How Much Is a Murphy Bed? What Most People Get Wrong About the Cost

Honestly, the price of a Murphy bed is kind of like the price of a car. You can find a beat-up sedan for $500 or a luxury SUV for $80,000. When people ask "how much is a murphy bed," they’re usually hoping for a single number, but the reality is a massive range from **$400 to over $10,000**.

Most of us aren’t looking for a $10,000 museum piece, though. You probably just want to turn that cramped home office into a guest room without it looking like a dorm.

The Real Numbers: A Breakdown by Budget

If you’re just starting your search, you'll see a lot of low-ball prices on Amazon or Wayfair. You've got to be careful there. I’ve seen those $400 "deals" literally fall apart because they're made of flimsy particleboard that can't handle the tension of the springs.

Here is what the market actually looks like right now:

• The "Budget" Tier ($400 – $1,200): Usually DIY kits or beds made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard). They work for a while, but they aren't meant for daily use. If you’re putting this in a cabin you visit once a year, fine. If it’s for your nightly sleep? Skip it.
• The "Sweet Spot" ($1,500 – $3,500): This is where most people land. You get decent plywood or solid wood accents, a reliable piston mechanism, and maybe some basic shelving. Brands like Bestar or Lori Beds live in this neighborhood.
• The "Luxury/Custom" Tier ($4,000 – $10,000+): This is the California Closets or Wilding Wallbeds territory. We're talking solid hardwoods, integrated desks that stay level when the bed drops, and LED lighting. It’s basically a full room renovation.

Size Matters (But Not as Much as You Think)

You’d think a King would be double the price of a Twin. Not really. Most of the cost is in the cabinet and the heavy-duty lifting mechanism. A Queen Murphy bed usually only costs about $200 to $500 more than a Twin. If you have the wall space, just go for the Queen. Your guests' backs will thank you.

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Why are some Murphy beds so expensive?

It's the "Lift." That’s the short answer.

The mechanism that prevents a 200-pound wooden frame from crushing you is expensive to engineer. You have two main types:

1. Piston/Hydraulic Systems: These are the smooth ones. You pull, and it glides. These add a premium to the price because they use gas-charged cylinders.
2. Spring Mechanisms: Older tech, but very reliable. They can be a bit noisier and harder to adjust, but they often save you a few hundred bucks.

Materials also play a huge role. Particleboard is cheap because it's basically sawdust and glue. It doesn't hold screws well over time. Since Murphy beds are constantly moving and under tension, those screws can pull out. Solid wood or high-grade plywood (like Baltic Birch) costs more upfront but won't collapse on you in three years.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

The "sticker price" is rarely the final price. Don't forget these three "gotchas":

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The Mattress ($300 – $1,000)
Most Murphy beds do not come with a mattress. And you can't just use any old mattress. Most frames have a 10-inch to 12-inch thickness limit. If yours is too thick, the bed won't close. If it's too heavy, the springs won't lift it.

Shipping and Delivery ($100 – $400)
These things are heavy. We're talking 300 to 500 pounds in multiple flat-pack boxes. Unless you have a truck and a very strong friend, you're paying for freight. Some companies offer "free shipping," but trust me, they've already baked that into the price.

Professional Installation ($200 – $600)
Unless you are confident in your ability to find studs and secure a heavy object to your wall, you should hire someone. If a Murphy bed isn't anchored correctly, it can pull away from the wall. That's a safety nightmare.

Is a Murphy Bed Worth the Investment?

Think about the cost of adding an extra room to your house. In 2026, a home addition can easily run you $200 to $400 per square foot. If a Murphy bed costs you $3,000 but saves you from having to move to a bigger house or build an extension, it’s a steal.

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It basically turns one room into two. That's how you have to look at the math.

Actionable Next Steps

Before you pull out the credit card, do these three things:

1. Measure your ceiling height: Vertical Murphy beds need a lot of clearance. If you have low ceilings, you'll need a "horizontal" (side-tilt) model, which usually costs about the same but fits better in tight spots.
2. Check your wall type: Most beds must be anchored to wood or metal studs. If you have masonry or brick, you'll need special hardware and probably a pro installer.
3. Audit your current mattress: Measure the thickness. If it’s a 14-inch pillow-top, you’re going to need to buy a new, slimmer mattress specifically for the Murphy bed.

Shop around during major holidays like Memorial Day or Black Friday. Most major retailers drop prices by 15% to 20% during these windows, which can save you $500 on a mid-range unit.