A combination washer/dryer typically costs $1,000-$3,000 for the appliance, with a common purchase price near $1,800; delivery and installation can bring the total to $1,150-$3,600. Capacity, vent type, brand, electrical and plumbing access, and removal of the old machine are the main price drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washer/dryer unit | $1,000 | $1,800 | $3,000 | Compact all-in-one models; premium features raise the price |
| Delivery and installation | $150 | $350 | $700 | Higher when hookups need changes or access is difficult |
| Old-appliance removal | $0 | $50 | $150 | May be included with delivery or charged separately |
| Typical installed total | $1,150 | $2,200 | $3,600 | Assumes standard hookups and no major electrical work |
What a Combination Washer/Dryer Costs to Buy
Most U.S. shoppers pay $1,000-$3,000 for a new combination washer/dryer, also called an all-in-one washer-dryer. A practical midrange budget is $1,500-$2,200 for a model with around 2.5-4.5 cubic feet of capacity, standard controls, and a one-year parts warranty. Prices vary by retailer, sale timing, and whether the model uses a heat-pump drying system.
At the lower end, roughly $1,000-$1,400 buys a compact unit with fewer cycles and basic controls. Midpriced options often cost $1,500-$2,300. Larger-capacity or premium models with heat-pump technology, app controls, steam cycles, or longer warranty coverage can reach $2,400-$3,000 or more.
For a standard model and ordinary hookups, plan on about $2,200 installed rather than budgeting for the appliance price alone. A unit that costs $1,800 may add $150-$350 for delivery and setup, plus a separate fee for removal or hookup changes.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, a new residential unit, standard delivery access, and existing water, drain, and electrical connections in usable condition.
How the Appliance, Labor, and Hookups Shape the Quote
A written estimate should separate the appliance from delivery, installation, and site work. Retailer installation packages can be less expensive when the home already has compatible connections. Independent installers may charge more for a difficult job, but can quote electrical or plumbing changes separately.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the amount | Common unit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance | $1,000-$3,000 | Capacity, drying technology, controls, warranty | $1,000-$3,000 per unit |
| Delivery | $50-$150 | Distance, stairs, delivery window | $50-$150 per delivery |
| Standard installation | $100-$300 | Existing hookups and access | $75-$125 per hour |
| Electrical or plumbing changes | $150-$800 | Outlet, circuit, drain, or valve work | $75-$150 per hour, plus parts |
| Removal and disposal | $0-$150 | Retailer policy and local disposal fee | $30-$150 per appliance |
Some all-in-one machines require a standard 120-volt outlet, while others have specific electrical requirements. The installation manual and model specifications should be checked before purchase; an incompatible circuit can add electrician charges. Water hoses, drain fittings, and stacking or leveling accessories may also be extra if not included.
Installation labor commonly works out to $75-$125 per hour, but the quoted fee may be a flat rate. Ask whether the price includes leveling, test cycles, connection of supplied hoses, and haul-away.
Capacity and Ventless Drying Change the Price
Capacity and drying design are among the clearest reasons two combination units can differ by hundreds of dollars. Models around 2.5-3.5 cubic feet generally fall near $1,000-$1,900. Units above 4 cubic feet often cost $1,800-$3,000, although capacity labels and available models vary by brand.
Many combination machines are ventless, so they do not require a conventional dryer exhaust duct. That can simplify placement in apartments or laundry closets, but it does not mean every model fits every space. Measure the opening, door swing, hose clearance, and route from the delivery entrance. A tight closet or narrow stairway can trigger extra handling fees or make a chosen model impractical.
Heat-pump drying can raise the purchase price by several hundred dollars compared with a basic condenser design. It may use less electricity for drying, but actual savings depend on usage, utility rates, cycle duration, and how often the household runs loads. A vented combination model, where available, may suit a home with an existing exhaust route, but the duct and installation requirements must match the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the unit’s actual dimensions and electrical specifications before comparing prices. A $1,400 model that fits without alterations may cost less overall than a $1,200 unit that requires a new outlet, cabinet work, or difficult delivery.
When Installation Labor Adds More Than a Basic Hookup
A straightforward replacement often takes about 1-2 hours once the old machine is disconnected and the site is ready. Installation may include moving the appliance into position, connecting water and drain lines, leveling the feet, checking for leaks, and running a short test. Delivery crews may limit what they can do under a standard installation package.
Expect a higher labor quote when the new unit needs a dedicated circuit, a new outlet, shutoff-valve replacement, drain correction, or cabinet modification. An electrician may charge $75-$150 per hour, while plumbers commonly charge $75-$150 per hour, with minimum service charges of roughly $100-$250. A small correction may be completed in one visit; new wiring or concealed plumbing can require additional work and inspection.
