How Much It Costs to Start a Spa: Examples & Budget
Starting a spa can be a significant investment, with total costs varying widely depending on the size, location, and services you plan to offer.
For example, a smaller, mid-range spa may require around $155,000 to get started, covering basic leasehold improvements, essential spa equipment, and initial marketing efforts. On the other hand, a larger, fully-equipped luxury spa with custom interiors and premium amenities could cost up to $552,000.
In this post, we’ll first explore real-world examples of how much it costs to start a spa by looking at a few spa franchises. Then, we’ll provide examples of startup costs for independent spas, offering both low and high estimates with detailed breakdowns.
FREE SPA BUDGET TEMPLATE
This is our free budget template built for entrepreneurs who need to estimate their startup costs for a spa. We’ve included low and high estimate cost breakdowns. Free download.
Real Spas Startup Costs Examples
Here are a few examples of the largest spa franchises in the US and how much they actually cost.
On average, opening a spa franchise costs around $733,000, which reflects the scale and brand recognition of larger chains. These franchises typically require higher investments due to their established reputation, extensive marketing support, and premium service offerings. As a result, the costs for franchised spas are generally higher compared to smaller, independent spas, which may have more flexible budgets and lower setup requirements.
The cost can vary greatly depending on the type of spa and services offered, ranging from day spas to luxury wellness centers. Hopefully, these examples will help you better prepare your budget by providing insight into the scale of investment required for both franchise and independent spa operations.
Spa Startup Cost Breakdown Summary
This template offers detailed cost estimates, allowing you to adjust numbers based on your specific business plans and budget.
| Startup Cost | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Leasehold Improvements | $30,000 | $105,000 |
| Spa Equipment & Furniture | $40,000 | $150,000 |
| Technology & Software | $10,000 | $22,500 |
| Signage & Branding | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Initial Marketing | $10,000 | $37,500 |
| Inventory (products, treatments) | $10,000 | $45,000 |
| Insurance | $5,000 | $18,000 |
| Permits & Licensing | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Utilities Setup | $10,000 | $27,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Staffing Costs | $15,000 | $75,000 |
| Contingency Fund | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $155,000 | $552,000 |
For more transparency we have listed out below a detailed overview of the largest startup costs involved with opening a spa:
Leasehold improvements Costs
The leasehold improvements category includes costs related to modifying the spa’s physical space to meet operational and aesthetic requirements.
For smaller spas with basic setups, these improvements may focus on simple renovations like flooring and painting, costing around $30,000. However, for a larger or high-end spa, leasehold improvements could reach $105,000, accounting for custom-designed interiors, advanced plumbing, and HVAC systems.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for leasehold improvements:
| Startup cost | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring (vinyl, tile, etc.) | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Painting & Wall Treatments | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Lighting Installation | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| Plumbing (sinks, wash stations, bathrooms) | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Electrical Work | $3,000 | $15,000 |
| HVAC System Setup | $3,000 | $15,000 |
| Custom Furniture or Built-ins | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Decorative Elements (mirrors, artwork) | $3,500 | $10,000 |
| Total Leasehold Improvements | $30,000 | $105,000 |
Spa Equipment & Furniture Costs
The spa equipment and furniture category covers everything from essential treatment tables to luxury relaxation chairs.
For a smaller, mid-range spa, the investment in equipment and furniture may be around $40,000, focusing on essential items. However, for a larger or high-end spa, this investment could reach $150,000, including premium and custom-made equipment designed to enhance the spa experience.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the low and high estimates for spa equipment and furniture:
| Startup cost | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Tables | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Massage Chairs & Loungers | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Spa Treatment Machines (e.g., steamers, hydrotherapy units) | $7,500 | $30,000 |
| Nail, Hair, and Facial Stations | $7,500 | $25,000 |
| Reception & Waiting Area Furniture | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Storage & Display Units | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Other Accessories & Décor | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Total Equipment & Furniture Costs | $40,000 | $150,000 |
Technology & Software Costs
The technology and software category includes the essential systems that help manage a spa efficiently, such as booking software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
For a smaller spa, the investment in technology might be around $10,000, focusing on basic systems.
However, for a larger or high-end spa, these costs could reach $22,500, allowing for more advanced, integrated management tools, custom mobile apps, and enhanced CRM solutions to improve customer service and operational efficiency.
The table below provides a breakdown of the low and high estimates for technology and software:
| Startup cost | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Booking & Scheduling Software | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| Point of Sale (POS) System | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Website Development & Maintenance | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Mobile App for Booking | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Total Technology & Software Costs | $10,000 | $22,500 |
Signage & Branding Costs
The signage and branding category includes all the visual and identity elements that represent your spa’s brand, both inside and outside the facility.
For a smaller spa, the investment in basic signage and branding materials could be around $5,000. This would typically cover standard signage, basic logo design, and printed marketing materials.
For a larger or luxury spa, these costs could rise to $15,000, allowing for custom-designed signage, high-end branding services, and a more extensive marketing package that includes digital and physical promotional assets.
| Startup cost | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Signage | $2,000 | $7,000 |
| Interior Signage & Décor Branding | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Logo Design & Brand Identity | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Printed Marketing Materials | $500 | $1,500 |
| Digital Marketing & Branding | $0 | $2,000 |
| Total Signage & Branding Costs | $5,000 | $15,000 |
Initial Marketing Costs
Initial marketing is crucial for building brand awareness and attracting customers to your spa from day one. The costs for initial marketing can vary widely depending on your strategy.
For a smaller spa, around $10,000 may be allocated toward digital ads, local promotions, and a simple website launch.
In contrast, for a larger or luxury spa, an investment of $37,500 might include a more comprehensive marketing plan with a grand opening event, influencer partnerships, and a robust digital marketing strategy (including SEO and Google Ads).
Below is the breakdown of low and high estimates for initial marketing:
| Startup cost | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Advertising | $2,000 | $7,500 |
| Local Promotions & Print Ads | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Website Development & Launch | $3,000 | $7,500 |
| SEO & Google Ads | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Influencer Partnerships & PR | $0 | $5,000 |
| Grand Opening Event | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| Total Initial Marketing Costs | $10,000 | $37,500 |
