If you're an Airbnb host looking for a single amenity upgrade that can raise your nightly rate, increase occupancy, generate five-star reviews, and differentiate your listing in an oversaturated market — a sauna should be at the top of your list.
This isn't speculation. Hosts across the country are reporting measurable increases in revenue after adding a sauna to their short-term rental property. The data from the broader market backs them up: properties with wellness amenities like saunas and hot tubs consistently command 15–30% higher nightly rates, and many hosts report payback periods of 6–18 months on the initial investment.
Meanwhile, wellness tourism is exploding. The global wellness tourism market reached an estimated $990 billion in 2025, and industry projections show it crossing the $1 trillion mark in 2026. Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennial travelers now plan to book a wellness-focused trip in the coming year, and more than 90% of luxury travelers actively look for wellness programs when choosing accommodations. Your Airbnb guests are part of this wave — and a sauna positions your property to capture that demand.
This guide covers everything you need to know to make a smart, profitable sauna investment for your rental property: the real financial return, which sauna types work best for STRs, installation and electrical requirements, insurance and liability protection, guest safety rules, between-guest maintenance, and how to optimize your Airbnb listing to maximize the sauna's impact on bookings.
Why a Sauna Is One of the Highest-ROI Airbnb Upgrades
Most Airbnb upgrades are table-stakes — nice linens, a good coffee maker, fast Wi-Fi. They prevent bad reviews, but they don't drive premium pricing. A sauna is different. It moves your listing into a fundamentally different category in the mind of the guest. It transforms a "place to sleep" into a "wellness experience," and guests will pay meaningfully more for that shift.
Here's how the numbers tend to play out. Hosts with properties in the $150–$300/night range typically report a $25–$50 nightly rate increase after adding a sauna. Properties already in the $500–$1,000/night range often see an additional 10–15% premium, translating to $50–$150 per night. Even conservative estimates — say a $30/night increase at 50% occupancy — generate roughly $5,400 in additional annual revenue. A quality outdoor sauna in the $4,000–$10,000 range can realistically pay for itself in one to two seasons.
Beyond the rate increase, saunas impact occupancy. Many hosts report 5–15% higher annual occupancy after installation, driven by the simple fact that wellness-seeking travelers are actively filtering for properties with these amenities. A sauna also dramatically improves your listing's visual appeal — a beautifully photographed barrel sauna in a backyard setting is the kind of hero image that stops a scrolling guest in their tracks and earns a click.
Then there's the review effect. Saunas are disproportionately mentioned in positive reviews. One Airbnb community host noted that 20–30% of their reviews specifically called out the sauna as a highlight, even among guests who said they didn't originally come for it. That "halo effect" elevates how guests perceive the entire stay, not just the sauna itself. Those glowing reviews compound over time, improving your search ranking and booking conversion rate in a way that's difficult to replicate with any other single amenity.
Sauna vs. Hot Tub: Which Is the Better Investment for a Rental?
This is one of the most common questions hosts ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on your market, but saunas have several structural advantages that make them the better first choice for many rental properties.
Hot tubs have one major advantage on Airbnb right now — guests can filter for "hot tub" in the platform's amenity search, while sauna is not yet a dedicated filter on Airbnb (though it is on VRBO). This means hot tub listings get more passive discovery. If that's your primary concern, a hot tub may drive more visibility in the short term.
However, saunas win on almost every operational metric that matters to a rental host. Maintenance is dramatically lower — a sauna requires a quick wipe-down and air-out between guests versus the water chemistry management, draining, and cleaning that hot tubs demand. Operating costs are lower since there's no water to heat and treat continuously. The liability and insurance exposure is generally lower without the drowning risk and waterborne illness concerns that come with hot tubs. And the physical lifespan of a well-built sauna far exceeds that of a hot tub, especially in harsh climates.
If your budget allows, consider both. A sauna and cold plunge tub combination — or a sauna and hot tub — creates a true wellness destination property that can command premium pricing in virtually any market. But if you're choosing one, a sauna gives you the best combination of revenue impact, low maintenance, and long-term durability.
Which Type of Sauna Works Best for an Airbnb?
Not every sauna is equally suited for a rental environment. You need something that's durable enough to handle constant guest use, simple enough that guests can operate it without a manual, and visually compelling enough to photograph well for your listing. Here's how the main categories stack up for STR use.
