How Much Does a Mattress Cost?

A new mattress is one of the most important investments you can make in your health. Pick the wrong size or model, and you’ll end up turning and tossing at night. Worse yet, you may wake up with neck or back pain and sore muscles. 

But how much does a mattress cost? Is it worth paying more than $1,000 for one? The answer depends on several factors, including the mattress size, quality, brand, materials, and so on. 

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between $900 and $1,500 for a queen mattress if you buy it online. The cost can run into thousands of dollars for in-store purchases. Read our guide to find out more. 

How Much Does a Mattress Cost

You can get a new mattress from eBay or Amazon for as little as $200. Top brands, on the other hand, charge up to $3,000 or higher. So, what is a good amount to spend?

First of all, it’s important to understand that mattresses come in a wide range of sizes and styles. Their price depends on these factors and others, such as the materials used. For example, latex and hybrid mattresses typically cost more than innerspring models. 

Second, online sellers often have better deals than physical stores. Some brands also feature special deals and promotions that are available exclusively online. 

Third, you must determine what you expect from a new mattress. High-end models can exceed $3,000 or even $5,000, but they’re packed with features that you may not need. Plus, you may end up paying for brand names or the “privilege” of buying in-store. 

With some research, most consumers can get a quality mattress for $900 to $1,500. 

Go for direct-to-consumer mattresses if you’re looking for the sweet spot where quality is maximized and you aren’t paying a huge margin for an in-store experience. 

What Influences the Cost of a Mattress?

Mattresses vary in price by hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on several factors. 

Generally, innerspring mattresses are the most affordable, followed by memory foam, latex, and hybrid models.

In 2020, the average price of an innerspring queen mattress was $1,050. A latex mattress of the same size was $2,000, while a hybrid queen mattress was around $2,050. 

Again, these numbers are just averages. What you’ll pay depends on the mattress quality and other factors, such as:

• Mattress size
• Brand name
• Materials and design
• Features
• Online vs. in-store purchases

Note that you may also incur additional costs for shipping, in-home assembly, extended warranties, and accessories—but more on that later. 

Meanwhile, here’s what you should know about the factors influencing the cost of a new mattress. 

#1. Mattress Size 

The bigger the mattress, the more material is used. That’s why a king mattress will always cost more than twin or queen mattresses. In the U.S., these products come in six standard sizes: 

• Twin: 39″ x 75″
• Twin XL: 39″ x 80″
• Full: 54″ x 75″
• Queen: 60″ x 80″
• King: 76″ x 80″
• California king: 72″ x 84″

Twin mattresses have the lowest price tag. Many times, they cost about half as much as king mattresses. In our guide, we’ll use queen mattresses for reference. 

#2. Materials

Natural and organic mattresses are typically more expensive than those made from synthetic materials. Expect to pay at least $1,500 for a natural latex mattress. 

Innerspring, poly-foam, and memory foam models have pretty standard prices, while latex mattresses cost slightly more. Each of these models will have a different price point, depending on the brand, design, and size.

• Coil-on-coil – Coil-on-coil mattresses, for example, cost more than a standard innerspring mattress because they’re more expensive to manufacture. Generally, innerspring mattresses with thick low-gauge coils are pricier than conventional models.
• Memory foam – Memory foam mattresses vary in price, too. The higher the foam density, the more you can expect to pay. 
• Synthetic Latex – Synthetic latex mattresses are cheaper than natural latex, as the latter involves higher production costs. 
• Hybrids – When it comes to hybrid mattresses, the price depends on the number of layers (among other factors). One with multiple layers, cooling technology, and high-end materials, such as natural latex, will cost more than a standard hybrid mattress with fewer layers.  

#3. Brand Name

Mattress retailers and manufacturers may charge more because of the brand name. 

A good example is Tempur-Pedic. 

Founded in 1992, it was the first company to use NASA’s research for the manufacturing of memory foam mattresses. Its products are high-quality and use premium materials, but you may end up paying extra for the brand name. 

However, this doesn’t mean that other memory foam mattresses on the market are of lower quality. The latest manufacturing technologies enable companies from around the world to develop products that are just as good as those offered by high-end brands. 

That said, this isn’t to say Tempur-Pedic isn’t an amazing mattress. It absolutely is. But there should be no question that you will pay extra for the Tempur name.

All in all, you shouldn’t choose a mattress based solely on the brand name. See our guide on what to look for in a new mattress to make an informed decision. 

#4. Features  

High-end mattresses are often made from special materials and use advanced technologies for superior comfort. Some models can reduce motion transfer, increase airflow, and even stop you from rolling off the bed. 

But do you really need these features?

If, say, you’re a hot sleeper, you want to choose a mattress that keeps you cool and dissipates heat. However, it doesn’t make sense to pay for this feature unless you actually need it.

#5. Online vs. In-Store Purchases

The same mattress will cost more or less, depending on whether you shop online or in-store. 

Ecommerce stores don’t have the same expenses as brick-and-mortar stores. This allows them to pass the savings onto customers. 

Physical stores pay rent and have more employees than online shops. Therefore, they have higher operational and overhead costs. 

A store that doesn’t sell online may also pay more for advertising, transport, storage, and other services compared to online retailers. To make a profit, it needs to increase its prices.  

Some physical stores have a markup of up to 900%, meaning that customers could pay around $3,000 for a mattress that costs $300 to manufacture. Online mattresses are almost always less expensive due to the lower overhead. 

