Expensive is a complicated label since it can mean different things to different people. Someone living on a lower income may think that $200 is expensive, while someone with multiple income streams may think $2,000 is expensive. Most people fall somewhere between those two amounts, considering a purchase of around $1,000 to be expensive.
A common household purchase that falls within this expensive range is a new mattress. You can find mattresses at different price points based on your definition of expensive, but these different prices also mean different qualities. So how much should you spend on a good mattress? Keep reading to learn common price points and qualities.
Spending Between $0–$500
This lower price point is still expensive for some people, but affordable for most. A free mattress is affordable for everyone unless you have to pay transportation or delivery costs. However, free mattresses are often low-quality unless you’re getting them from a certified charity or trusted friend. If you’re actually buying a mattress, you can expect to pay around $500 for an innerspring or memory foam mattress of decent quality. Innerspring mattresses only last around five years, which means you’ll need to shop for replacements often. Low-density memory foam has a similar lifespan and is most common at this price point.
Spending Between $500–$1,000
The average cost of a good mattress is around $1,000. There is a greater variety of mattress types available in this price range, which different types of sleepers prefer. Back sleepers can find hybrid mattresses at this price point, which provide great pressure relief along the neck and spine. Side sleepers can enjoy higher-density memory foam, which lasts longer than the lower density we mentioned above. Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress, such as a higher-quality innerspring. Gel grids are also a great option for stomach sleepers, but few are available within this price range.
Spending Between $1,000–$2,000
One of the common myths about mattress buying is that expensive is always better. Paying over $1,000 for a mattress does not guarantee that you’ll love a specific mattress or sleep better on it. However, spending more does often get you a higher-quality mattress.
For example, the gel grids we mentioned above are one of the highest quality mattresses you can find, and they often cost around $2,000. Stomach sleepers and people who share a mattress may find this price tag and quality worthwhile because they likely sleep best on this type of mattress. People who sleep on their side or who experience back pain may not find this type of mattress as comfortable, which means the price isn’t worth it to them.
At the end of the day, it’s your money, and as long as you’re aware of the quality of the mattress you’re getting, you can decide how much you should spend on a mattress.
Most of the time, mattress quality and mattress price increase simultaneously. However, the worth of a mattress to you can differ from the posted price.
Some people are willing to pay less for a lower-quality mattress if they’re moving soon. Others are willing to pay more for a higher-quality mattress that they’ll keep in their forever home. You must decide what your budget is and what the right mattress is worth to you.