Let’s talk about the numbers. If you’re living in British Columbia and dreaming about stepping into your own private sauna after a long day—you're probably wondering what it really costs to own one.
Spoiler: it’s a lot less than most people think.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Sauna in BC?
We looked at the real-world operating costs of both electric and wood-fired saunas for a typical home user. Let’s say you’re using your sauna for about 16 hours per month—which is about 2–3 sessions a week. Here’s the breakdown:
Electric Sauna (10.5 kW, 240V)
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Power Usage: 168 kWh/month
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Electricity Rate (FortisBC): $0.1496/kWh
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Monthly Operating Cost: $25.13
That's right. Just over $25 a month to run your sauna. That’s less than a night out—and a lot more relaxing.
Wood-Fired Sauna
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Estimated Firewood Use: 0.0917 cords/month
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Average Cost of Firewood in BC: ~$325 per cord
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Monthly Operating Cost: $29.81
Slightly higher than electric, but for some, the smell of a burning fire and the hiss of steam is worth every extra dollar.
Sauna vs. Hot Tub: A Quick Reality Check
Hot tubs might seem like the more common backyard luxury—but they come with:
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High energy use.
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Chemical balancing.
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Frequent draining and cleaning.
Meanwhile, your sauna is virtually maintenance-free. Turn it on, warm it up, step inside, and breathe. Unlike the sauna, that is only drawing power while you use it, the hot tub is using energy ALL THE TIME!
The Real Value Isn’t Just Financial
Sure, the operating cost matters—but value goes far beyond the numbers:
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Better sleep.
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Stronger immune system.
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Enhanced focus and recovery.
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And a daily ritual that brings peace to your chaos.
You’re not just paying to sweat. You’re investing in your wellbeing, your mental clarity, and your ability to handle life with calm and clarity.
Let’s Recap:
| Sauna Type | Monthly Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $25.13 | Easy, consistent, low-maintenance |
| Wood-Fired | $29.81 | Traditional, off-grid, immersive feel |
It’s not a question of if it’s worth it.
It’s a question of why you haven’t already built one.
Final Thought
For the same price as a few fancy coffees, you could be walking into a sanctuary of heat and silence—every week, at home. That’s the magic of a custom sauna.
At Inland Sauna, we design luxury saunas tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you're in the mountains, on the coast, or in a city center, we’ll help you bring the ritual home.