Stairs, long carry distances, tight turns, and second-floor laundry locations can also affect delivery and labor. Fees of $50-$200 are possible for difficult access, depending on the retailer and local service policy. If the machine must be moved through a narrow doorway, measure the appliance including packaging and confirm that the delivery crew can remove doors or packaging if needed.
Assumptions: Standard replacement work is priced separately from code upgrades, concealed repairs, and major remodeling.
Regional Delivery and Labor Rates Around the U.S.
Appliance shelf prices can be similar nationwide, but installation and delivery charges reflect local wages, travel distance, and contractor availability. Major metropolitan areas may run about 10%-25% above national midrange labor pricing. Rural locations can also cost more when technicians travel farther or make fewer service calls per day.
In lower-cost markets, a basic installation may be $100-$225 and delivery $50-$100. In higher-cost cities, installation can reach $200-$400, with delivery and access fees pushing the non-appliance portion to $300-$700. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional price lists; retailer promotions and service agreements can shift the total.
Sales tax also varies by state and locality and may apply to the appliance, delivery, or other charges under local rules. On a $1,800 unit, a tax rate of 5%-10% adds $90-$180. Check the checkout estimate rather than assuming the advertised appliance price is the final amount.
Compare the complete delivered-and-installed total from sellers serving the same ZIP code. A lower online price may be offset by freight, a limited delivery window, or a separate hookup charge.
Three Installed Price Examples for Different Homes
These examples show how appliance price and site conditions combine. The totals are estimates before sales tax and assume no major remodeling. Local quotes may differ, especially when a circuit, plumbing, or access problem is discovered.
| Scenario | Unit and labor details | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment replacement | 2.7-cu.-ft. basic unit at $1,250; 1.5 labor hours; standard delivery and removal | $1,450-$1,700 |
| Midrange laundry closet | 3.5-cu.-ft. ventless unit at $1,850; 2 labor hours; new hoses and standard setup | $2,150-$2,500 |
| Premium heat-pump installation | 4.5-cu.-ft. unit at $2,700; 3 labor hours; difficult access and minor outlet work | $3,200-$3,800 |
The first example assumes existing hookups and clear access. The second includes modest accessories but no electrical changes. The third includes a premium appliance and an allowance for additional handling and electrical labor; a major circuit upgrade could push the bill higher.
Use the examples as quote checks, not as guaranteed prices. Ask vendors to identify included labor hours, delivery, removal, accessories, and any exclusions so that competing bids use the same scope.
Repairing an All-in-One Unit Versus Replacing It
A service visit typically costs $100-$250 for diagnosis, and a repair can range from about $150-$600 for common parts and labor. A major control board, motor, or drying-system repair may cost $600-$1,000 or more. Parts availability and the machine’s age matter, particularly for less common all-in-one models.
For a unit under five years old with a small, clearly diagnosed fault, repair may be less expensive than replacement. If a repair quote reaches 40%-50% of the cost of a comparable new unit, replacement deserves a closer look, especially when the appliance has recurring problems or is out of warranty. A failed pump or door latch is different from multiple failures involving the drum, motor, and controls.
Warranty terms can reduce repair expense, but coverage may exclude labor, travel, or damage from improper installation. Confirm the warranty length for parts and labor, and whether service must be performed by an authorized technician. Keep the receipt and model and serial numbers available when requesting a claim.
Ownership cost also includes electricity, water, detergent, and maintenance. Annual utility expense depends on load size, cycle selection, local rates, and household usage, so an advertised efficiency figure does not determine a household’s exact bill. Clean the filter and follow the manual’s maintenance instructions to reduce avoidable service calls.
Where Buyers Can Trim the Washer-Dryer Budget
Compare at least three quotes using the same appliance model and installation scope. Ask for separate prices for delivery, hookup, haul-away, hoses, and any electrical or plumbing work. A quote that bundles these items can still be competitive, but it is harder to compare unless the included services are listed.
Choose capacity based on typical loads rather than buying the largest unit by default. A smaller model may cost several hundred dollars less, but it should still handle the household’s normal laundry volume. Avoid paying extra for app features, steam, or specialty cycles unless they will be used regularly. Compare warranty coverage and service access before treating a longer warranty as valuable.
Prepare the route and laundry area before delivery. Clear the doorway, measure the path, remove clutter, and verify that shutoff valves work. These steps can prevent a failed delivery, redelivery fee, or additional labor. If the old appliance is in working condition, ask whether resale or donation is practical; otherwise, confirm whether retailer haul-away is included.
Retail sales around major holiday weekends and seasonal promotions can lower the unit price, but the best deal is the final installed amount. If the existing machine still works, avoid rush replacement during a breakdown when possible. Keeping the same hookups and controlling add-ons usually saves more reliably than choosing a unit solely by its advertised discount.