Hot tubs are a stunning addition to any outdoor space and encourage you to relax and prioritize self-care. If you're in the market for a hot tub, you'll be happy to know that hot tub ownership is more achievable than you might think – they are available at a wide range of prices, so you're bound to find one in your budget! But how much is a hot tub on average? In this guide, we break down everything that influences the price of a hot tub, including additional factors such as upkeep, as well as moving or installation fees so you can shop for a hot tub with confidence!

How Much Do Hot Tubs Cost?
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Tub?
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Hot Tub?
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?

How Much Do Hot Tubs Cost?

In this section, we outline the average price range of hot tubs to give you an idea of what to expect, as well as several factors that can influence the price point of a hot tub. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is the Average Cost of a Hot Tub?

The average price of a hot tub ranges from as low as $500 up to $24,000. However, standard hot tubs are usually priced around $3,000 to $5,000.

Please note that this range is an estimate and may vary depending on the factors listed below:

Size & Capacity

You'll be happy to know that the size doesn't necessarily impact the cost of a hot tub. More often, the design, materials, and features have more of an impact on the overall price. You could have a four-person hot tub that's $500 because it's an inflatable variety, while another four-person hot tub could be $4,000 because it's made with ultra-durable materials and features built-in jets. The flexibility around size and capacity makes it easy to stick to your budget while also accommodating the average number of people who plan to use the hot tub. Review our guide on Hot Tub Sizes: How to Choose the Best Size for Your Home to help in your decision.

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Shape & Design

Like size, the shape doesn't have a strong influence on how much a hot tub is. It's more about the overall design of the hot tub itself. In general, hot tubs can be broken down into three categories: inflatable, plug & play, or standard.

Inflatable: Inflatable hot tubs offer the lowest price range, from $400 up to about $2,000. This is because inflatable hot tubs are made with budget-friendly plastic or vinyl materials and require less effort to transport as they arrive deflated. They're also lower in price because they require an electrical pump (usually included) to inflate. Lower-cost models are typically smaller in size and have more basic features, like a temperature control knob, while models on the higher end of the price point come with digital temperature control panels, pumps, or more jet settings.

Plug & Play: Plug & play hot tubs start at around $2,000 and go up to about $10,000. They only need to be plugged into a standard 120V outlet and filled with water to operate. This provides a consistent spa experience and standard jet power. They can either be inflatable or hard-shelled, come in a range of sizes and shapes, and are available in a variety of materials, which is why there is such a large price range.

Standard: Standard hot tubs range from around $3,000 all the way up to $24,000. This large price range is due to the convenient features and accessories that come with certain models (more on this in the Luxe Features section below). Standard hot tubs are also on the higher end of the price range because they require a 220V outlet to operate via a breaker, which means enlisting the services of a licensed electrician to install. However, this also means that standard hot tubs offer a more reliable performance than basic plug & play varieties, because 220V outlets are built to support hot tubs with more powerful jets.

Materials

Material has a big impact on how much a hot tub is. Here's the average price of hot tubs by material. These prices can vary depending on size, design, and spa features included in the design.

Vinyl/PVC: These hot tubs are the most inexpensive, ranging from $500–$1000. This is because vinyl/PVC materials are lightweight and typically used for inflatable hot tub designs. They are durable, but not as long-lasting as hard plastic or acrylic alternatives, which is why they're so affordable up-front.

Plastic: Plastic roto-molded hot tubs range from $500–$10,000 and come in a range of styles including inflatable, plug & play, and standard hot tubs. Because they’re made of plastic, these models are more lightweight and easy to transport or maneuver. This also helps bring down the total price point.

Wood: Wooden hot tubs range from $3,000–$10,000 because they're made with high-demand natural materials and treated to withstand water damage. They're also heavier to transport, which brings up the price. However, the look of a wood hot tub is unrivaled aesthetically!

Acrylic: Acrylic hot tubs are on the higher end of the price range, with the lowest prices starting at $3,500 and going up to $24,000. As a hot tub material, acrylic is ultra-durable and excellent at heat-retention, so you won't rack up energy costs to keep your hot tub at the perfect temperature. Acrylic is a quality, high-demand material, which is why the larger the hot tub is, the higher the price. The amount of acrylic material required and the amount of features included ultimately determines the price of these hot tubs.

Luxe Features

When it comes to determining hot tub prices, the amount and quality of the features a model includes also influences the overall price. The more basic the features, the lower the price point. The more high-end and modern, the higher the price point. If you're after a standard, relaxing hot-tubbing experience, you can likely find a hot tub within the $500–$3,000 range. However, if you're after a hot tub with built-in lights, seats, numerous powerful jets, and other features that contribute to a luxury spa experience, you might need to expand your budget from $3,000–$5,000 or higher. Check out these Quality Factors to Consider for Your Hot Tub to determine which ones you can't live without.

Brand

The brand of the hot tub you choose can also impact the price range. Popular, quality brands will likely cost more. It all depends on your preference of brand name or if you're okay with a lesser-known brand for a hot tub.

Tip!

Review our Hot Tub Buying Guide for everything you need to know about hot tub types, sizes, materials, and more.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Hot Tub?

The overall cost for hot tubs also includes fees for installation and delivery. When determining a hot tub's installation cost, there are a few important things to consider:

• Transportation fees if free shipping isn't offered (Varies based on distance to travel, delivery date expectations, hot tub size, and weight)
• Delivery fees (Up to $500)
• Costs for installing hot tubs inground ($1,000 or more)
• Quote from a licensed professional electrician for hooking up a standard hot tub to a 220V power source (Up to $1600)

Inflatable: Inflatable hot tubs will have the least amount of installation costs because they can be shipped in compact boxes, weigh less, and can be installed by you, anywhere there is a standard outlet. Because of this, you might only have to add delivery fees to the total cost of your hot tub.

Plug & Play: Aboveground, plug & play hot tubs will likely require transportation and delivery fees because they ship as fully-intact units, weigh more, and require more effort to deliver to your door or outdoor space. However, you can save on installation costs, as these models plug right into a standard outdoor outlet!

Standard: Standard hot tubs will also require transportation and delivery fees in addition to the overall price you pay. Once delivered, you'll need to factor in the cost of an electrician coming to hook up electrical components. However, you can enjoy the quality result for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Hot Tub?

Moving homes or just want to relocate a hot tub to a new spot in your outdoor space? The size and material of your hot tub will ultimately impact how much effort is required to move it, and therefore, how much it will cost to move. Pricing varies depending on the company you use, as well as the size, weight, and location of your hot tub. However, you can expect to pay between $200–$600 for professional movers to relocate your hot tub for you.

Tip!

Review our guide, How Much Does a Hot Tub Weigh? to get an idea of how features such as size and material can influence overall product weight.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hot Tub?

Now that you've determined the overall price for a hot tub that meets your requirements, and accounted for potential installation and delivery fees, it's time to factor in the cost of actually owning a hot tub. This includes energy costs, cleaning/filtration needs, and water refills. So, how much does a hot tub cost per month? Likely $100 or less, which isn't bad when you think about all the time you can spend hot-tubbing! To keep upkeep costs to a minimum, we recommend going with a standard acrylic hot tub. These are built to retain heat and require less energy to operate because they're hooked up to a power source that's made for large-scale appliances. Inflatable and plug & play varieties can actually use up more energy from a standard 120V outlet than a standard hot tub at a 220V outlet.

Tip!

Review these guides on How to Clean a Hot Tub and How to Winterize a Hot Tub for upkeep and maintenance tips.

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Now that you have a better idea of how much a hot tub is, you can start shopping!