How Much Does a Mattress Cost?

If you’ve ever shopped for a mattress, you probably know there are seemingly endless options available. Whether you’re considering a “mattress in a box” or opting for a classic version you can test out in a store, there’s so much to consider when buying a mattress. And, one factor that’s top of mind for many of us, is price.

How much does a mattress cost and what impacts price? Here’s everything you need to know. 

How Much Does a Mattress Cost?

As you browse different mattresses, you may be wondering exactly what you can expect to pay, and the answer varies. For example, a king size mattress will cost more than a twin, and a Tempur-Pedic mattress with all the special features—think comfort, pressure relief, cooling technology and more — will cost more than a standard model. 

In general, consumers can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to upwards of $2,000 for a mattress, depending on size and luxury model options. 

What Impacts the Price of a Mattress?

A handful of factors go into determining the price of a mattress, and understanding what they are can help you decide whether you want to splurge or save.

Size

Size is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the cost of a mattress. A smaller mattress uses less material and weighs less (which impacts shipping), so a twin size mattress will cost less than a queen or king size. 

Type

The type of mattress you choose has one of the biggest impacts on cost. The mattress industry is a highly competitive space, with modern, high-tech brands like Helix, Purple, Casper, Leesa, Tempur-Pedic and more often overshadowing traditional spring mattresses. 

The cost of a mattress is impacted by what it’s made of and what it includes. For example, a standard Purple Mattress, which is made with GelFlex Grid technology for a cooler, more comfortable sleeping experience, costs $1,399 for a queen size. If you upgrade to a Purple Plus Mattress, you’ll get an extra layer of comfort foam, but you’ll pay for it, too—as a queen size costs $1,899. 

The Leesa mattress is another example of how size impacts price. If you opt for its original mattress, which costs $1,199 for a queen, you’ll get an all-foam mattress made with premium foams for cooling, pressure-relieving and contouring support. But, upgrade to its Legend mattress, and a queen costs $2,399. 

Delivery

Michael Magnuson, founder and CEO of GoodBed.com, an independent mattress information website, says that shipping and distribution can have an impact on price as well. 

“Recent gas price increases have increased the cost of transporting all products—particularly big and bulky ones like mattresses,” he says. “These cost increases are especially felt when the mattress is shipped individually from the factory to you (like by UPS or FedEx) versus on a truck packed with other mattresses sent to a local warehouse.”

He adds that mattresses imported from overseas will cost more, too. Before purchasing a mattress, check to see if free shipping is offered on purchases and returns, and be sure to inquire about shipping cost if it’s not.

Warranty and Returns

Most mattresses include 10-year warranties, although some are longer. Many mattress companies offer free returns, too, although it usually has to be within a specific window (such as 30 days). Be sure to research return policies and warranties before purchasing a mattress, though, as it could be an additional cost.

Additional Costs

If you’ve noticed that mattresses seem particularly expensive these days, you’re not alone; Magnuson notes that prices have gone up since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Everything from raw materials cost (foam, springs, wood, fabrics, etc.) to labor cost to shipping cost has gone up substantially,” he says. “Coupled with high consumer demand for mattresses, these supply chain disruptions have led to multiple price increases per year from nearly every vendor that sells to mattress manufacturers. In the end, these increases have been passed on to consumers by brands across the industry—both online and store brands.”

At the end of the day, the amount of money you choose to spend on a mattress is your decision. But understanding exactly what goes into the price of a mattress can help you make that decision.