Gym Membership Prices: A Cost Comparison of Every Major Brand

Regular exercise is one of the best investments you can make in your health. But access to fitness often depends on cost, and gym membership prices vary dramatically. Some gyms advertise memberships for less than a streaming subscription, while others charge as much as a car payment.

However, fitness is often worth the investment. It’s not just about building muscle or burning calories; it’s a cornerstone of whole-body health. Research consistently links regular exercise to a lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, as well as better mental health, stronger immunity, and improved sleep. In short, moving your body regularly is some of the best preventive medicine you can get.

Understanding what a gym membership costs—and what you actually get for your money—can help you make smarter health decisions. And in many cases, you can use pre-tax HSA or FSA funds to pay for fitness if it’s been deemed medically necessary for an individual by a provider. Let’s break it all down.

Average Gym Membership Cost in the U.S.

On average, Americans spend $65 per month (or $780 annually), but the actual cost depends heavily on the type of gym, the city you live in, and the level of perks included. Here are the typical price ranges:

• Budget gyms ($10 to $30/month): Popular gyms like Planet Fitness and Crunch are known for their ultra-low entry prices. These memberships often include cardio and strength equipment, locker rooms, and basic amenities. Premium add-ons may bump the cost closer to $25 or $30.
• Mid-range gyms ($30 to $60/month): LA Fitness and YMCA memberships fall into this bracket. These facilities tend to offer extras like group fitness classes, pools, basketball or racquetball courts, and childcare services. Many mid-range gyms also allow access to multiple branches, especially within the same metro area.
• Luxury gyms ($150 to $350+/month): Equinox and Life Time are positioned as overall health destinations. Membership fees cover not just equipment, but also high-end locker rooms, spa-like amenities, towel service, juice bars, and a packed schedule of boutique-style classes. At some locations, costs can climb to more than $350 per month, particularly in major cities like New York or Los Angeles.
• Boutique studios ($100 to $500+/month): Brands like Orangetheory and Barry’s typically price memberships per class pack or unlimited monthly access. While the per-class cost can be steep (often $20 to $50 each), many people value the small-group environment, coaching, and community vibe these studios provide.

On top of the advertised monthly rate, there are hidden costs to factor in, including:

• Initiation or enrollment fees: These can run you $0 to $100+ upfront, though they’re often negotiable.
• Annual maintenance fees: You may have to $40 to $100+ annually to cover facility upkeep.
• Early cancellation penalties: Some gyms require 12-month contracts and charge fees if you leave early.
• Personal training packages: This add-on can cost $100 or more per session, which can quickly add up if bundled into a membership.

All told, the average gym membership cost is more than just the monthly fee—it’s the combination of base pricing, amenities, and extra charges that determines what you’ll actually pay over the course of a year.

Price Comparison: Major Gym Brands

Gym membership prices differ dramatically between brands. To help you compare, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay at the most popular gyms.

Planet Fitness

One of the most affordable national chains, Planet Fitness offers an entry-level “Classic” plan for $15 to $20 per month. It grants you unlimited access to your home gym location, along with online and group fitness classes.

The upgraded Black Card membership is $24.99 to $30 per month before taxes and fees, and includes additional perks like access to all locations and the ability to bring a guest.

No matter your membership, expect an annual $49 maintenance fee and enrollment charges that vary from $0 to $60, depending on promotions.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch offers memberships starting around $10 per month for single-club access. Their higher tiers (“Peak” and “Peak Results” memberships) range from $20 to $30, and include multi-club access, group fitness classes, and guest passes.

You’ll need to pay an enrollment fee upfront, which ranges from $0.01 to $75, depending on your location and any applicable promotions.

LA Fitness

LA Fitness falls into the mid-range category, with memberships averaging $40 to $50 per month. “Basic” memberships give you access to one home glub, while the “Premier” membership allows unlimited access to clubs nationwide, along with guest passes. One-time enrollment fees cost between $0 and $99, and annual dues cost another $59 per year.

Most clubs include extras like pools, basketball or racquetball courts, and childcare services, which make the higher cost worthwhile for families or multi-sport athletes.

Anytime Fitness

Memberships at Anytime Fitness average $53 per month, ranging from $40 to $70 by location. You’ll also have to pay an enrollment fee ranging from $50 to $169.

The biggest selling point is 24/7 access and the ability to use any location worldwide, which adds convenience for frequent travelers. Equipment and amenities vary from gym to gym, but you can expect a range of cardio and strength equipment, private showers, and access to personal trainers (for an additional fee).

