How Much Does a Mattress Cost?

There’s a big misconception that you have to plunk down thousands of dollars for a mattress. While it’s true some mattresses can cost thousands, you don’t necessarily have to pay that much. In fact, it’s possible to get a quality mattress for $1000 or less.

Whether you’re looking for the height of luxury or just a quality mattress that will give you a great night’s sleep for an affordable price, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll go over what people normally pay for mattresses, what you should pay for one, and why some mattresses cost more than others.

Average Cost of a Mattress

Mattresses can cost anywhere from $200 to $3000, with some luxury beds running over $5000. That means the average cost for a queen mattress is a little over $1500, no matter the type of mattress. Though there are quality budget mattresses and luxury mattresses, the sweet spot for a mattress is between $1000 and $1500. Within this range, you can be sure you’re getting a quality product for a fair price.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Tall People

What Should a Mattress Cost?

What you pay for a mattress depends on several different factors, including quality, construction, and size. Each of the following factors can have a huge impact on cost, raising or lowering the price sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Understanding these factors can help you find the best mattresses for the money.

Quality

No matter what brand, size, or category of mattress you buy, quality is not an area where you should skimp. Good thing you don’t have to break the bank for a quality mattress anymore. Nowadays, you only really pay multiple thousands of dollars for luxury.

If you want a quality mattress for a fair price, you have plenty of options. But how do you know what’s a quality mattress and what’s not? Two good indicators are the sleep trial and warranty that come with it and the quality of its materials and construction.

Warranty and Sleep Trial

When manufacturers are proud of their product and believe they’ve made a winner, they’re willing to stake some money on it. That’s where the warranty comes in. A good warranty for a mattress will cover manufacturer defects and premature wear and tear like sagging and soft spots, and it will last around ten years.

Some manufacturers go even further and increase the warranty’s length to 20 or 25 years. An extended warranty is a good indicator that the mattress manufacturer has built their product to last. Many of the best mattresses with a warranty cover the first 20 years of ownership.

Conversely, if your warranty is less than 10 years, that’s a sign the product may not be up to the standards you want.

Another thing to watch out for is the lifetime warranty. A lifetime warranty might sound like a sweet deal. Still, it’s often a marketing buzzword that looks good on paper while giving the manufacturer a loophole to avoid honoring their warranty because a “lifetime” is whatever they say it is.

A sleep trial is another good indicator of quality. Manufacturers that believe you’ll be satisfied with their product will offer you a generous trial period (90 days or more) and a return policy that allows you to get your money back if the product doesn’t work for you.

Like with the warranty, if the manufacturer offers little to no trial period or no money-back guarantee, they probably haven’t made a worthwhile product. That makes it especially important to read the fine print.

Materials and Construction

Quality mattresses should have at least two layers: the support layer and the comfort layer. They should never be just one layer of material, and the layers of a quality mattress should be distinct in both firmness and density.

The support layer’s job is to promote neutral alignment in your spine and help the mattress maintain its shape. The comfort layer’s focus is to cushion your pressure points and cradle your body. Without these two layers working in conjunction, the mattress won’t offer you the support and cushioning you need.

In the same vein, the quality of the material is also vital. Beware of cheap memory foams, thin coils, and synthetic latex (called Styrene-Butadiene Rubber or SBR). Certifications are great ways to tell if you’re getting a high-quality, non-toxic product that’s made of what it says it is.

For instance, if a memory foam mattress sports a CertiPUR-US® certification, that tells you the memory foam is low in toxic chemicals like volatile organic compounds and dangerous flame retardants. CertiPUR-US® strictly examines memory foam and polyurethane foam.

Many people worry if a memory foam mattress is safe. Certifications such as CertiPUR-US® can affirm a memory foam bed’s material quality and construction.

Similarly, a natural latex mattress with a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification lets you know the mattress is made of the highest quality organic latex. A certified organic latex mattress is a great option if you are sensitive to synthetic materials.

Other noteworthy certifications for mattresses include:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• OEKO-TEX®
• GREENGUARD Gold
• eco-INSTITUT
• Rainforest Alliance

However, going through the process to get a mattress or one of its components certified can be lengthy and expensive, meaning certifications can increase the price of your mattress. Even so, it is possible to find a value mattress with certifications attesting to its quality.

SEE ALSO: What Does it Mean to be GOTS or GOLS Certified?

Construction

Mattress construction or type is another factor that can lower or raise the price of your mattress by hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars. The four basic mattress types are innerspring, memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid, and their price points can vary widely.

