How Much Does It Cost to Start a Laundromat in Colorado?
Starting a Laundromat in Colorado typically costs between $110,000 and $660,000, with a median estimate of $275,000. Colorado’s cost of living runs 3% above the national average, which increases commercial rent and labor costs. LLC formation in Colorado costs $50 to file. Most laundromat businesses take 3-9 months to launch.
Last updated: May 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Laundromat in Colorado?
Low
$110,000
Medium
$275,000
High
$660,000
National average: $100,000 – $600,000
Interactive Startup Cost Calculator
Startup Cost Calculator
Laundromat in Colorado
Options
Startup Costs
$238,700
Monthly Costs
$13,200
First Year Total
$397,100
Full Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Low | Medium | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment — Washers & Dryers | $44,000 | $110,000 | $275,000 | A 20-machine laundromat (around a dozen washers plus several dryers) is typically a substantial five-figure-to-low-six-figure capital outlay; commercial washers each carry a meaningful four-figure capital cost, and dryers are a similar four-figure line item. |
| Lease & Build-Out | $22,000 | $66,000 | $165,000 | Plumbing upgrades for commercial washers are the most expensive build-out component. |
| Payment Systems | $3,300 | $8,800 | $22,000 | Cashless payment systems meaningfully lift revenue and reduce coin theft. |
| Point-of-Sale & Management System | $550 | $2,200 | $5,500 | Remote monitoring prevents machine downtime from going undetected. |
| Build-Out & Renovations | $5,500 | $16,500 | $44,000 | Customer experience improvements directly impact return visits and word-of-mouth. |
| Business Insurance | $2,200 | $4,400 | $11,000 | Equipment breakdown coverage is critical — washer failures mean revenue loss. |
| Working Capital | $11,000 | $27,500 | $66,000 | Utilities (water, gas, electric) are the largest ongoing expense — typically a meaningful four-figure monthly cost. |
| Vending Machines (optional) | $1,100 | $3,300 | $8,800 | Supply vending typically adds a low-three-figure monthly revenue stream in high-traffic laundromats. |
| Total Startup Cost | $88,550 | $235,400 | $588,500 | Required costs only |
Licenses & Permits in Colorado
Licenses & Permits in Colorado
General Business License
Colorado does not have a statewide general business license requirement. Businesses must register their entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and obtain a sales tax license from the Colorado Department of Revenue if selling taxable goods or services. Many municipalities require a local business license — Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Boulder all have their own business licensing programs with state-set annual fees that vary by program.
Industry-Specific Licenses
- Retail Food Establishment License — Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or County HealthCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Annual
- Contractor License — Local jurisdiction (Denver Building and Fire Code Services, etc.)Cost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Annual
- Retail Marijuana Store License — Colorado Marijuana Enforcement DivisionCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Annual
- Cosmetology Salon License — Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology LicensureCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Biennial
- Real Estate Broker License — Colorado Division of Real EstateCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Every 3 years
- Child Care Center License — Colorado Department of Early ChildhoodCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Annual
- Retail Liquor Store License — Colorado Liquor Enforcement DivisionCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Annual
- Outfitter and Guide License — Colorado Parks and WildlifeCost: Varies — contact agency • Renewal: Annual
Home-Based Business Rules
Colorado municipalities regulate home-based businesses through local zoning ordinances. Denver allows home occupations with restrictions on customer visits (typically 1 person at a time), no exterior display, and no storage of commercial vehicles. Colorado State law preempts local regulations that would completely prohibit home-based businesses. The Colorado Cottage Food Act specifically authorizes home-based food production with certain limitations.
Monthly Operating Costs
After launch, plan for these ongoing monthly expenses for your Laundromat:
Low
$5,000/mo
Medium
$12,000/mo
High
$30,000/mo
Revenue Potential
Annual Revenue Range
$80,000 – $600,000 (annual)
Profit Margins
20-35%
Break-Even Timeline
24-60 months
How Colorado Compares to Neighboring States
Colorado is close to the national average for Laundromat startup costs, with a cost-of-living index of 103.1. Compared to neighboring Wyoming ($210,000 median startup cost), Colorado has higher costs for a Laundromat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1
Poor location — laundromats need dense residential areas without washer/dryer access
- 2
Buying used residential equipment instead of commercial-grade machines
- 3
Neglecting cleanliness leading to customer loss
- 4
No remote monitoring causing extended machine downtime
- 5
Insufficient working capital for utility bills during ramp-up
Next Steps to Launch Your Laundromat
- 1
Form your LLC or corporation in Colorado — laundromats involve premises liability and equipment financing obligations (filing fee: $50)
- 2
Obtain a Colorado business license and any local municipality permit for commercial laundry operations
- 3
Secure a commercial lease with adequate water and sewer hookup capacity — verify Colorado utility infrastructure can support commercial laundry volumes
- 4
Finance commercial washers and dryers through manufacturers (Alliance Laundry, Electrolux) or leasing companies — equipment financing typically requires a meaningful down-payment share
- 5
Obtain a Colorado water discharge permit if your laundromat discharges above typical residential volumes
- 6
Install card-operated or app-based payment systems (Laundry Lux, PayRange) — coin-only laundromats are declining; cashless systems meaningfully lift revenue
- 7
Get commercial property insurance and general liability — typically a meaningful four-figure annual premium for a typical laundromat
- 8
Set up an attendant schedule or security camera system — unattended laundromats require 24/7 camera coverage to deter theft and vandalism
Frequently Asked Questions
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See the national overview for Laundromat or browse all businesses you can start in Colorado.