How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress?

Investing in a good mattress is important for your sleep quality, comfort and general well-being. However, purchasing a new mattress can feel like a big financial decision. You want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money with a model that balances comfort, quality and budget.

The truth is that mattress prices vary widely depending on a number of factors. This guide will help you understand what to expect at different price points and how to choose based on your budget and needs.

Keep reading below to learn the cost of a good mattress, the average queen mattress price and how to find the best-priced mattresses.

How much does a mattress cost? It depends on several factors, with the type and size of the mattress playing a significant role.

Here’s a typical price range you can expect for the common mattress types, with innerspring twin mattresses falling on the lower end, while the average price of a king-size mattress tends to be the most expensive.

• Memory foam: $229.99 – $5,499.00
• Innerspring: $149.99 – $6,999.99
• Hybrid: $399.99 – $6,499.00

And sizes:

• Twin: $99.99 – $6,999.99
• Full: $139.99 – $7,799.99
• Queen: $149.99 – $7,999.99
• King: $199.99 – $9,099.99

While the mattress type and size have a big impact on the total price, there are plenty of other factors that can drive up or reduce the cost, including:

Materials used

Generally speaking, the higher quality materials used, the more the mattress will cost. Premium materials often come at a premium price tag, with materials like latex and specialized or high-density foams being the most expensive.

Cheaper materials may come at a lower price, but this also means they may be of lower quality and less supportive or durable.

Brand reputation

The specific brand that made the mattress can also influence the price. In general, more well-known or established brands can charge higher prices given their reputation and positioning in the market. The idea is that you know what type of quality you can expect from the popular brand, leading you to scrutinize the price less. This might mean that you could find a comparable mattress from a lesser-known brand at a better price, because they must charge less to attract customers away from the market leaders.

Manufacturing location

The location where the mattress was manufactured can impact its cost. Depending on the specific country or region, the cost of labor, materials and other business expenses can vary greatly, which are passed through to consumers in the final sales price.

So, if the mattress is produced in an area with a high cost of doing business, like the United States, the cost of the mattress will likely be higher as a result.

Certifications

Certain mattress models have received unique certifications, indicating that they’ve met specific manufacturing, safety or environmental standards.

For instance, the CertiPUR-US certification guarantees that the polyurethane foam used in the mattress is free from harmful chemicals like flame retardants and formaldehyde.

Consumers may be more willing to purchase mattresses that have received popular certifications, justifying a higher price tag.

Advanced features 

You can expect to pay more for a mattress with advanced features, such as cooling technology or being compatible with an adjustable base.

These premium features may be exclusive to certain mattress brands and less widely available, giving these models a higher price tag.

Budget vs. Premium Mattresses

Whether you’re ready to splurge on a luxury model or you’re looking for the best low-cost mattress, it’s important to understand the differences in what you can expect from a budget or premium mattress. Here’s a closer look at the key differences to help you see what higher prices generally offer.

Materials

One of the biggest differences between a budget and a luxury mattress is the quality of materials that are used. It’s not necessarily true that all budget-friendly mattresses are made with low-quality materials. However, premium materials do often come at a higher price point, so the expectation is that premium mattresses are more expensive because of the better quality and additional layers of materials they include.

Durability

Likewise, given the higher-quality materials that are used in a premium mattress, they also tend to be more durable and long-lasting compared to budget models.

Cheaper materials break down more quickly, causing the mattress to lose its comfortable or supportive qualities sooner than a higher-quality mattress would. As such, you may end up needing to replace the cheaper mattress more frequently, leading to higher costs over the long term.

Comfort

On a similar note, premium mattresses are known for being more comfortable and supportive than their low-cost alternatives. Premium mattresses embrace the use of high-quality materials, advanced technology and better construction, creating a more comfortable sleep environment. On the other hand, budget-friendly mattresses may be made with cheaper and fewer layers of materials to drive costs down, which can compromise comfort levels.