Outdoor Barrel Saunas
Barrel saunas are the most popular choice for Airbnb properties, and for good reason. They're visually striking — the rounded cedar or thermally-treated wood exterior photographs beautifully in any backyard setting — and the barrel shape provides efficient, even heat distribution that guests instinctively understand how to enjoy. Most barrel saunas are delivered as DIY assembly kits, keeping costs reasonable, and they don't require a permanent foundation (a gravel pad or concrete pavers work fine). Capacity ranges from 2-person to 8-person models, so you can match the sauna to your property's typical guest count.
For rental use specifically, look for barrels built from thermally modified wood (thermo-aspen, thermo-spruce, or thermo-pine), which offers superior moisture resistance and dimensional stability compared to untreated softwoods — critical when you have different guests using the sauna multiple times per week. Brands like SaunaLife, Dundalk Leisurecraft, and Golden Designs all offer barrel models well-suited for commercial-level use.
Outdoor Cabin Saunas
Cabin-style saunas offer a more traditional rectangular design with flat walls, a flat floor, and the option for upper and lower bench tiers. They provide more interior space and layout flexibility than barrels, making them ideal for larger rental properties that host families or groups. Models with integrated changing rooms are especially practical for rentals — guests have a private space to undress and store towels without trekking back to the house.
Indoor Infrared Saunas
If your rental property doesn't have outdoor space — or you're in an urban market where an outdoor sauna isn't practical — an indoor infrared sauna is an excellent alternative. These plug into a standard 120V household outlet, require zero plumbing or ventilation modifications, heat up in 10–20 minutes, and operate at lower temperatures (120–150°F) that many guests find more approachable than traditional high-heat saunas. They fit in a spare bedroom, basement, or even a large closet.
For rental properties, infrared saunas have the added advantage of very low operating costs — typically $0.10–$0.30 per session — and virtually no maintenance beyond wiping down the interior. The trade-off is that they lack the dramatic visual appeal of an outdoor barrel or cabin sauna, so they won't generate the same hero-image impact in your listing photos. But they still earn their keep through guest satisfaction and review quality.
Wood-Burning Saunas
Wood-burning saunas deliver the most authentic, traditional sauna experience — the crackle of the fire, the aroma of burning wood, the ritual of tending the stove. For off-grid cabins, lakefront properties, and wilderness retreats where the "rustic escape" is central to the guest experience, a wood-fired sauna can be a perfect fit. They also don't require any electrical hookup, which is a genuine advantage for remote properties.
The trade-off for rentals is that wood-burning saunas require more guest education (how to start and maintain the fire, how to manage temperature) and more between-guest maintenance (ash removal, chimney checks, wood restocking). If your target guests are experienced outdoors-people who would appreciate the ritual, it can be a differentiator. If your typical guest just wants to flip a switch and relax, an electric or infrared option will generate fewer complications.
What Does It Actually Cost?
Total project cost depends on the sauna type, size, installation complexity, and whether electrical work is needed. Here's what to budget realistically:
Indoor infrared sauna (2–4 person): $2,000–$6,000 for the sauna itself. No installation cost beyond unboxing and plugging it in. This is the lowest-cost, lowest-friction option.
Outdoor barrel sauna (4–6 person, electric heater): $4,000–$10,000 for the sauna kit. Add $300–$1,000 for site prep (gravel pad, concrete pavers) and $400–$900 for a licensed electrician to run a 240V circuit. Total project: roughly $5,000–$12,000.
Outdoor cabin sauna (4–8 person, electric heater): $6,000–$15,000 for the sauna. Similar site prep and electrical costs as barrel saunas. Total project: roughly $7,000–$17,000.
Premium outdoor sauna with extras: $15,000–$35,000+ for a luxury model from a brand like Auroom, potentially with a cold plunge, professional installation, landscaping, and a concrete foundation.
For a detailed breakdown of every cost variable, see our complete sauna pricing guide.
Electrical and Installation Considerations for Rentals
Electrical requirements are the single most overlooked planning step for hosts adding a sauna. Here's what you need to know.
Most traditional electric sauna heaters (4.5 kW and up) require a dedicated 240V circuit with a properly sized breaker, run from your electrical panel to the sauna location. This is not a DIY job — hire a licensed electrician, pull any permits your municipality requires, and make sure the installation meets NEC (National Electrical Code) standards. Expect to spend $400–$900 for a straightforward run, more if the panel is far from the sauna or if a panel upgrade is needed.
Indoor infrared saunas are the exception. Most operate on a standard 120V/15A or 120V/20A household circuit, meaning you can literally plug them into an existing outlet. Larger infrared models may require 240V, so always check the specifications before purchasing.
For outdoor saunas, you'll also need to think about site prep. The sauna needs a level surface — a compacted gravel pad, concrete pavers, or a poured concrete slab all work. Make sure the site has adequate drainage so water doesn't pool around the base. If you're in a snowy climate, position the sauna where snow can be cleared from the entrance easily, and consider a waterproof sauna cover for additional weather protection.
