How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress? (2023)

Mattresses are one of those products that truly run the gamut in pricing. You’ll find discount options for $200 and top-tier luxury models for $200,000. But don’t be shocked by high-end figures; you can find a high-quality mattress that suits your comfort needs for under two grand. In 2023, the average cost of a foam queen mattress is just under $1,500.

How much a specific mattress model costs depends on wide-ranging factors, including its dimensions, materials, construction, where it’s made, and if you buy it from the manufacturer or a retailer. But for mattress shoppers, two key elements make the most significant difference in pricing: mattress size and mattress type. Mattress type refers to the primary material or materials used. For example, there are innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and hybrid mattresses with both foam and coils. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through these factors, average mattress prices in 2023, and how to find a high-quality mattress at a fair price. For quick reference, we’ve provided our Mattress Cost Cheat Sheet below, but be sure to read the full article for useful background information. 

Mattress Cost Cheat Sheet

Note: To find average mattress prices, we looked at 24 mattress models from 13 of the top online mattress brands. We collected the data in January, 2023 and recorded regular prices before promotions or discounts.

Mattress Price Guide: What Determines Mattress Cost? 

With so many options, shopping for a new mattress can seem a bit overwhelming. But as our Mattress Buying Guide explains, defining your budget will help narrow down your choices. Understanding the factors that influence mattress pricing can help you determine your budget and stick to it without sacrificing comfort and quality. The following elements all contribute to a mattress’s sticker price:

Mattress Size 

Larger mattresses require more materials and more time to make. So naturally, the bigger the mattress, the more it costs. For the same model mattress, the price difference between the smallest and largest size is often over $1,000. In the next section, we’ll discuss this topic at length.

Mattress Type

Each mattress type (innerspring, foam, latex, and hybrid) uses unique materials and requires a different manufacturing process. As a result, prices can vary drastically across mattress types, even for the same size bed. Later in this guide, we’ll dive deep into each mattress type and how much you can expect to pay for each.

In-Store vs. Online

In the past decade, the online mattress industry has boomed. It’s now easier than ever to order a mattress online and have it delivered to your door, neatly compressed in a box. Buying a mattress online often comes with significant savings. Brands that operate online have lower overhead costs, bringing down product prices. It’s also cheaper to buy a mattress directly from the maker than from a retailer who has to mark up the price to turn a profit.

Shipping, Sleep Trials, and Warranties 

Most online mattress brands include shipping, an at-home sleep trial, and a warranty with your purchase. The terms and length of these services can influence the overall price of the mattress. If you’re comparing two mattresses of comparable price, consider what other perks are included. 

Average Cost By Mattress Size 

It’s no surprise that bigger mattresses cost more. But how much more, and is it worth the extra cost for extra space? Our Mattress Size Guide can help you determine the ideal mattress size for your sleep needs and bedroom dimensions. But if budget is the deciding factor, check out the chart below. We used all-foam mattresses prices for reference, as they’re more common and more affordable than hybrids. 

How Much Does a Queen Mattress Cost?

Thanks to their versatility for single sleepers and couples, queen mattresses are the most common mattress size. They’re also in the middle of the mattress size spectrum, making queen models a convenient benchmark for comparing mattress costs. According to our price comparison research, the average cost of a foam queen mattress in 2023 is $1,451. Sizing up to a king will cost an average of $317 extra, and sizing down to a full will save about $131. 

How Much Does a Twin Mattress Cost?

As the smallest standard mattress size, twin mattresses are the most budget-friendly option. They measure 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, providing enough room for a single adult, teen, or child. In 2023, the average foam twin mattress costs $979 when you shop online. Sizing up to a twin XL (which tacks on an extra 5 inches in length) costs about $130 more. Upgrading to a full (the same length as a twin but 16 inches wider) costs an average of $341 extra.

Average Cost By Mattress Type

Aside from size, mattress type plays the most significant role in determining how much a mattress costs. Below, we break down the differences between the most popular mattress types and the average price for each. 

What Mattress Material Type Should You Get?

If you're just starting your search for a new bed and haven't thought much about which mattress type is right for you, we recommend reading Nolah's Mattress Material Guide. This in-depth guide looks at each mattress type's comfort and support qualities, including critical features like pressure relief, motion isolation, cooling, durability, and more. Below, we highlight the main differences and discuss how mattress types and materials affect price specifically. 

Innerspring Mattress Cost

Innerspring mattresses pre-date modern foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. They’re generally cheaper but don’t offer the cushioning comfort most sleepers want from their beds. You can expect to pay about $500 for an entry-level queen innerspring mattress at an in-store retailer. 