Additionally, within each mattress type, there can be a range of firmness options, from ultra soft to extra firm mattresses, which can also greatly affect the price. 

The mattress type you choose can also impact how long your mattress will last, as different mattress constructions have varying life expectancies.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are generally the least expensive of all the mattress types, with the average price for a queen coming in at $950. An innerspring mattress is made by topping a coil support core (either open coils or pocketed coils) with a thin comfort layer made of cotton, fiberfill, foam, wool, or other materials.

Certain things can make an innerspring cheaper or more expensive. A pillow top or Euro top, for example, can up the price of your coil mattress. Pocketed coils are more expensive than open coils, while tempered coils are more expensive than non-tempered coils. And particular comfort layer fills cost more than others.

One of the things that impact the cost of innerspring mattresses is their durability. Innerspring mattresses are the least durable mattress type. That means you’ll be shelling out for a new mattress more often than you might otherwise do. This means innerspring mattresses might not always be the most economical option, even if they have a lower initial purchase cost.

Memory Foam

If you want a foam mattress on the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, memory foam is normally more affordable, with an average price of $1150 for a queen. Memory foam is a special type of polyurethane foam invented to cradle and cushion the human body.

There’s not much out there that can compete with a memory foam mattress in the contouring department. Memory foam can take the shape of your body like nothing else. It conforms to your curves and follows your contours to create support and cushioning customized to your unique needs.

This synthetic foam not only has a pretty impressive talent for conforming to the human body, but it’s also budget-friendly. It’s not hard to find a quality memory foam mattress for just a few hundred dollars. And memory foam is durable enough to last over a decade, meaning you won’t be replacing it as often as a coil mattress.

Latex Foam

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, you might be better off with memory foam. But if you’ve got a little extra to spend, latex is a great bedding material. Latex mattresses are naturally cooling and breathable. They bounce back to their original shape quickly. And, maybe best of all, latex is among the purest materials you can find.

If you don’t want synthetic materials and desire an organic mattress, latex is a natural material that’s tough to beat in terms of comfort and non-toxicity.

Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Growing, harvesting, and processing latex is a costly and time-consuming process, so quality latex is the more expensive of the two main mattress foams. That means you can expect to pay a pretty steep premium over memory foam. The average price for a queen size latex mattress is $2100.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are made by combining a pocketed coil support core with at least two inches of foam in the top layer. The comfort layer can be any type of foam, including memory foam, gel memory foam, latex foam, and more. There may also be more than one layer of foam, such as a transition layer or a base layer.

As a general rule, hybrid mattresses are the most expensive of all the mattress constructions. Since they can have so many different materials and layouts, it’s tough to nail down an average price for a hybrid. But you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000.

Many sleepers say a hybrid is worth the cost because the combination of coils and foam creates a mattress that boasts the best features of both while reducing or eliminating many of the biggest gripes against foam and springs. For example, we often recommend hybrid mattresses for side sleepers who want a bouncy bed because innerspring mattresses often don’t relieve as much pressure.

Size

Naturally, mattress size makes a big difference in mattress price because the more materials it takes to build a mattress, the greater the cost to manufacture it.

Twin

Twin size mattresses are the smallest of all the bed sizes and thus the least expensive. At 38 by 75 inches, twin size mattresses can sleep only one average-sized person. But if you’re shopping on a budget or have limited space, twin beds are the most affordable and compact option.

Twin XL

Twin XL size mattresses are longer than twin mattresses, so they’re normally a little more expensive. If you’re a tall sleeper shopping on a budget, the 38 by 80-inch twin XL might be your best choice.

Full/Double

The full or double bed is a good size for single sleepers who want a bit of extra wiggle room but don’t want to shell out for a larger bed. This 54 by 75-inch bed will give you some additional width to roll around without costing an exorbitantly more than a twin.

For example, a full size mattress is excellent for side sleepers who like to stretch out their arms.

Queen

Queen size mattresses are the most popular bed size, and a lot of that popularity is that they’re the most affordable bed that can accommodate a couple. At 60 by 80 inches, queens are great for couples shopping on a budget or single sleepers who want plenty of room to spread out.

King

King size mattresses are definitely not on the more affordable end of the bed size range. Even a value king size mattress will probably cost you close to $1000. King beds are 76 by 80 inches, so they might be worth the extra cost for couples who need plenty of sleeping space.

