Home » Mattresses » How much does a mattress cost? (prices)

How much does a mattress cost? (prices)

At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.


Most mattresses nowadays cost between $300 to $1500, with the average mattress price for a good queen size mattress falling between $500 to $800. However, there are premium quality mattresses that cost up to $5000 (you can even expect to pay $60,000 and up for a premium luxury brand such as a Hastens mattress) and there are also budget mattresses that cost as little as $100, or even less.


An overview of average mattress costs

This is just an overview of the average price ranges that you might spend on a mattress. Bear in mind that these prices could be less or more depending on the mattress brand.

Average Price Range (Queen)Popular Models in This Price Range (Queen)
Memory Foam Mattress$800 to $1400- Amerisleep AS3 all foam
- Casper Original
Innerspring Mattress$800 to $1200- WinkBed
- Nest Bedding Alexander
Latex Mattress$1800 to $2500- Avocado Latex
- Naturepedic
Hybrid Mattress$1500 to $2000- Saatva Classic
- Leesa Hybrid
Air Mattress$150 - $200- King Koil
- Insta-Bed

Factors that determine how much a mattress costs

couple mattress shopping in store

Mattress prices vary wildly. There are many factors as to why a mattress’ price range may be as wide as the Mississippi. These include the materials used, construction, mattress size, country of manufacture, and whether they’re sold online or in brick and mortar stores. If you purchase a mattress online, the cost would be significantly cheaper than buying one in store. Most mattress brands offer free shipping with every mattress purchase but there may be hidden costs for add-on services such as white glove delivery, setup and returns. These are a few key things to bear in mind as you’re mattress shopping – whether in store or online.

  • Materials – There are three main mattress types available today: foam (memory foam mattresses/latex mattresses fall under this category), hybrid mattresses, and innerspring mattresses. All of these require different materials that can range from affordable to pretty steep. Mattresses such as the hybrid mattress combine the use of both foam and pocketed coils while others, such as an all foam mattress may use a combination of different types of foam. These combination of high quality materials can add up to mattress costs. Although both use steel coils, an innerspring mattress costs cheaper than a hybrid mattress. The main way mattress companies try to stand out from the competition is by using proprietary technology – often developing their own foam alternatives (memory foam or latex) or special coil systems – which significantly raises the cost of a mattress even more. For example, traditional memory foam will cost far more cheaper than a high-tech memory foam alternative. As for people who prefer a natural mattress (where natural latex such as dunlop latex is often used) that’s also environmentally friendly as well as ethically sourced, the cost doubles.
  • Construction – Just like with materials, mattress companies may develop their own technology in putting together a mattress. Some mattress manufacturers even offer mattresses that are made to order and offer customizations and customized always means big bucks. A lot of pillow top mattresses are also hand-tufted while others may require other details to be handmade. The time and craftsmanship that it takes to produce a quality mattress by hand can certainly add to mattress cost.
  • Country of manufacture – Mattresses that are made in Asia can be significantly cheaper compared to mattresses made in Europe or the US. This does not necessarily denote that the mattress quality will be mediocre but labor and materials do cost a lot cheaper in certain countries. A few mattress sellers even have their own manufacturing facilities in countries such as China and India where they implement the same strict standards as in western countries when it comes to mattress production.
  • Mattress size – Sizes definitely play a big part in how much a mattress costs. The bigger the size goes, the higher the price. A king size mattress will have more materials, time and construction put into its creation compared to a twin mattress. Obviously, a twin mattress is going to cost much less. Mattress thickness may also vary and influence the costs – more often than not, the thicker the mattress, the more expensive it becomes. The number of foam layers used as well as foam density could factor into the cost of foam beds.
  • Where you buy it – There is definitely a huge difference in price range when you purchase a mattress directly from online mattress retailers as opposed to buying one from local mattress stores in your area. Buying online eliminates the need for middlemen, distributors’ markups and a whole lot of other costs that a brick and mortar store may incur. While it may be easy to try out a mattress at an actual mattress store, it would also cost you a lot more. Nowadays, online mattress sellers offer sleep trials which are usually free of charge.

Additional costs that may drive up the price of a new mattress

shopping online

So, you’re just about to say goodbye to your old mattress and you’ve finally decided on a new one with a price that you’re happy with but, you may just want to think about extending your mattress budget by a few hundred dollars.

Why?

You may need the following:

  • Old mattress removal – With your new mattress coming in, you need to get rid of your old one. Some mattress companies may offer a removal service with a fee but usually, it would be up to you on how you dispose of your old, existing mattress. Check for removal/recycling services within your area, laws may vary by state. Mattresses can be too big to just be left in a dumpster, please dispose of it properly.
  • Mattress protectors – Protectors can extend the life span of your mattress. It doesn’t matter whether you went for the budget option or sprung for a Tempur-Pedic, protecting your mattress from any accidents that may occur – spills and stains and whatnot – will not only keep your mattress stay fresh and clean but will help prevent your mattress from falling apart prematurely. Ideally, you should get one that’s washable and treat it like you would your sheets; to be washed every 2-3 weeks.
  • Shipping, delivery and setup – Most mattress companies today offer free shipping while a few others offer free setup along with it. Some premium mattress brands even offer free white glove delivery but quite often, it’s up to you to set it all up, especially if you’ve purchased a mattress in a box. If you’ve purchased a mattress that comes full size, you may need a bit of professional help when it comes to setup and delivery. Although free shipping seems to be the standard when it comes to the continental US, if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or Canada, a substantial delivery fee may be tacked onto the original mattress price.
  • Foundation and bedding – You may already have an existing bed frame or foundation that is compatible with the mattress you’re planning to get but if you plan to do a complete bedroom overhaul that features an entirely new bed, you might need to take into consideration getting a new foundation and some spanking new bedding.
  • Warranty and returns – It’s always important to read the fine print. Some warranties, as well as return policies, may have charges associated with returns and exchanges.

Choosing the right mattress for your sleeping position

puppy sleeping in bed with a teddy bear

We all dream of the perfect mattress. But, just like in life, there really is no such thing as perfect. For one thing, everyone’s wants and needs are different. When it comes to mattress shopping, the most important thing to look for is the one that would give you the best sleep quality. For one to achieve that, you must know what mattress type is best for your sleeping position, age, weight and even any health conditions you might have. For instance, if you’re a strict stomach sleeper who suffers from fibromyalgia, the best supportive mattress for you would be one that offers excellent pressure relief but soft enough to not exacerbate any aches and pains.

Always make sure to do your own due diligence when it comes to mattress shopping. Pore over the company’s website and check as many mattress reviews as you can. While a department store may offer mattress sales, mattress brands usually offer discounts and special mattress pricing every so often.

If you are a …

  • Side sleeper – both a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress that’s medium to medium soft would be an excellent choice for strict side sleepers.
  • Back and stomach sleeper – a firm to medium firm mattress would offer the most support and pressure relief to strict back or stomach sleepers. Innerspring beds are the ones we are most familiar with although all other mattress brands have firmer mattress offerings within their current arsenal.
  • Combination sleeper – combo sleepers, as the name suggests, shift between 2 or all of the sleeping positions. A medium feel mattress that’s not too hard and not too soft would be the best choice for combination sleepers.
  • Hot sleeper – those who tend to sleep hot would do well with hybrid beds as the coil systems help to circulate air throughout the mattress, keeping the mattress fresh and breathable.
  • Sleeper who weighs over 250 lbs. – we always recommend hybrid mattresses for heavier sleepers as they offer the most support while providing good pressure relief.

Michelline Norton

Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?