Consider the Extra Expenses

When you’re ready to buy a new mattress, make sure you budget for some extra expenses, such as shipping and warranties. These costs vary from one brand to the next and depend largely on what you need.

Some of the potential extra costs when you buy a mattress may include:

Initial Expenses

• Foundation: Many brands give customers the option to buy a foundation or bed frame for their new mattress. Measure your bed frame to determine whether or not it matches the size of the mattress you’re interested in. 
• Accessories: Many customers buy mattress pads, protectors, toppers, and other accessories for their new mattresses. You may also need a set of new bed sheets, especially if your new mattress is bigger than your old one. Take into account these costs, too. 
• Shipping: Some manufacturers offer free delivery to the lower 48 contiguous states, while others charge extra for this service. Depending on the store, you may need to pay about $50 to $100 for shipping. 

Day-Of Expenses

• Assembly: Depending on the brand, you may need to pay for in-home assembly. Some companies bundle this service with shipping and/or removal of an old mattress. 
• Old mattress removal: Decide whether you want to donate, recycle, or throw away your old mattress. Alternatively, you can purchase a new mattress from a store that can handle this job on your behalf. 

NOTE: Online retailers typically ship their products via FedEx or UPS, so they may not offer in-home assembly and mattress removal services. 

Other Policies

• Returns and exchanges: Many stores allow customers to return or exchange a new mattress for free, but they may charge restocking fees. If you decide to return your mattress, you may also need to pay for shipping. Read the fine print on the store’s return policy to avoid hidden fees. 
• Trial periods: Online stores typically offer a trial period ranging anywhere between 30 and 365 nights or longer. If you’re not satisfied with your new mattress, you may return it for a full refund. However, you may still need to pay a return shipping fee. 
• Warranty: Mattress warranties are valid for five to 20 years, but some manufacturers may offer a lifetime warranty. Generally, you’ll be responsible for any shipping and handling fees incurred when returning a mattress. 

Check the store’s policy to find out what the warranty covers and whether you’ll receive a partial or full refund if you return the product. 

Financing

That’s a lot of details to cover. And all of these details can really add up. If the numbers are overwhelming and you’re not sure how to make it happen, remember that some brands may offer financing options.

Financing can give you the option of having the mattress now, but paying it off over a series of monthly payments. Online companies like AfterPay, Affirm, or Paypal’s “Pay in 4” program are all paving the way to easier financing for expensive purchases.

Financing options aside, if you prefer to pay in full, read on to find out how to save money on a new mattress. 

How to Get a Good Deal on Your New Mattress

As mentioned earlier, direct-to-consumer mattresses are often cheaper than those sold in physical stores.

But it’s possible to further lower your costs by shopping during holiday sales, such as: 

• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day 
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• Veterans Day
• Amazon Prime Day

Many brands offer special discounts and coupons during holiday sales. For example, there are some great deals on Veterans Day, as manufacturers try to clear their inventory before the winter season. 

Top Savings Tips

If you’re looking for further savings, use these tips to get a good deal:

• Research your options: Compare mattresses from different brands before making a purchase. Take into account their overall quality, firmness, durability, materials, and price. 
• Don’t compromise on quality: While it’s possible to get a new mattress for just $200, you may need to replace it sooner than you think. Plus, it may cause discomfort and body aches during sleep. A high-quality mattress, on the other hand, can last for 12 years or longer. 
• Refer a friend: Some manufacturers offer referral discounts of 5% or higher. That means you can save money on a new mattress if your friends or family members purchase from them after clicking on your referral link. 
• Use coupons: Look for coupon codes on the company’s website and social media pages. Some brands also reward their email subscribers with discount codes. Alternatively, you can check review websites for any special offers and discounts. 
• Leave the store and return later: Here’s a trick you may not know—add your favorite mattress to your shopping cart and then leave the website for a few days. Sign up for the seller’s newsletter before leaving. Sellers will track your activity and may send you a discount code by email. 
• Bundle your purchase: Consider buying a new mattress along with a bed frame, mattress protector, pillows, or other accessories. Some brands offer discounts when consumers purchase two or more products at once. 
• Get cash back: Cashback Monitor and other apps or websites display the latest cashback offers from online sellers. Check them out to see if there’s any way to earn money back on your purchase. 
• Negotiate: With some luck, you may be able to get a lower price on new mattresses and bedding linens. Contact a customer service representative by live chat and ask about any extra discounts or perks. For example, some sellers may offer free pillows or free mattress pads. 

Last, it’s best to purchase from stores that specialize in mattresses or bedding products. These may have better customer service and lower prices than a general store.

How Much Should You Spend on a New Mattress? 

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into mattress pricing. You need to consider its quality, durability, size, and features, as well as other costs, including shipping and bedding accessories. 

So, how much does a mattress cost?

The answer is $900 to $1,500, but these numbers are not set in stone. 

If, say, your favorite mattress is $1,500, you may be able to save 10% or more by using coupons or shopping during holiday sales. Don’t forget to look for freebies! 

All in all, you don’t have to spend all your savings to afford a new mattress that helps you get better sleep. In this digital era, companies are competing for customers and market share. With some research, it should be easy to find a good deal. 

Once you have found the perfect mattress, take the steps needed to increase its lifespan. See our guide on how to clean a mattress and make it last longer.

FAQ