origin also determines the price.
- Brand – popular mattress brands tend to cost more;
- Retailers – retailers can sell a mattress at a hefty markup, especially in-store.
Now that you know what has the most significant impact, it’s time to get more in-depth with it.
Average Mattress Prices
We can split all mattresses into three different price ranges: budget, mid-range, and luxury. But keep in mind that they can overlap.
Let’s see what each of them entails.
Budget Mattresses
You could get a budget mattress for as little as $250, but they can also cost up to $1,000. Their exact price depends on their size, what they’re made from, and other factors.
However, most budget mattresses are foam or innerspring types. More on that later.
Budget mattresses are usually made from lower-quality materials and are less durable. This doesn’t mean that they’re all bad. It’s just that you need to be careful.
Mid-Range Mattresses
Mid-range mattresses usually cost between $500 and $1,500. The usual mattress types for this price range are foam, innerspring, and some hybrid models.
You’ll get a high-quality mattress for a reasonable price in the mid-range. These mattresses are generally made from higher-quality materials and are more durable and comfortable.
This price range offers the most options, so you’ll likely find the perfect mattress here.
Luxury Mattresses
And if you want to go big and exclusive, look for a luxury mattress. These mattresses can cost from $1,000 to as much as a couple thousand dollars.
The most common mattress types for luxury mattresses are latex and hybrid, but you might also run into a high-quality memory foam mattress up there. Luxury mattresses are durable, have long warranties, and have unique features, like more thickness or other additional stuff. For example, organic mattresses fall into this category.
Level | Price range | Description |
Budget mattresses | $250 – $1,000 | Usually foam or innerspring mattresses. Low-quality and less durable. |
Mid-range mattresses | $500 – $1,500 | Foam, innerspring, or hybrid. Higher-quality materials. There are many options and chances to get a good bang for your buck. |
Luxury mattresses | $1,000 – $3,000+ | Latex, hybrids, and some foams. Special features. Organic mattresses. |
Average Prices by Mattress Type
As mentioned before, mattress type is one of the crucial indications of the price of a mattress. Here’s how different mattress types hold up.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses have the widest mattress cost range. You can find a budget mattress made from memory foam for just a couple hundred bucks or an exceptionally high-quality memory foam mattress for a couple thousand.
It mostly depends on foam density. Low-density foams are softer and less durable, making the foam cheaper. Higher-density foam is firmer, offers good pressure relief, and is overall more resilient.
It also depends on the foam type. Memory foam is usually more expensive, comfortable, and makes a quality bed, while polyfoam is cheaper but not as good.
Also, if the mattress has extra features, like cooling agents in the gel memory foam, it will cost more.
Average price: $250 – $1,200+
Innerspring Mattresses
An innerspring mattress also falls in the lower cost range and doesn’t have many luxury options.
The exact price of an innerspring mattress usually depends on how durable it is. Innerspring mattresses made from cheaper materials will only last a few years.
It’s all about the coils. Pocketed coils cost more, but you probably won’t find them in a traditional innerspring mattress. The coil gauge determines how thick the coils are; the thicker ones are usually more durable and expensive.
Coil count can also impact the price. The more coils there are, the more it’ll cost.
Average price: $500 – $1,200+
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress is a combination of two mattress types. Most hybrid mattresses have a support layer made of coils and a comfort layer made of at least two inches of latex or memory foam.
Hybrid mattresses tend to be expensive because they are made to be the best combination of support and comfort. You could find a hybrid mattress in the mid-cost range, but most are thick luxury mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses are made of high-quality materials, like pocketed and micro coils. Transitional layers change the feel of the hybrid mattress to make it more comfortable.
Average price: $1,000 – $3,000+
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses can be made from synthetic latex, natural latex, or a blend. Natural latex is way more durable, bouncy, and expensive. And how much does a good mattress like this cost? A lot.
On the other hand, synthetic latex is more like foam. All of them provide comfort and good pressure relief.
The type of latex used significantly impacts the price, but it’s also about how it’s processed: Dunlop or Talalay. Even though there are no big differences, a Dunlop latex mattress is usually a bit cheaper.
Natural latex is also used to create organic mattresses, which come with higher mattress costs. Not every natural latex mattress is organic, though. Latex beds need to have specific certifications to be labeled as such.
Average price: $1,000 – $2,500+
Airbeds
Airbeds? Aren’t those only good for camping?
Well, yes and no. Plenty of modern airbeds come with separate air chambers, manual and remote controls from apps and such, and comfort layers made of foam or even latex.
They don’t cost a lot, but remember, they’re not very durable. The price of an airbed definitely reflects the materials used and their quality.
