Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation therapy, has gained traction for its ability to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, support recovery, and encourage mental clarity. With more wellness seekers integrating it into their routines, one of the most common questions we hear is, "How much does it cost?" At Altered States Wellness, we often find that once people understand what goes into creating a float experience, the price begins to make much more sense.
This post offers a transparent look at the real cost of float therapy—not just in dollars, but in value.
What Influences the Price of a Float Session
A single session of float therapy typically ranges from $60 to $90 in most areas of the United States. However, several variables affect this range, including location, length of the session, facility amenities, and membership pricing.
The cost of living in a particular city plays a big role. Float centers in places like Los Angeles or New York City generally have higher overhead costs than those in smaller towns, and pricing reflects that. Session duration also matters. A standard float session lasts about 60 minutes, but many centers offer 75 or even 90-minute options, which naturally come at a higher rate.
Facility quality can also shift the price. Some centers invest in state-of-the-art float pods with advanced filtration, soundproofing, chromotherapy, and other features that enhance comfort. The more attention paid to cleanliness, ambiance, and staff training, the more you can expect to pay—but also the more value you receive.
The Cost Breakdown: Behind the Scenes of a Float Center
The water in a float tank isn’t just water. Each cabin contains around 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, allowing the body to float effortlessly. That salt must be medical-grade, carefully filtered, and maintained with precise equipment. A single tank setup can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and maintaining the right temperature and cleanliness takes energy, time, and attention.
Then there’s the cost of building and soundproofing float suites, staffing the center with knowledgeable guides, offering private showers and changing areas, and supplying essentials like towels, robes, and personal care items. All of this is factored into the price of your session.
This level of care isn’t just about luxury. It’s about safety, quality, and creating an environment where your nervous system can fully unwind.
Single Sessions vs. Memberships and Packages
If you’re new to floating and want to try it out before committing, a one-time session is a good start. But if you plan to float regularly, memberships and packages offer a more cost-effective route.
Most float centers, including Altered States Wellness, offer monthly memberships that significantly reduce the per-session cost. You might pay $59 per float on a membership plan compared to $89 or more for a drop-in. Some packages also allow you to share sessions with friends or family, which adds more value.
Membership perks often go beyond pricing. Members may receive priority booking, discounts on other services, and special events that foster a sense of community and accountability in wellness routines.
Is Float Therapy Worth the Cost?
Float therapy supports recovery, reduces muscle tension, lowers cortisol, and helps manage anxiety and overwhelm. For those struggling with stress, insomnia, or burnout, a single hour in the tank can be as rejuvenating as a full night's sleep. Athletes use it for physical recovery. Creatives use it to improve focus and clarity. Therapists and doctors recommend it as part of anxiety or PTSD care plans.
What you pay for is not just time in a tank, but an intentional experience designed to help your body reset and your mind release.
Floating also tends to compound in its benefits. One float can help you feel better for a day or two. Floating regularly can change your baseline. Stress doesn’t just melt away during the session—you train your nervous system to stay calm under pressure.
When viewed through the lens of preventative care and mental hygiene, float therapy becomes a powerful tool. Compared to the long-term cost of stress-related illnesses, poor sleep, or pain, float therapy is often a far less expensive investment
How to Choose the Right Float Center for Your Budget
Choosing where to float isn’t just about price. Look for places that take the experience seriously. Is the space quiet and clean? Are the staff knowledgeable and attentive? Do they educate you about the process, or simply usher you in and out?
Some centers offer tiered pricing based on pod types or session times. Others keep things simple and offer an all-inclusive float. Don’t hesitate to ask for a tour or inquire about first-time specials. Many centers welcome new floaters with discounted intro sessions.
You can also check whether your float center integrates additional amenities. Some facilities include access to saunas, cold plunges, or meditation lounges in the float session price. That adds more value than simply comparing cost per hour.
Float Therapy and Insurance or HSA/FSA Accounts
Float therapy is not usually covered by traditional insurance plans, but it is often eligible for payment through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), especially if prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider. If you’re dealing with anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, you might be able to submit float therapy receipts as part of your medical care strategy.
It’s worth checking with your provider, especially if you’re already using wellness treatments to avoid medication or manage stress holistically. Some float centers can even provide receipts with diagnostic codes upon request.
The True Value of Stillness
There are plenty of ways to unwind—massages, yoga, vacations, or even just a walk outside. But float therapy offers a kind of stillness that’s hard to replicate. Without gravity, light, or noise, your mind enters a state that many describe as meditation without effort.
This depth of rest can be life-changing for those who rarely get a break from overthinking, physical discomfort, or sensory overload. And while cost is always a factor, it’s helpful to consider not just what you spend, but what you gain.
Whether you float once a month or once a week, you’re making a choice to prioritize rest, clarity, and presence. That kind of investment pays off quietly but powerfully—in better sleep, deeper resilience, and a nervous system that remembers what it feels like to be calm.
Float therapy may seem expensive compared to a gym membership or a massage, but it offers something distinct. The cost reflects not just the physical experience but the rare space it holds for emotional, mental, and physiological reset.
Understanding where your money goes—from the salt and the cabin to the ambiance and expertise—can help you decide whether it’s the right investment for your self-care. For many, it’s not just worth the cost. It’s worth making room for.
