ROI of Adding a Sauna to Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rental owners are constantly looking for ways to:

• Increase nightly rates

• Boost occupancy

• Stand out in crowded markets

• Attract higher-quality guests

One amenity consistently rising to the top?
A private sauna.

But the real question isn’t whether saunas are popular—it’s whether they actually pay for themselves.

This guide breaks down:

• The real ROI of adding a sauna to an Airbnb or short-term rental

• How saunas impact nightly rates and occupancy

• Payback timelines by sauna type

• Which sauna styles perform best

• Mistakes that kill ROI

If you own or manage a short-term rental, this article will help you decide whether a sauna is a smart investment—or an unnecessary expense.

Why Saunas Are Exploding in Short-Term Rentals

Saunas check several boxes that other amenities don’t:

• Highly visual (great for listing photos)

• Perceived as luxury

• Year-round appeal

• Low operating cost

• Strong wellness trend alignment

Unlike pools or hot tubs, saunas:

• Require less maintenance

• Use less water

• Have fewer liability concerns

• Perform well in cold and warm climates

This makes them uniquely attractive for STR investors.

What “ROI” Really Means for Short-Term Rentals

ROI for a rental sauna isn’t just resale value—it’s about cash flow.

Key ROI drivers:

• Increased nightly rate

• Higher occupancy

• Faster booking velocity

• Better guest reviews

• Longer average stays

Even small nightly increases can dramatically change annual revenue.

How Much Does a Sauna Increase Nightly Rates?

Based on industry data and host reporting:

Typical Nightly Rate Increase

• $25–$75 per night for indoor saunas

• $50–$150 per night for outdoor or scenic saunas

Markets where saunas perform especially well:

• Mountain towns

• Cold-weather destinations

• Wellness-focused locations

• Romantic getaways

• Luxury cabins and A-frames

Guests actively search for listings with saunas—and are willing to pay more.

Occupancy Boost: The Hidden ROI Multiplier

Beyond nightly rates, saunas often increase:

• Booking conversion

• Off-season demand

• Shoulder-season occupancy

Why?
Guests perceive saunas as:

• A reason to travel in colder months

• A “stay-in” experience

• A weather-proof amenity

In many cases, hosts report 5–15% higher annual occupancy after adding a sauna.

Payback Period: How Fast Does a Sauna Pay for Itself?

Example ROI Scenario

• Sauna cost (installed): $6,500

• Nightly rate increase: $50

• Average booked nights per year: 180

Annual added revenue:
$50 × 180 = $9,000

Payback period:
~9 months

Even with conservative assumptions, many saunas pay for themselves in 6–18 months.

ROI by Sauna Type

Infrared Saunas (Best Entry-Level ROI)

Why they perform well:

• Lower upfront cost

• Minimal electrical work

• Low operating cost

• Easy to market as “wellness”

Typical ROI profile:

• Cost: Lower

• Nightly uplift: Moderate

• Payback: Fast

Infrared saunas are especially effective in:

• Condos

• Apartments

• Urban rentals

• Smaller units

Explore options in our Infrared Saunas collection.

Indoor Traditional Saunas

Why they perform well:

• Authentic sauna experience

• Higher perceived luxury

• Strong appeal to sauna enthusiasts

Typical ROI profile:

• Cost: Moderate

• Nightly uplift: Strong

• Payback: Fast to moderate

Great for:

• Higher-end homes

• Wellness-themed rentals

• Cold climates

Browse options in our Indoor Saunas collection.

Outdoor Saunas (Highest ROI Potential)

Outdoor saunas often generate the highest ROI when done right.

Why:

• Visual impact in listings

• “Experience-driven” amenity

• Pairs well with views, snow, or nature

Typical ROI profile:

• Cost: Higher

• Nightly uplift: Highest

• Payback: Still often under 18 months

Outdoor saunas shine in:

• Cabins

• A-frames

• Luxury STRs

• Nature-focused properties

Explore models in our Outdoor Saunas collection.

Operating Costs: Lower Than Most Amenities

Saunas are cheap to operate compared to:

• Hot tubs

• Pools

• Fireplaces

Typical costs:

• Electric sauna: a few dollars per session

• Infrared sauna: often under $1 per use

• Minimal ongoing maintenance

This keeps profit margins high.

Guest Reviews & Algorithm Boost

Listings with saunas often benefit from:

• Better reviews

• More “wow factor” mentions

• Increased save rate

• Higher ranking in search results

Saunas don’t just increase revenue—they improve listing performance.

Insurance, Liability & Regulations (Quick Notes)

• Saunas are generally insurable

• Clear usage instructions are recommended

• Permits may be required depending on location

• Outdoor saunas may need HOA approval

For installation planning, see our Home Sauna Installation guide.

Mistakes That Kill Sauna ROI

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Poor placement (no privacy or appeal)

• Cheap units that break down

• No professional photos

• Not highlighting the sauna in listing title

• Overcomplicating usage for guests

A sauna should feel effortless and premium.

How to Maximize ROI From a Rental Sauna

• Feature sauna in listing headline

• Add professional photos

• Include simple instructions

• Highlight year-round use

• Pair with wellness branding

• Market to couples and retreats

Saunas sell experiences—not just heat.

Final Verdict: Is Adding a Sauna to a Short-Term Rental Worth It?

For many STR owners, yes—absolutely.

A well-chosen sauna can:

• Increase nightly rates

• Boost occupancy

• Pay for itself quickly

• Improve reviews and rankings

• Differentiate your listing long-term

When installed correctly and marketed properly, saunas are one of the highest-ROI amenities available to short-term rental owners today.

If you want help choosing the best sauna for your rental property—or maximizing ROI based on your market—Haven of Heat can help you make the right investment.