24 Hour Fitness

This chain offers 24/7 access, with memberships usually priced between $21 and $50 per month. The “Silver” plan provides access to a single location, while the “National” option expands benefits with nationwide access, group fitness classes, and extra amenities like pools, saunas, and basketball courts. The “Platinum” membership builds on that by adding guest passes.

No matter which tier you choose, committing to a one-year contract can save you up to 44 percent compared to month-to-month pricing. Initiation fees are minimal, typically around $1.

Gold’s Gym

Known for its strength training culture, Gold’s Gym memberships usually cost $45 to $60 per month, with initiation fees up to $59. Their “Single Basic” membership allows you into one club and all its equipment, while the “Platinum Club Access” membership gives you access to more locations, group classes, tanning and massage beds, pools, and guest passes.

YMCA

As a nonprofit community-oriented option, YMCA memberships average $42 to $77 per month for an individual, with a one-time joining fee that’s $0 to $110. You can also choose memberships that cover two or more adults or your entire family, typically for $100 to $138 per month.

Memberships usually include access to pools, childcare, and youth programs, making it a popular choice for families.

Equinox

Equinox is at the luxury end of the spectrum, with memberships typically ranging from $230 to $355 per month. The “Select” membership grants you access to a single club, whereas the “All-Access” and “Destination” memberships give you access to an increasing number of locations. You can expect an initiation fee that costs $100 to $500.

You can also upgrade to the premium E by Equinox experience, which grants access to exclusive E Clubs featuring elevated amenities like personalized training, expanded fitness class options, and luxury spa services.

All tiers include unlimited in-person and digital classes. Amenities include spa-like locker rooms, boutique fitness classes, pools, and luxury perks such as towel service.

Orangetheory and Other Boutique Studios

Boutique fitness models like Corepower and Barry’s are priced differently from traditional gyms. Expect to pay $100 to $550+ per month for unlimited classes, or up to $50 per class for smaller packages.

While the cost per workout is higher, many people value the structured, small-group environment and high-energy coaching. These gyms are especially appealing if you love a specific workout format—like high-intensity intervals, functional training, or treadmill-based conditioning—and want to stick with it consistently.

What Influences Gym Membership Cost?

Gym membership cost isn’t one-size-fits-all. According to Sarah Bowmar, CPT, a certified personal trainer and health coach based in Ohio, several key factors shape what you’ll pay:

• Location: “If you have a lot of gyms in the area, you do have the luxury to shop around,” Bowmar says. Gyms in large cities or affluent neighborhoods often charge more due to higher real estate costs and demand, while suburban or rural gyms may be less expensive.
• Contract length: Many gyms offer month-to-month memberships, but committing to a 6- or 12-month contract can lower your monthly fee. The trade-off is flexibility—cancelling early usually comes with penalties.
• Amenities: Services like pools, courts, free fitness classes, studios, and child care can start to run up your monthly cost, which is why Bowmar recommends assessing whether or not you’ll use these perks. Even within the same chain, a gym with more amenities may charge significantly more than a bare-bones location.
• Multi-site access: If you want to visit different locations—whether across town or across the country—you’ll likely pay extra. For frequent travelers or people who move between cities, this perk can be worth the upgrade.
• Seasonal deals: New Year’s is a great time to get a deal at a gym, as gyms often run promotions in January to capture resolution-driven demand. Discounts may also pop up during back-to-school season, summer slowdowns, or at the end of the month when sales reps are trying to hit quotas.
• Discounts: Many gyms offer reduced rates for students, seniors, veterans, and educators, so always ask if you qualify before signing up.

How to Find the Best Gym Membership Deal

The sticker price you see advertised isn’t always what you’ll end up paying for a gym membership. With the right timing and a little negotiating, you can often bring costs down. These are Bowmar’s best strategies for saving:

• Join in January: Clubs know people are motivated by resolutions, so they roll out their biggest discounts in the new year. You may see waived enrollment fees, lower monthly rates, or add-on perks like free training sessions.
• Ask about discounts: Many gyms offer special rates for students, seniors, veterans, educators, or families. Corporate health programs are another common way to save. Some gyms also offer sales or promos throughout the year, so keep your eye out for these deals.
• Negotiate fees: Don’t be afraid to ask about promotions or fee reductions. Enrollment charges and annual maintenance fees are often flexible—especially if you’re willing to commit long-term. Some gyms also offer lower monthly pricing if you pay several months (or even a full year) upfront.
• Look for training promos: Personal training classes often go on sale, says Bowmar. Since training packages can be one of the priciest add-ons, buying them during a promotion can save hundreds over time.
• Try before you buy: “Most gyms offer a free trial,” says Bowmar. “While you’re there, get the full experience and check out the pools, courts, and classes.” Others may offer a day rate so you don’t have to commit to a full membership to check out the gym. Taking advantage of either of these trial passes helps you decide if the atmosphere, equipment, and amenities justify the cost.

