How Much It Costs to Start a Gym: Examples & Budget
Starting a gym can be a significant investment, with total costs varying widely based on the size, location, and type of facility you want to create.
For instance, a smaller, budget-friendly gym might require around $100,000, while a larger, fully-equipped facility with premium amenities could cost up to $420,000.
In this post, we’ll first explore real-world examples of how much it costs to start a gym by looking at a few gym franchises. Then, we’ll provide examples of startup costs for independent gyms, offering both low and high estimates with detailed breakdowns.
FREE GYM BUDGET TEMPLATE
This is our free budget template built for entrepreneurs who need to estimate their startup costs for a gym. We’ve included low and high estimate cost breakdowns. Free download.
Real Gyms Startup Costs Examples
Here are a few examples of the largest fitness franchises in the US and how much they actually cost.
The cost vary greatly based on the type of fitness club: standard gym, fitness studio, yoga studio, etc. Of course, the startup costs vary also based on the size of the gym you are looking to build.
Hopefully, these examples will serve as an example for you to prepare your budget.
Gyms Startup Cost Breakdown Summary
This template offers detailed cost estimates, allowing you to adjust numbers based on your specific business plans and budget.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate ($) | High Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold Improvements | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Gym Equipment | $50,000 | $200,000 |
| Technology & Software | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Marketing | $3,000 | $20,000 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Insurance | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Permits & Licensing | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Utilities Setup | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory (e.g., towels, cleaning products) | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Staffing Costs | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Contingency Fund | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $100,000 | $420,000 |
For more transparency we have listed out below a detailed overview of the largest startup costs involved with opening a gym:
Leasehold Improvements Costs for a Gym
The cost of leasehold improvements can vary significantly based on the size and condition of your gym space. For a smaller gym, you might spend around $10,000, focusing on basic renovations such as flooring, painting, and lighting. This type of investment is often enough to create a functional, no-frills environment for fitness enthusiasts.
However, if you’re planning to open a larger, more premium facility, leasehold improvements can climb to $50,000 or more. These costs may include more extensive renovations like custom flooring, advanced HVAC systems, and additional plumbing for showers and locker rooms.
This breakdown highlights the flexibility in leasehold improvement costs, giving you the ability to customize your gym based on your budget and business goals.
| Cost Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Interior Renovation | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Flooring (rubber, vinyl, etc.) | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Painting & Wall Treatments | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Lighting Installation | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| HVAC System Setup | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Plumbing (showers, bathrooms) | $0 | $10,000 |
| Electrical Work | $0 | $5,000 |
| Total Leasehold Improvements | $10,000 | $50,000 |
Gym Equipment Costs
Gym equipment represents one of the largest portions of your startup costs, and the amount you invest will depend on the type and size of the facility you’re opening. A small gym with basic equipment might spend around $50,000, focusing on essentials like a few cardio machines, strength training equipment, and free weights.
For a larger gym with a more diverse offering, the cost can rise to $200,000 or more. This would include a wider variety of machines, specialized equipment like rowing machines, and high-end strength training stations. The price of cardio machines alone can range from $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the quantity and quality of the equipment.
This breakdown allows you to tailor your gym’s equipment investment according to your budget and the specific workout experiences you want to provide for your members.
| Equipment Category | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio Machines (e.g., treadmills, ellipticals, bikes) | $15,000 | $60,000 |
| Strength Training Equipment (e.g., weight machines, racks, benches) | $15,000 | $80,000 |
| Free Weights (e.g., dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells) | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Functional Training Equipment (e.g., medicine balls, resistance bands, mats) | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Specialized Equipment (e.g., rowing machines, stair climbers) | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Miscellaneous (e.g., storage racks, mirrors, cleaning supplies) | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Total Gym Equipment Costs | $50,000 | $200,000 |
Technology & Software Costs
Investing in technology and software is essential for the smooth operation of a modern gym. A smaller gym might spend around $5,000 on basic systems like gym management software, a simple point-of-sale system, and entry control equipment.
On the higher end, technology costs can rise to $15,000 or more if you opt for more advanced solutions such as sophisticated member management platforms, high-end access control systems, custom fitness tracking apps, and a professionally developed website. This tech investment helps streamline operations, improve member experience, and enhance security and efficiency.
| Cost Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Gym Management Software | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Point of Sale (POS) System | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Access Control System (keycards, security gates) | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Fitness Tracking Software/Apps | $500 | $2,000 |
| Website Development & Maintenance | $500 | $3,000 |
| Total Technology & Software Costs | $5,000 | $15,000 |
Signage & Branding Costs
Creating a strong visual identity for your gym is crucial, and signage and branding costs can vary based on your approach. For a smaller gym, you might spend $2,000, focusing on basic exterior and interior signage, along with simple logo design and marketing collateral.
For a larger, more premium gym, costs can climb to $10,000, which would include high-end custom signage, comprehensive branding services, and professionally designed marketing materials.
| Cost Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Signage | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Interior Signage | $500 | $2,000 |
| Logo Design & Branding | $500 | $2,000 |
| Marketing Collateral (business cards, brochures, etc.) | $500 | $1,000 |
| Total Signage & Branding Costs | $2,000 | $10,000 |
Furniture & Fixtures Costs
Furniture and fixtures help create a welcoming and functional environment for your gym members. For a smaller gym, a budget of $5,000 may cover basic items like a reception desk, seating, mirrors, and storage units.
A larger or more upscale gym could spend up to $20,000 to incorporate premium fixtures such as high-quality locker room installations, decorative elements, and custom furniture. This investment enhances the overall gym experience and leaves a lasting impression on your members.
This breakdown provides flexibility to allocate your furniture and fixture budget based on your gym’s style and the atmosphere you want to create.
| Cost Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Reception Desk & Seating | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Locker Room Fixtures (lockers, benches) | $2,000 | $7,000 |
| Mirrors & Wall Fixtures | $500 | $3,000 |
| Storage Units & Racks | $500 | $2,000 |
| Decor & Aesthetics (plants, artwork, etc.) | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Total Furniture & Fixtures Costs | $5,000 | $20,000 |