Before installing anything, check your local zoning codes, HOA rules (if applicable), and any short-term rental regulations in your jurisdiction. Some municipalities have setback requirements for outdoor structures, and a few require permits for structures over a certain size. A quick call to your local building department can save you from expensive problems down the line.
Insurance, Liability, and Protecting Yourself as a Host
Adding any amenity to a short-term rental introduces liability, and a sauna is no exception. The good news is that saunas carry significantly less risk than hot tubs or pools — there's no drowning hazard, no waterborne illness risk, and the primary safety concern (heat exposure) is well-managed with clear guest instructions.
Start by contacting your insurance provider. If you're operating a short-term rental, you should already have a policy that covers STR activity — standard homeowner's insurance typically excludes commercial use. Companies like Proper Insurance specialize in short-term rental coverage and offer policies with $1–$2 million in commercial general liability that explicitly covers amenities like saunas, hot tubs, and pools. Airbnb's AirCover for Hosts provides some baseline liability protection, but it has limitations and is controlled entirely by Airbnb — it's not a substitute for your own dedicated policy.
When you call your insurer, specifically ask whether the sauna is covered under your existing policy, whether any additional inspections or endorsements are required, and whether the policy covers guest injuries related to sauna use (heat exhaustion, slips and falls, pre-existing conditions aggravated by heat exposure). Most STR-specific insurers handle saunas without issue, and several hosts in the Airbnb community have reported that their insurers required no additional inspections or premium increases.
As an added layer of protection, include a clear liability waiver in your rental agreement or house rules. This should state that guests use the sauna at their own risk and that they should consult a physician if they have any medical conditions that may be affected by heat exposure. This doesn't replace insurance, but it documents that guests were informed of the risks before using the amenity.
House Rules and Guest Safety Guidelines
Clear, visible safety instructions are essential — both for guest safety and for your own liability protection. Post a laminated sign inside the sauna (or on the door) covering these rules:
Health precautions: Do not use the sauna if you are pregnant, have a heart condition, have uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking medications that affect heat tolerance. Consult your doctor before use if you have any medical conditions. Children under 12 should not use the sauna unsupervised, and many hosts set a minimum age of 16 or 18.
Session guidelines: Limit sessions to 15–20 minutes. Cool down between sessions. Leave the sauna immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous.
Hydration: Drink water before, during, and after sauna use. Do not use the sauna while under the influence of alcohol or recreational substances.
Operational rules: Do not place clothing, towels, or any flammable materials on or near the heater. If using a traditional sauna with stones, pour water gently — not in large quantities. Close the door when entering and exiting to maintain temperature. If using a wood-burning stove, follow the posted fire-starting instructions exactly.
After use: Leave the door cracked open after your session to allow the sauna to air out and dry. This prevents moisture buildup and extends the sauna's lifespan.
Include a condensed version of these rules in your Airbnb house manual and send them as part of your pre-arrival guest messaging. The goal is to make the sauna feel approachable and well-managed — not intimidating. Experienced sauna users will appreciate that you take safety seriously, and first-timers will feel confident trying it.
Between-Guest Maintenance for Rental Saunas
One of the biggest advantages of a sauna over a hot tub in a rental setting is how little maintenance it requires. Here's what your turnover routine should include:
After every guest: Wipe down all bench surfaces with a mild, non-toxic cleaner or a diluted vinegar solution. Sweep or vacuum the floor. Leave the door open for 30–60 minutes to allow the interior to fully dry and air out. Check for any damage or items left behind.
Weekly (or every 2–3 turnovers): Inspect the heater, stones, and any electrical connections for visible issues. Check the door seal and hinges. For outdoor saunas, clear any debris from the exterior and drainage area.
Seasonally: Apply wood treatment oil to interior benches if recommended by the manufacturer. For outdoor saunas, inspect the exterior wood for any signs of weathering, cracking, or pest activity. Check and clean the chimney if using a wood-burning stove. Replace any worn sauna accessories like buckets, ladles, or thermometers.
If you use a professional cleaning service for your turnovers, add the sauna wipe-down to their checklist. It takes less than 10 minutes and ensures a clean, fresh experience for every guest.
How to Optimize Your Airbnb Listing Around Your Sauna
Installing a sauna is only half the equation. You need to market it effectively in your listing to capture the guests who are searching for this amenity. Here's how to maximize its impact.