Cheapest Gym Membership Options (That Still Offer Value)

If you’re searching for the cheapest gym membership, start with budget-friendly chains. These options keep costs low while still providing enough equipment and space for most people’s fitness goals:

• Planet Fitness: The Classic plan starts at $13 per month for access to one location, while the Black Card (up to $30 per month) adds perks like multi-location access, guest privileges, and use of massage chairs or tanning beds.
• Crunch Fitness: Similar to Planet Fitness in entry price, Crunch memberships start around $10 per month and often include group fitness classes—a perk that sets them apart from some other budget chains. Upgraded memberships ($20 to $30 per month) usually include multi-club access and expanded amenities.
• 24 Hour Fitness: Memberships typically range from $21 to $50 per month, with occasional enrollment fees. The chain offers 24/7 access, and many locations include group classes, though amenities vary.
• Gold’s Gym: Memberships generally cost $45 to $60 per month with a modest initiation fee. The brand is best known for its strength training focus, with upgraded plans that add perks like group classes and access to multiple locations.

For those on very tight budgets, many cities also offer local community fitness centers or park district gyms, which may run as low as $20 per month and often provide the essentials (cardio machines, free weights, and group classes). Some also offer free outdoor fitness classes, clubs, or programs.

Ultimately, Bowmar recommends looking beyond price alone: “When choosing the right one for you, I suggest weighing what’s available in your area, the price, the atmosphere, how much you will go, and the amenities and services,” she says.

In other words, the cheapest gym isn’t always the best deal—if you’re not motivated to show up, or if it lacks the features you need, even $10 a month can end up wasted.

Is a Gym Membership Worth It Compared to At-Home Fitness?

The pandemic normalized at-home workouts, from living room yoga flows to full garage gym setups. While home fitness offers convenience and flexibility, gyms still have unique advantages that many people find worth the cost.

Here are the pros of gyms, according to Bowmar:

• Access to professional-grade equipment: From squat racks and heavy dumbbells to specialized machines and pools, gyms offer tools most people can’t replicate at home.
• In-person trainers and classes: Having a coach nearby to check your form or a group class to guide you adds structure and reduces injury risk.
• The ability to "compartmentalize" fitness by going to the gym (vs doing at home): By having a defined spot to go exercise, some find it easier to adhere to instead of having equipment available “whenever” (which you can always put off) in a home gym setup.
• Accountability and social support: Simply showing up to a gym can strengthen consistency. Studies show that people are more likely to stick with exercise when it’s done in group settings, where social support and a sense of cohesion help keep motivation high.
• Amenities you can’t get at home: Think saunas, childcare, courts, and recovery areas. These extras can make a gym a one-stop health hub.

At the same time, here are the cons to consider:

• Higher cost: Even the cheapest memberships add up over time, while at-home or online workouts can often be done for free.
• Commute time: Driving to and from the gym can eat into your day, especially if it’s not close to home or work.
• Less flexibility: Unlike rolling out a mat in your living room, gyms have hours, peak times, and sometimes crowded equipment.

According to Bowmar, the real deciding factor is consistency: “Consistency trumps motivation. Being consistent will yield the discipline needed to accomplish whatever fitness goals you have.”

For many people, investing in a gym membership is the nudge they need to show up regularly. On the other hand, if you’re disciplined and prefer flexibility, home fitness can absolutely deliver results at a fraction of the cost.

Using HSA/FSA for Fitness Expenses

Good news: Your gym membership may be eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement if it’s prescribed as part of a medical care plan.

Under IRS guidelines, expenses that are considered “medically necessary” can qualify, which means that if your doctor recommends regular exercise to help manage or prevent a condition like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or high blood pressure, your gym membership could be paid for with pre-tax dollars.

You can browse a wide selection of eligible gym and studio memberships directly on the Truemed marketplace. If a membership you’re interested in qualifies, Truemed connects you with a licensed clinician who can, when appropriate, provide a letter of medical necessity (a note from a provider that verifies exercise is recommended for your specific health needs). With that documentation, you can use your HSA or FSA account to pay for fitness expenses.

This approach can reduce your effective gym costs by 30% or more, making it easier to prioritize your health without straining your budget. Put simply, the same gym that once felt like a splurge could suddenly become an affordable, tax-advantaged investment in your long-term health.