Trying to decide whether to rent or buy a washer and dryer? The right answer depends on how long you need the machines, how much you can comfortably pay upfront, and who will handle repairs.
Buying often costs less over a long period if the appliances last and repairs stay manageable. Renting trades a higher long-term total for a smaller initial outlay, a predictable monthly rate, and coverage for normal wear and mechanical failures under the agreement.
For Metro Atlanta households—and customers in most of Georgia, subject to address availability—here is a transparent comparison using current My Appliance Rental prices and clearly labeled examples.
What does it cost to rent a washer and dryer?
A washer-and-dryer set from My Appliance Rental is $70 per month. Delivery and setup are a one-time $60. The first month's total is $130; the setup fee is collected at delivery. Sending a rental request does not take a payment.
| Rental term | Monthly rate | Rent paid | Rent + one delivery fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | $70 | $420 | $480 |
| 12 months | $70 | $840 | $900 |
| 18 months | $70 | $1260 | $1320 |
| 24 months | $70 | $1680 | $1740 |
| 36 months | $70 | $2520 | $2580 |
The totals use monthly charge × months, then add one delivery fee. They exclude utilities, and any other charges that may apply under the signed rental agreement. The agreement has a 6-month minimum; after that it continues month-to-month. Ending before the minimum carries an $85 early-termination fee. After the minimum, give 30 days' written notice to end service.
Normal wear and mechanical failures are covered, including repair or replacement when needed. Misuse, neglect, and abuse are excluded. Rush or emergency service, if requested, costs an additional $65. Review the full terms before you decide.
What does buying a washer and dryer cost?
Buying means paying more at the start, but the appliances are yours. Prices vary by condition, capacity, installation needs, and warranty. The numbers below are examples for comparison—not retailer quotes.
| Option | Example price | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Used set, privately purchased | $500 | Illustrative purchase price; inspect condition and arrange transport. |
| New, mid-priced set | $1,200 | Illustrative appliance price; delivery and repairs are extra. |
| New, premium set | $2,000 | Illustrative appliance price; delivery and repairs are extra. |
| Used set from My Appliance Rental | $485 | Real set price delivered; includes a 3-month warranty. |
My Appliance Rental also sells used washers and dryers: a set is $485 delivered, or $330 for pickup; a single machine is $265 delivered. Each purchased machine includes a 3-month warranty. Availability and condition vary, so ask what is currently in stock.
Renting vs. buying: a three-year example
Compare a 36-month rental with a hypothetical $1,200 new set. Rental totals are based on $70 × 36 plus $60 delivery. The purchase-side delivery and repair figures are assumptions for comparison, not current quotes.
| Cost item | Renting a set | Buying example |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance purchase | $0 | $1,200 (hypothetical) |
| One-time delivery | $60 | $100 (hypothetical) |
| 36 monthly payments | $2520 | $0 |
| Repairs | $0 for covered normal wear/mechanical failures | $200 (hypothetical) |
| Three-year total | $2580 | $1,500 (hypothetical) |
When renting may be the better fit
- Keep more cash available now. There is no appliance purchase due upfront; the initial rental total is $130 for the set, with setup collected at delivery. The online request itself takes no payment.
- Make costs more predictable. The standard set rate is $70 per month, and covered normal wear and mechanical repairs or replacement are included. Misuse, neglect, and abuse are not covered.
- Avoid moving a purchase. Renting may suit apartment residents or households expecting a move; arrange return under the agreement rather than selling or storing your own machines.
- Have laundry at home. Skip the trip and waiting room when a home hookup is available and your household does enough laundry to value the convenience.
The standard term is at least 6 months. After that, service is month-to-month with 30 days' written notice. Ending before the minimum has an $85 early-termination fee. Read the agreement and check your hookups before requesting service.
Could renting cost less than the laundromat?
Here is a simple illustration: a household spending $25 each week at a laundromat spends about $1300 over 52 weeks. A set rental at today's rate is $840 for 12 months, plus one $60 delivery fee: $900. That is a $400 difference on those assumptions.
This is a comparison, not a guaranteed saving. The laundromat estimate and rental total exclude home electricity, water, detergent differences, travel, time, and any additional fees. A household doing only a few loads may spend less at a laundromat; actual costs depend on use.
When is buying likely to make more sense?
Buying often wins on total cost if you expect to keep the machines for years, can pay without straining your budget, and are comfortable arranging repairs. Ownership lets you keep, sell, or move the appliances, and a well-maintained set may serve a household long after the three-year comparison period.
A used purchase can lower the initial cost further. Inspect the machines, confirm dimensions and hookups, ask about delivery, and understand the warranty. A local delivered used set is another option to compare alongside privately purchased equipment and rental.
A quick decision checklist
- What can I comfortably spend upfront without using money needed for essentials?
- How long do I expect to need these machines?
- Would I rather handle repair costs, or pay a regular rental rate with stated coverage?
- Am I likely to move before or after the 6-month minimum?
- What do laundromat trips actually cost my household each month?
- Have I checked delivery, installation, warranty, utility, and agreement details for both choices?
There is no single cheapest answer for every household. Compare the total for your likely time horizon, and be clear about what each price includes.
Frequently asked questions
Is renting a washer and dryer a waste of money?
Not automatically. Renting can avoid a large purchase and includes coverage for normal wear and mechanical repairs under the rental terms. Keeping a purchased set for many years can cost less overall. Compare the time you expect to need the machines and your available upfront budget.
Can I rent a washer and dryer without buying it later?
Yes. This is a standard rental service, not an automatic rent-to-own purchase. The machines remain the rental company's property and are returned under the agreement.
Are repairs included when renting?
Repairs or replacement for normal wear and mechanical failures are covered. Misuse, neglect, and abuse are excluded. Rush or emergency service costs an additional $65. Review the rental terms for details.
Can I rent for just a few months?
The minimum term is 6 months. After that, the agreement becomes month-to-month with 30 days' written notice to end. Ending before the minimum carries an $85 fee.
How much is the first month for a set?
The set is $70 per month plus a one-time $60 delivery and setup fee, making the first-month total $130. The setup fee is collected at delivery. A request does not take payment.
What is the real used-set purchase option?
A used washer and dryer set is $485 delivered or $330 for pickup. A single used machine is $265 delivered. Purchased machines include a 3-month warranty; confirm current availability and terms.
Is renting cheaper than a laundromat?
It can be for households using a laundromat frequently. For example, $25 a week is about $1300 a year, versus $900 for 12 months of a set rental including one delivery fee. This excludes home utilities and other costs, so your own result will vary.
Where is rental service available?
Service is offered in Metro Atlanta and most of Georgia, subject to address availability. Check the service areas or submit a request so the team can confirm your location; this is not a guarantee of statewide coverage.
If you can comfortably buy reliable machines and plan to keep them, buying may cost less over time. If preserving cash, predictable monthly costs, included coverage for normal mechanical failures, or flexibility matters more, renting may be a better fit. Check the agreement, exclusions, and address availability before choosing.