Warranty

A large perk of purchasing a premium mattress is that they tend to come with longer, more favorable warranties. These help to protect your purchase in the case of a manufacturing defect or error, reflecting its higher quality and better durability. At a budget price, you’re typically not receiving warranty protection, which can mean that you’re subject to the variability and quality of the manufacturer.

Customer service 

The types of customer service you can expect from a budget or premium mattress can vary widely. When paying a higher price tag, the expectation is that you’ll have more ways to access support from the mattress brand or seller. But when purchasing a low-cost mattress and boxspring, customer support may not be as available and you may be limited to chat or email support alone.

Considering each of these factors, you may be wondering if you can still get a good mattress if you’re shopping on a budget.

The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a mattress that is comfortable, long-lasting and supportive. You may have to give up certain features when shopping at a lower price point, though you can still find good mattresses at any budget. Rather than focusing exclusively on the price of a mattress, try to focus on its overall value instead. Ensure you’re getting the best mattress for the price you’re paying, even if it’s an affordable model.

What Mattress Quality to Expect by Price

As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, you can expect different levels of performance, longevity and comfort depending on the price of the mattress.

Under $500

Mattresses under $500 are considered budget-friendly options. As such, they’re typically made with fewer layers or cheaper materials, which can lead to a less comfortable and supportive sleep environment.

Though you can still find a quality mattress under $500, they may not have the same longevity as a higher-priced model, and often lack the more advanced features you’ll find in more expensive options.

If you’re hoping to stay under $500, make sure to look for the best affordable mattress, not just the cheapest one available. You’ll still want a model that is still supportive and comfortable to sleep on.

$500–$1,500

Mid-tier mattresses are the models that cost between $500 and $1,500. Compared to budget models, they’re more likely to incorporate higher-quality materials like high-density or specialty foams, making them more long-lasting. Given the higher price point, these mattresses may also include additional layers of foam and materials for additional comfort. As a result, you’re more likely to find a hybrid mattress within this price point, offering a blend of traditional innerspring and memory foam construction.

$1,500+

Mattresses that cost over $1,500 are premium options that include the most advanced sleep technology and luxurious materials, including infused foams, zoned support, cooling layers and more.

Models in this price range are expected to have enhanced construction and durability compared to cheaper options. Plus, premium features like motion isolation and better pressure relief can create an improved sleep experience.

Shop smart and avoid overspending on a mattress with these helpful tips:

Read reviews

Before you purchase a mattress, be sure to read through the reviews from previous customers. This helps you get a better idea of the mattress’s value before you actually get the chance to sleep on it yourself.

This can be particularly helpful if you’re choosing between a few different models around the same price point. Look for reviews related to your own preferences and needs, like how well the model is for back pain or people who sleep hot.

Look for trial periods and warranties

It’s hard to feel 100% confident that you’re making the right mattress purchase before you get to sleep on it for an extended period of time.

Especially if you’re investing in a premium mattress, a model that includes a risk-free trial period or generous warranty can help you feel better about your purchase.

This way, even if you end up not liking the mattress or there’s a manufacturing defect, your purchase is protected.

Shop during sales

Mattress brands run sales year-round, giving you the opportunity to purchase a high-quality mattress at a discounted price.

Many sellers will run big sales around major holidays. So, if you’re on the market for a new mattress, plan to shop around these big savings events to get the best deals.

Know when to spend more

Sometimes, it’s simply worth spending more for better sleep quality. While it’s important to find a mattress that offers good value for your money, purchasing the cheapest option available likely won’t offer the comfortable and supportive sleep environment you’re looking for.

Aside from the price of the new mattress itself, there are some additional costs you may incur once you upgrade. As you’re shopping around, be sure to factor these costs into your budget:

• Shipping and setup. You may incur an extra cost if you need the mattress to be delivered rather than hauling it from the store to your home yourself.
• Mattress disposal. If you need the delivery team to haul away your existing mattress to make room for your new purchase, this may also be offered for an additional fee.
• Bed frames. If you’re upgrading your mattress to a larger size, you’ll also need to purchase a new bed frame to support it.
• Mattress protectors. You may want to purchase a new mattress protector to guard your bed from spills, stains and mites.