Where to Get a Cheap Mattress
Finding a cheap mattress doesn’t mean compromising on quality and comfort if you know where to look. The best places to score an affordable mattress are online retailers, warehouse clubs, discount stores, and furniture outlets. Additionally, seasonal sales and second-hand options can also yield excellent deals.
Online Retailers
One of the best places to find a cheap mattress is through online retailers. Companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and specialized mattress companies like Casper and Tuft & Needle offer a range of affordable options.
Amazon: Amazon’s vast inventory allows for significant price comparisons, often coupled with user reviews—helpful for making informed choices. Prices are generally lower due to a reduction in overhead costs.
Walmart: Walmart also offers mattresses at competitive prices. Their product range includes mattresses from well-known brands available in-store and online. The extensive return policy gives you confidence in trying out a new mattress.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Tuft & Needle and Casper: These companies sell directly to consumers online, cutting out the middleman and reducing costs. They offer high-quality mattresses at prices generally lower than those at traditional mattress stores. Plus, they often come with sleep trials, allowing you to test the mattress risk-free for a set period, usually around 100 nights.
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club are also ideal for hunting down a bargain mattress. These stores sell items in bulk or at lower prices compared to standard retail.
Costco: Costco members benefit from extensive discounts. The savings found on mattresses, especially during special promotions and seasonal sales, can be substantial. Additionally, Costco offers a generous return policy and warranties on many of its products.
Sam’s Club: Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club offers mattresses at reduced prices. Membership gives access to regular discounts and cashback deals, making it easy to find a good-quality mattress without spending a fortune.
Discount and Clearance Stores
Discount stores such as Big Lots and furniture clearance centers are great places to search for a budget-friendly mattress.
Big Lots: This retailer provides a variety of household goods, including mattresses. Big Lots frequently runs sales events, offering significant markdowns on many items. It’s a place to look if you want to save money but still obtain a decent product.
Furniture Outlet Stores: These stores often sell overstock or discontinued mattress models at deep discounts. It might take some hunting, but it’s entirely possible to find a high-quality mattress for a fraction of the original price.
Second-Hand Options
Second-hand mattresses can provide another budget-friendly avenue, although caution is necessary. Places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even Freecycle can yield good deals.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace: These sites allow you to negotiate directly with the seller, often resulting in lower prices. Be sure to inspect the mattress for any signs of damage, wear, or pests before purchasing.
Freecycle: This site features items people give away for free. While finding a mattress here might take some time, its selection changes frequently, and you might come across a good deal.
Seasonal Sales
Timing your purchase to coincide with major sales events can lead to substantial savings.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These annual events usually feature massive discounts on mattresses from many retailers—both online and in-store. Start monitoring deals ahead of time to catch the best offers once the sales begin.
Presidents’ Day and Labor Day: Many stores offer significant discounts during these holidays, making it an ideal time to buy a new mattress. Keep an eye on flyers and online advertisements in the weeks leading up to these sales events.
Year-End Clearance: Retailers often clear out inventory at the end of the year to make room for new stock. This is another excellent time to find deals on quality mattresses.
Considerations When Shopping for a Cheap Mattress
When shopping for a budget-friendly mattress, there are several considerations to ensure you select a product that offers value without compromising comfort.
Material and Type: Different types of mattresses, such as memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid, have varying price points. Memory foam mattresses often provide good value for money due to their comfort and durability, while innerspring mattresses might be more affordable but offer different levels of support.
Size: The size of the mattress can significantly impact the price. A twin or full mattress typically costs less than a queen or king size. Assess your needs and the space available to decide the suitable size.
Return Policy and Warranty: Always check the return policy and warranty before making a purchase. A favorable return policy allows you to test the mattress at home and return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations. A good warranty is a sign of trustworthiness from the manufacturer.
Finishing Thoughts
Finding a cheap mattress doesn’t necessarily mean settling for inferior quality. By exploring a wide range of options from online retailers, warehouse clubs, and discount stores, along with timing your purchase to coincide with sales events, you can secure a comfortable and durable mattress that fits your budget. Keep an eye on second-hand options for even greater savings, but always prioritize hygiene and safety. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
