Sauna vs Steam Room: Differences, Costs, and Which Is Right for You

The difference between a sauna and a steam room is the type of heat. A sauna uses dry heat, usually around 160 to 200°F with low humidity of about 5 to 30%. A steam room uses wet heat at a lower temperature, about 110 to 120°F, with humidity near 100%. Saunas are lined with wood and are easier to install and maintain at home. Steam rooms need waterproof tile or glass, a steam generator, and plumbing.

This guide compares saunas and steam rooms side by side, including how they feel, what they cost to install, upkeep, and which one makes more sense for your home.

Sauna vs. Steam Room at a Glance

Temperature and humidity figures are typical ranges reported by home cost guide Fixr. Individual units vary.

How a Sauna Feels

A sauna's dry air lets you tolerate much higher temperatures. The heat feels intense but not stuffy, and sweat evaporates quickly. In a traditional sauna, you can ladle water over the hot stones to create a short burst of steam and raise the humidity for a few minutes, then let the room dry out again.

Home saunas come in three main styles:

• Traditional indoor saunas like the Golden Designs Hanko 2-3 Person Traditional Sauna, which heat the air with a stove and stones.
• Infrared saunas like the Dynamic Santiago 2 Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, which warm your body directly at lower air temperatures.
• Outdoor and barrel saunas like the Golden Designs St. Moritz 2 Person Barrel Traditional Sauna, built to sit in the backyard.

Not sure which sauna type fits you? Read our comparison of infrared vs. traditional saunas.

How a Steam Room Feels

A steam room feels like a warm, humid fog. The temperature is lower than a sauna, but because the air is saturated, sweat doesn't evaporate, so it can feel just as hot. Many people like steam rooms for the moist air on the skin and in the nose and throat.

Installation at Home

Installing a Sauna

Prefabricated sauna kits are the simplest route. Indoor models fit in a basement, garage, or spare room, and outdoor models sit on a level pad in the yard. Traditional electric saunas usually need a dedicated electrical circuit, while many smaller infrared units are designed for simpler hookups. Always check the product's electrical requirements and have an electrician confirm your panel can handle it.

Installing a Steam Room

A steam room is a remodeling project. It needs a fully sealed, waterproof enclosure, a sloped ceiling so condensation doesn't drip on you, a floor drain, a vapor-tight door, a steam generator, and plumbing. Most home steam rooms are built into an existing shower.

Cost Comparison

Fixr estimates a professionally installed two-person sauna at around $2,900 and a two-person steam room at around $3,300, with custom steam rooms costing much more. Real-world prices vary widely by size, materials, and region. Larger and outdoor saunas cost more, and steam rooms add plumbing, tile, and waterproofing labor.

Maintenance

• Sauna: wipe down benches, use a towel to sit on, and let the room air out after each session. Wood interiors are easy to keep fresh in a dry environment.
• Steam room: constant moisture means more frequent cleaning to prevent mold and mildew, and periodic descaling of the steam generator.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a sauna if you want a lower-maintenance option, prefer dry heat, want something you can put outdoors or in a spare room, or want the option of an infrared model.

Choose a steam room if you're already remodeling a bathroom, prefer humid heat, and are ready for the plumbing and waterproofing work.

For most homeowners adding a wellness space, a sauna is the easier, more flexible choice. The Golden Designs Drammen 3 Person Outdoor-Indoor Traditional Sauna works inside or out, and you can compare every model in our saunas and outdoor saunas collections.

Using a Sauna or Steam Room Safely

• Start with short sessions, often 10 to 15 minutes, and build up gradually.
• Drink water before and after.
• Skip alcohol before or during a session.
• Get out right away if you feel dizzy or unwell.
• If you're pregnant or have a heart condition or other health concern, ask your doctor first.

Pairing heat with cold? See our guide to home cold plunges and designing your backyard for wellness.

Sauna vs Steam Room FAQs

What is the main difference between a sauna and a steam room?

A sauna uses dry heat at higher temperatures, while a steam room uses moist heat at lower temperatures with humidity near 100%.

Which is hotter, a sauna or a steam room?

A sauna runs hotter, typically around 160 to 200°F, compared with about 110 to 120°F in a steam room. The steam room's humidity can make it feel just as intense.

Is a sauna or steam room easier to install at home?

A sauna. Prefab sauna kits don't need plumbing, while a steam room needs waterproofing, a drain, and a steam generator.

Can you make steam in a sauna?

In a traditional sauna, yes. Ladling water over the hot stones creates a brief burst of steam. Infrared saunas don't use stones.

How long should you stay in a sauna or steam room?

Many people start with 10 to 15 minutes. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and talk to your doctor if you have health concerns.

Sources: cost and typical temperature ranges from Fixr; temperature, humidity, and safety guidance from Columbia University's Go Ask Alice! health service. Ranges vary by source and by room.