Average price: $50 – $500+
Mattress type | Price range |
Foam mattresses | $250 – $1,200+ |
Innerspring mattresses | $500 – $1,200+ |
Hybrid mattresses | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
Latex mattresses | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
Airbeds | $50 – $500+ |
Mattress Size
The bigger the mattress size, the higher the average mattress cost!
The same latex mattress will have a different price point as a different mattress size. A Twin mattress costs less than average Queen mattresses. It’s just that bigger (and thicker) mattresses need more materials.
Let’s look at the difference between the Twin Xl and Twin mattress cost. Because Twin XL mattresses are 5 inches longer than Twin mattresses, the price is usually higher by $50 to $200 for this mattress size.
Although the prices for a Twin and Twin XL size mattress differ, some sellers put the same price on the King and California King mattresses.
Shopping In-Store vs. Online
Another major factor affecting the price is where the mattresses are sold.
When retailers sell in brick-and-mortar stores, they spend money on the building, salaries, and everything else. Sure, shopping at a physical mattress store means you’ll get to try it before buying it, but you’ll pay for it with a steep markup.
On the other hand, online mattress brands don’t have the same expenses, so their mattresses tend to cost less. They have a smaller average price range and offer additional things like free shipping and a sleep trial included in the price!
Online shopping definitely pays off more, and a lot of mattress shoppers prefer it.
Additional Mattress Costs
It would be great if getting a new bed was just about the mattress, but there are other costs.
Shipping
Most online brands offer free shipping included in the price, but that doesn’t have to be the case. They could also provide free shipping to some locations or for a certain distance.
Delivery
If you want in-home delivery and setup, you’ll likely have to pay extra for the white glove delivery method. Although, some mattress companies even offer this included with the mattress price.
Old Mattress Removal
Sometimes, if you pay for white glove delivery, the mattress company will also remove your old bed. But not all of the time. Make sure to read the fine print!
Bed Frames and Accessories
If your next mattress is a different size or type, you’ll likely need to change the bed frame and other accessories.
For example, if you opt for a new innerspring, you’ll also have to get a box spring for the foundation.
Like mattresses, the average price range of bed frames and accessories varies based on the material, brand, and other factors, as well as the initial price.
Warranty, Returns & Exchanges
Warranties are a must when burying a mattress, but they also might come with specific fees if you want to use them. For example, you might have to pay for shipping and a portion of the cost of a mattress when exchanging or fixing it.
Also, many online mattress sellers offer a sleep trial, which lets you return or exchange a mattress within a certain period. But many of them will have you pay a fee if you want to.
How to Save Money on a New Mattress
Does a good mattress cost a lot? It doesn’t have to. Here are some tips you can use to save some money on your mattress purchase.
Online Shopping
As mentioned, online mattress sellers have lower prices, better deals, free shipping, a sleep trial, and other things. If you want to save money, look for a new bed here first.
Holiday Sales, Coupons & Haggling
Make sure to do your mattress shopping around big holidays like Labor Day, Presidents Day, and Memorial Day, and on dates like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Both online and physical mattress brands offer deals, coupons, and overall lower mattress prices around these times.
And if you still end up shopping in physical stores, don’t be afraid to haggle! They usually sell mattresses at a steep markup, and you should do your best to lower the price.
And if it doesn’t work, plenty of mattresses are out there.
Do Your Research & Comparison Shop
There’s no need to hurry! Please don’t settle for anything less than perfection regarding your mattress. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so you need a good bed.
Take your time and be detailed.
Don’t stick to just one seller! Many mattress companies have similar mattresses, and you might even find the same mattress for a price you like more.
If you’re getting a mattress online, it’s easier to compare price ranges.
Aim for Durability & Skip the Extras
If you want a mattress that’ll pay off in the end, look for one made from materials that will last a long time. It might cost more, but it may last you even more than ten years.
Don’t get a mattress just because it’s super cheap. Aim for a high-quality mattress.
If you can get by without the additional costs that sellers offer, like white-glove delivery and box springs, do so. You probably don’t need them, and that’ll save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, aim to shop for a new mattress around the holidays.
During this time, mattress sellers, mainly those that sell online, give out a lot of big deals and coupons.
Dates like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and similar times are the way to go.
What Is the Cheapest Mattress?
You could get a low-quality air bed for little money, but a cheap foam mattress might be more comfortable. But be careful; cheap foam mattresses have a short lifespan.
How Much Does a Queen Mattress Cost?
The cost of Queen size mattresses depends on what they’re made of and other factors. You can get a Queen size mattress for anywhere from $600 to a couple thousand dollars.
Final Thoughts
How much should you spend on a mattress? The cost of a mattress can vary, and it can depend on many things.
The one thing you need to remember is to always follow your personal preferences. You’ll most likely find the right mattress in the midpoint range, though.
Good luck finding your new mattress!