Start a Business · Startup costs
How much does it cost to start a gym?
Estimate the all-in cost to open a gym, from a boutique studio to a full fitness center, including equipment, buildout, locker rooms, software, and launch marketing.
Estimated cost
$314,000
Typical range $266,900 – $408,200
- Concept & buildout$120,000
- Equipment$80,000
- Lease deposit + first months$20,000
- Flooring, mirrors & fixtures$25,000
- Locker rooms / plumbing$20,000
- Membership software + POS$4,000
- Permits & licenses$3,000
- Branding & launch marketing$12,000
- Working-capital buffer$30,000
- Total$314,000
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$100k to $350k is a full gym. Add equipment financing and payments.
How this estimate is calculated
- Equipment and buildout are the two biggest levers. Leasing equipment or buying quality used gear can cut the equipment line by half.
- A boutique studio (one discipline, small footprint, no locker rooms) is the cheapest way to open; a full fitness center with showers multiplies buildout and plumbing.
- Memberships ramp over months while rent is due from day one. Pre-selling memberships before opening is the classic way to fund the cushion.
- The range reflects how much your space, equipment choice, and locker-room scope move the total.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a gym?
A boutique studio can open for $50,000 to $120,000; a mid-size gym $120,000 to $350,000; and a large fitness center $350,000+, driven by equipment, buildout, and locker rooms. Use the calculator above to price your concept.
What's the cheapest type of gym to open?
A single-discipline boutique studio (e.g., strength, cycling, or functional training) in a small leased space with no locker rooms has the lowest entry cost, often under $100,000.
How can I lower the equipment cost?
Lease equipment or buy quality commercial used gear, and open with a core set you can expand as membership grows, rather than a fully-stocked floor on day one.