A single folding bed costs about $100-$1,000, with most U.S. shoppers paying around $350 for a standard rollaway bed with a basic mattress. Frame strength, mattress thickness, delivery, and whether the bed is a compact cot or a full-size rollaway drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single folding bed | $80 | $350 | $1,000 | Price varies by frame, mattress, and style |
| Folding cot | $50 | $120 | $300 | Lightweight, usually thinner sleeping surface |
| Rollaway bed | $150 | $400 | $1,000 | Wheeled frame and thicker mattress are common |
| Delivery and setup | $0 | $60 | $150 | Often separate from the listed bed price |
What a Single Folding Bed Typically Costs
Basic folding cots generally cost $50-$150, while home-use rollaway beds commonly run $150-$600. Higher-end models with a sturdier steel frame, a thicker foam mattress, or a higher weight rating can reach $600-$1,000. These prices assume a single-size bed purchased new; brand, retailer, and delivery terms affect the quote.
For a typical 30- to 39-inch-wide rollaway with a 3- to 5-inch mattress, budget about $250-$500 before delivery. Around $350 is a practical planning figure for a durable, midrange single rollaway. Compact guest beds may cost less but can have a narrower or thinner sleeping surface.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard single-size model, basic mattress, and no unusually difficult delivery access.
How Steel Frames, Mattresses, and Delivery Shape the Quote
A bed’s shelf price often combines the frame and mattress, but delivery, assembly, or a replacement mattress may be billed separately. The table gives typical component ranges; some amounts are included in the bed price, so they should not be added twice.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel folding frame | $60-$300 | Tube thickness, hinges, casters, and rated capacity | Per frame |
| Foam mattress | $40-$250 | Thickness, density, cover, and fit | Per mattress |
| Assembly labor | $25-$90 | Whether setup is included or booked separately | Per bed or $50-$100 per hour |
| Delivery | $0-$150 | Distance, stairs, room placement, and retailer policy | Per order |
| Old-bed removal | $20-$75 | Pickup availability and disposal rules | Per item |
When labor is charged by time, a simple setup may take 30-60 minutes. Confirm whether the quote includes the mattress, in-room delivery, and assembly before comparing bed prices.
Does Mattress Thickness or Weight Capacity Raise the Price?
Specifications can shift the price noticeably. A 2- to 3-inch foam mattress is typical on lower-priced cots, while a 4- to 5-inch mattress is more common on comfortable rollaways; thicker or denser foam may add $50-$200. A capacity around 250-300 pounds is common on basic models, while beds rated for 350 pounds or more often use heavier frames and may cost $100-$300 extra.
Width and folded dimensions also matter. A narrow cot under 30 inches wide may fit a small storage space but is not equivalent to a 36-inch-wide single rollaway. Check both the open footprint and folded depth, especially when the bed must pass through a doorway or fit in a closet. Compare stated mattress dimensions and weight limits, not just the word “single.”
How to Lower the Price Without Sacrificing Stability
Decide how often the bed will be used before paying for a premium mattress or commercial-grade frame. For occasional guests, a stable midrange model may be sufficient; frequent use can justify a thicker mattress and stronger hinges. Avoid paying for features such as extra-wide dimensions or a high capacity rating unless they solve a real household need.
Compare the delivered total from several sellers, including any assembly charge and return shipping terms. Buying during a retailer’s furniture promotion can reduce the price, but a discount is less valuable if delivery is costly or the mattress is not replaceable. Keep the specification fixed across quotes so savings do not come from a smaller bed or weaker capacity.
Rollaway Beds Compared With Folding Cots and Chair Beds
A folding cot usually costs $50-$300 and stores compactly, but its slim mattress and lower height may be less comfortable for repeated overnight use. A rollaway bed at $150-$1,000 typically provides a more mattress-like surface and casters, but takes more storage space. Folding chair beds commonly cost $100-$500 and suit occasional use where seating matters, though their sleeping surface can be shorter or uneven.
The lowest purchase price is usually a cot, while a rollaway often offers a better balance of comfort and guest-bed function. Before choosing a substitute, check the sleeping length, open width, mattress thickness, and folded storage dimensions.
What Three Common Single-Bed Quotes Include
| Example | Bed specifications | Labor or delivery | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget cot | 30-inch width, 2-inch pad, basic frame | Pickup, no assembly fee | $60-$180 |
| Midrange rollaway | 36-inch width, 4-inch foam, standard casters | $40-$100 delivery or setup | $240-$600 |
| Heavy-duty rollaway | 36-inch width, 5-inch mattress, 350-pound rating | $60-$150 delivery and setup | $660-$1,150 |
These examples are planning ranges, not fixed national quotes. Retail discounts, shipping, and included accessories can change the total. Ask whether the listed price includes the mattress and all required frame parts.
Regional Prices for Rollaway Beds and Delivery
Retail prices vary less by region than installation and delivery charges. In dense Northeast and West Coast metro areas, delivery or room placement may run 10%-25% above a typical suburban charge, especially with stairs or limited parking. Rural deliveries can add 10%-30% when the retailer serves a wide area or uses a scheduled freight carrier.
In lower-cost Midwest and Southern markets, local pickup and standard delivery may be closer to the national midrange. These are practical comparisons rather than guaranteed regional markups; retailer coverage and distance matter more than state lines. Request an all-in delivered quote using the exact delivery address.
When Delivery, Assembly, or Removal Adds Fees
Many folding beds require little assembly, but some arrive with legs, casters, or support bars that need installation. Basic setup may cost $25-$90; in-room delivery can reach $60-$150, with stair carries or restricted access adding more. Removal of an old bed commonly costs $20-$75 when offered, and some retailers do not provide it.
Bed-in-a-box or parcel shipping may be included in the online price, while freight delivery can require a separate appointment fee. Confirm whether the carrier brings the bed inside or only to the curb. Measure the doorway, stairwell, and storage area before ordering to avoid return or redelivery charges.