Photography
Invest in professional photos of your sauna — ideally during "golden hour" (the hour before sunset) for outdoor saunas, which creates warm, inviting lighting. Include both interior shots (showing the bench layout, heater, and ambient lighting) and exterior shots that show the sauna in context with the surrounding property. If you have a cold plunge or hot tub nearby, photograph them together to convey the full wellness experience. A well-lit interior shot with steam rising from the stones is an extremely compelling listing hero image.
Listing Title and Description
Include "sauna" in your listing title if it fits naturally — titles like "Mountain Retreat with Private Sauna" or "Lakefront Cabin | Barrel Sauna + Hot Tub" immediately signal the amenity to searchers. In your description, don't just list "sauna" as a bullet point. Describe the experience: the type of sauna, the setting, the capacity, and what makes it special. Mention if it's a barrel sauna, traditional Finnish sauna, or infrared sauna — guests who know what they want will search for these terms.
Amenity Tags
Airbnb allows you to list "sauna" as an amenity even though there's no dedicated guest-side search filter for it yet. Make sure it's checked. Also tag it on VRBO, where guests can filter for sauna directly. List your property on any niche rental platforms that cater to wellness travelers, as these typically offer sauna-specific filters and attract a higher-spending guest demographic.
Pricing Strategy
Don't be shy about raising your nightly rate after adding a sauna. Guests expect to pay more for properties with wellness amenities, and underpricing signals that the amenity isn't significant. Look at comparable listings in your area that offer hot tubs or saunas, and price accordingly. Some hosts also offer the sauna as an optional paid add-on ($25–$50 per stay) during warmer months when demand is lower, then include it at no extra charge during peak season to maximize bookings.
Tax Benefits for Rental Property Sauna Installations
If your Airbnb is operated as a business (which it should be, for tax purposes), the cost of the sauna, installation, and ongoing maintenance may be deductible as a business expense. Capital improvements like a sauna can typically be depreciated over their useful life, reducing your taxable rental income each year. Consult a tax professional who specializes in rental properties to understand how this applies to your specific situation — the potential tax savings can meaningfully reduce the effective cost of the investment.
Building a Complete Wellness Experience
A sauna alone is a strong amenity. A sauna combined with complementary wellness features becomes a destination. If you want to push your property into the premium tier, consider pairing your sauna with:
A cold plunge tub for contrast therapy — the hot-cold combination is one of the most sought-after wellness protocols and photographs incredibly well for listings.
A red light therapy panel inside or near the sauna for an added recovery and skin health benefit that appeals to the biohacking and longevity-focused traveler segment.
An outdoor shower near an outdoor sauna — practical for cooling off between rounds and adds to the spa-like atmosphere.
Quality sauna buckets and ladles, plush towels, and aromatherapy oils that signal attention to detail and elevate the guest experience from "amenity" to "ritual."
Each addition layers more value onto the guest experience, justifies higher pricing, generates more photo-worthy content for your listing, and gives guests more reasons to leave a five-star review.
Which Properties Benefit Most?
While a sauna can add value to almost any rental property, certain property types see outsized returns:
Mountain, lake, and cabin properties: These are the sweet spot. Guests booking rural retreats are already seeking an escape from daily life, and a sauna fits that narrative perfectly. Winter bookings in particular benefit enormously — a sauna becomes the centerpiece of a cozy, snowy getaway.
Properties in cold-weather markets: Destinations with a distinct winter season (ski towns, northern lake regions, mountain communities) see the highest sauna ROI because the amenity is most desirable exactly when occupancy typically dips.
Higher-end properties ($300+/night): The percentage rate increase from a sauna is similar across price ranges, but the dollar impact is larger on a $500/night property than a $100/night property. The payback period compresses significantly at higher price points.
Properties competing in saturated markets: If your listing is one of hundreds in a popular vacation area, a sauna can be the differentiator that gets you the click — and the booking — over comparable properties that lack one.
Urban rentals targeting business travelers or couples: A compact indoor infrared sauna can surprise and delight guests in a city apartment or townhouse, creating a memorable experience that earns repeat bookings and referrals.
Getting Started
The best first step is to determine which sauna type fits your property, your guest demographic, and your budget. Browse our full sauna collection to compare options, or use our sauna selector tool to get a personalized recommendation based on your space and requirements.
If you want help figuring out the right model for your rental property, our team is available by phone or text at (360) 233-2867. We work with Airbnb hosts, property managers, and vacation rental investors regularly and can help you match a sauna to your property's specific needs and goals.
Every order ships free with scheduled delivery, and we offer 0% APR financing for up to 6 months through Shop Pay — making it easy to spread the investment while your sauna starts generating returns from day one.
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