Because you can’t compress a traditional innerspring mattress into a box, most online mattress brands don’t sell them. Instead, they offer hybrid models for sleepers who want the deep support and structure of coils. You can think of a hybrid mattress as a new-and-improved, high-tech version of a traditional spring bed.

Foam Mattress Cost

Foam mattresses offer better contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation than innerspring mattresses, making them ideal for couples and sleepers who like extra cushioning around their bones and joints. However, foam mattresses can drastically vary in quality because brands often use unique foam formulas, some significantly better and stronger than others. At Nolah, we use our proprietary polyfoam, Nolah AirFoam™, for our all-foam mattress models. AirFoam™ sleeps cooler, lasts longer, and offers four times better pressure relief than traditional memory foam. 

What to Look for in a Quality Foam Mattress

• Stay away from memory foam (viscoelastic polyurethane foam), which uses harsh, heat-trapping chemicals and fluctuates in firmness based on temperature changes
  
  
• Multiple foam layers for responsiveness and support
  
  
• Breathable foam structure for cooling and ventilation 
  
  
• Compare durability testing data and pressure-relief maps 

Foam Hybrid Mattress Cost

Foam hybrid mattresses combine the contouring and pressure-relieving benefits of foam with the deep support, structure, and durability of coils. These multilayer mattresses often use the most advanced technology and luxury features, making them more expensive than their all-foam counterparts. However, you get the quality and comfort benefits you pay for. For example, Nolah’s foam hybrid, the Nolah Evolution, has graphite-infused cooling foam, targeted support, and reinforced edges. 

What to Look for in a Quality Hybrid Mattress

• Avoid memory foam for the comfort layers, opting for a non-viscoelastic polyfoam instead
  
  
• Individually-wrapped coils for better responsiveness and motion isolation
• Zoned support 
  
  
• Enhanced edge support coils or rails

Latex and Latex Hybrid Mattress Cost

Latex foam mattresses are known for their exceptional durability, responsiveness, pressure relief, and breathability. Natural latex is a premium sleep material that costs more than polyfoam, but eco-conscious shoppers love that it’s sustainably sourced, long-lasting, and hypoallergenic.

Most online mattress brands sell latex hybrid mattresses, which combine latex foam with other naturally cushioning materials and support coils underneath. For example, the Nolah Natural uses Talalay latex, organic cotton, organic wool, and recycled steel coils. 

What to Look for in a Quality Latex or Latex Hybrid Mattress

• Stay away from synthetic latex foam 

• Opt for Talalay latex over Dunlop latex, as it’s more breathable and offers better pressure relief 

• Look for a latex mattress that uses other natural materials, like wool, cotton, and other plant-based fibers 

How To Get The Best Deal When Mattress Shopping

A new mattress is a long-term investment. A quality bed will help you get the rest you need for 10-plus years, so it’s worth it to thoroughly research your options and find the best bed that fits your budget. To help you save money on a new bed, we’ve also gathered a few tips for finding a good deal below: 

• Buy your new mattress around major holidays. Most brands offer significant savings around Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. 

• Choose an online mattress company with free shipping, a sleep trial, and at least a 10-year warranty.

• When comparing mattresses, look for real data, like durability testing performance and pressure relief maps. 

• Read and watch video reviews from real customers and trusted third-party review platforms.

Shop Premium Mattresses at an Affordable Price

At Nolah, our queen-size mattresses start at just $899 for the versatile Nolah Original. This four-layer all-foam mattress uses Nolah AirFoam™ for balanced cushioning, contouring, and support. 

We offer even more luxurious options for shoppers with a flexible budget, including our premium all-foam Nolah Signature with 75 percent AirFoam™ and our foam hybrid Nolah Evolution with graphite-infused AirFoamICE™. We also offer two latex hybrid mattresses, the Nolah Natural and the flippable Nolah Nurture for kids. 

Compare and Shop Nolah’s Premium Mattresses Now

How do we offer premium, durable mattresses at affordable prices? 

It boils down to our business practices. Nolah is a direct-to-consumer brand, meaning we exclusively sell our products online, shipping straight from our factories to your door. Without showrooms, we cut overhead costs, passing those savings along to customers. Plus, we make all our mattresses right here in the U.S.A., avoiding expensive overseas transportation and ensuring quality craftsmanship. If you’re nervous about ordering a mattress online without testing it—don’t worry! Every mattress purchase includes a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.