California King

California king size mattresses are often not any pricier than king beds, though sometimes they can cost a little more. Typically, you won’t pay over $100 more for the 72 by 84-inch California king bed than you would for a standard king.

Split King

Split king size mattresses are two twin XL mattresses laid inside the same king frame to make a king bed that fits both partners’ needs. Normally, split kings are more expensive than kings or Cal kings but less costly than buying the two twin XL beds separately.

For an in-depth comparison of standard kings and split kings, see our split king vs king mattress guide.

What You Can Expect for Your Money

Under $200

For under $200, the best you can expect is a thrift store mattress or a very low-quality mattress intended for intermittent use (think camping bed or air mattress). $100 for a mattress might seem like a good deal, but don’t be fooled.

You won’t get any durability, comfort, or support from a mattress at this price. It’s best to steer clear unless you’re looking for a mattress for a camper, sofa bed, futon mattress, or the like.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for an RV

$200 to $500

You might find a few twin mattresses at the higher end of this price range suitable for nightly use but beware of larger size mattresses or mattresses on the lower end of the spectrum. For close to $500, you can expect a smaller size memory foam mattress or innerspring mattress of reasonable quality and durability.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses Under $500

$500 to $1000

This price range is where you start to see quality mattresses in a variety of sizes and constructions. Expect to find thicker memory foam mattresses or pillow top innersprings that will resist sagging and last up to ten years of use.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses Under $1000

$1000 to $2000

You’ll find a lot of quality and large sizes in this purchase price range. King beds, natural latex, and hybrids will all be available. You’ll also find beds built to last more than one decade, and you may see extra features like cooling infusions, specialty materials, adjustable firmness, and high coil counts (the number of coils in a hybrid or innerspring).

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress Under $2000

Over $2000

This price range is where you can expect to get a darned good mattress. You’ll start getting into real luxury, with things like massage features and internal heating available. Materials will be ultra-premium, and many mattresses will have a laundry list of certifications boasting of their quality. You can also expect accompanying services like home delivery and setup.

Some customizable mattresses may even cost this much or more, depending on the materials or dimensions you choose. Larger sizes and more expensive materials can significantly raise the price tag.

SEE ALSO: Biggest Bed Size: Wyoming King, Texas King, and Alaskan King

FAQs

How much does a memory foam mattress cost?

Memory foam is generally the more budget-friendly of the bed foams. You can get a quality new mattress at a reasonable price when you purchase this material. Memory foam mattresses have a vast range of prices, from $100 to $2500, but you can rest assured you’re getting a good mattress if you pay around $1000.

How much does a hybrid mattress cost?

Hybrid models are typically the bed type that comes with the highest price tag. Their price can vary from $1500 to well over $5000, and you should expect to pay at least $2000 for a quality hybrid unless you can find a sale.

How much does a mattress in a box cost?

It’s tough to nail down an average retail price for mattresses in a box because there’s so much variety out there. As a rule, you can get a better mattress for a better price online. Online mattresses, or mattresses in a box, offer more choice for less money than traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Online mattress companies cut out a lot of overhead, such as the salesperson and the expensive big box store. This allows online mattress brands to sell a range of different offerings at better prices than their competitors. Many also offer perks like covering the cost of shipping or generous return terms to compensate for customers not being able to try before they buy.

How do I know if a budget mattress is still high-quality?

Several indicators can help you determine if your new bed is a good value. First off, if it’s made of good materials backed by well-known certifications, you can assume it’s a quality mattress.

The sleep trial and warranty are other good indicators. Almost all mattresses come with some sort of warranty. But if your mattress boasts a warranty of at least a decade and a sleep trial of at least 90 days, you can be more sure the seller believes in it.

Are expensive mattresses worth the money?

That depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress. If you’re only looking for a good night’s sleep, you can probably get away with a value mattress. However, if you’re dealing with pain or medical issues, the best mattress money can buy could be worth every penny.

A top-of-the-line mattress can help you deal with everything from sleep apnea to back pain to arthritis. Greater comfort may also lead to better sleep for people with insomnia and other sleep issues. And organic mattresses can help people with sensitivities or allergies sleep well. That means a better quality bed could be just the thing for your overall health.

Bottom Line

Mattress pricing can be confusing because there’s so much variance. It’s sometimes tough to decide if you’re getting the best mattress or getting ripped off. If you pay attention to the certifications, warranty, and sleep trial, you can get a sense of your mattress’s quality. And if you purchase a mattress online rather than at a physical store, that can also give you a better shot at getting the right mattress for the right price.