Planet Fitness franchise cost runs $1.28M-$5.39M per location. Full 2026 breakdown: $40K fee, 7% royalty, annual operating costs, and what owners actually net.
Quick answerA Planet Fitness franchise costs $1,282,500 to $5,386,000 total per the 2026 FDD Item 7, including a $40,000 franchise fee; the royalty is 7% of membership fees plus a 2% ad fund. Item 19 reports median revenue of $1,863,300 across 2,291 franchised units in fiscal 2025.
A Planet Fitness franchise costs $1,282,500 to $5,386,000 in total investment to open one location, per the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document parsed in VetMyFranchise’s database of 2,000+ FDDs. That range covers a $40,000 franchise fee, real estate build-out, and a full cardio-and-strength equipment package, and on top of membership revenue you then carry a 7% royalty plus a 2% national ad fund. Here is the part most cost guides skip. Planet Fitness almost exclusively signs multi-unit developers, so the capital you realistically need to get in the door sits closer to $5M-$20M+, not the single-unit sticker price. That gap between the sticker price and the reality of multi-unit ownership is where this guide spends most of its time.
Planet Fitness has fundamentally reshaped the gym industry by targeting the segment of the population that traditional gyms have historically alienated: casual exercisers, first-time gym members, and people who want a basic, affordable, no-pressure fitness option. With 2,432 franchised locations plus 270 company-owned gyms per the 2026 FDD, Planet Fitness is the largest gym franchise in America by location count.
The model is built on high volume and low price: memberships start at $10 per month (the Classic plan) or roughly $24.99 per month for the Black Card (premium tier with added perks). This pricing strategy attracts enormous membership bases per location, creating a recurring-revenue model that, when executed well, generates strong and predictable cash flow.
For prospective franchisees, Planet Fitness represents a substantial capital investment with a compelling long-term return profile, provided you understand the build-out costs, membership economics, and competitive dynamics.
According to Planet Fitness’s 2026 FDD, the total initial investment to open a new location ranges from $1,282,500 to $5,386,000. The wide range reflects significant variation in real estate costs, facility size, market conditions, and build-out complexity. That puts Planet Fitness at the high end of what it typically costs to open a franchise, where entry price swings from five figures for a home-based service brand to several million for a large-format gym.
| Cost Component | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $40,000 |
| Real estate & leasehold improvements | $500,000–$2,000,000 |
| Equipment (cardio, strength, etc.) | $400,000–$900,000 |
| Signage (exterior & interior) | $50,000–$200,000 |
| Technology & POS systems | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Pre-opening marketing | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Working capital | $200,000–$500,000 |
| Additional costs | $100,000–$400,000 |
| Total initial investment | $1,282,500–$5,386,000 |
Source: Data extracted from 2025-2026 Franchise Disclosure Documents filed with state regulators. Figures may have changed since filing. Verify current terms directly with the franchisor.
The largest cost drivers are real estate build-out and equipment. Planet Fitness locations typically range from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, requiring significant leasehold improvement investment to convert raw retail or commercial space into a functioning gym. Equipment packages (primarily cardio machines and hydraulic/selectorized strength equipment) represent the second-largest capital expenditure.
Planet Fitness is not a first-time franchisee brand. The financial thresholds, multi-unit expectations, and operational complexity require experienced operators or well-capitalized investment groups.
The 7% royalty is moderate for the fitness franchise segment. Some competitors charge more (Anytime Fitness charges 7% royalty plus fees), while others charge less; our Anytime Fitness vs Planet Fitness franchise comparison stacks the two fee structures side by side. The combined royalty and advertising burden of approximately 9%+ is a factor franchisees must account for in their financial projections. For the full schedule of one-time and recurring charges pulled straight from the disclosure document, see the Planet Fitness fee breakdown.
The FDD’s Item 7 covers what it costs to open a Planet Fitness. It says nothing about what it costs to run one. Based on the Item 19 median revenue of $1,863,300 and industry cost structures for large-format gyms, a mature location’s annual operating budget looks roughly like this:
| Operating Cost | Estimated Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Royalty (7%) + national ad fund (2%) | ~$168,000 on median revenue |
| Rent & CAM (15,000–30,000 sq ft big-box space) | $225,000–$450,000 |
| Payroll (lean, front-desk-centric staffing) | $200,000–$350,000 |
| Utilities (24/7 operation) | $60,000–$100,000 |
| Insurance, maintenance, local marketing, misc. | $100,000–$200,000 |
| Equipment replacement reserve | $40,000–$85,000/yr set aside |
| Total annual operating costs | ~$750,000–$1,300,000 |
Industry estimates, not FDD disclosures. Your lease terms and market labor rates move these numbers significantly.
Run the math against median revenue and you land at the 30-40% EBITDA margin cited throughout this guide, which is what produces the $350,000-$700,000+ estimated annual owner cash flow per mature unit. That owner-earnings math, not the sticker price, is the number that should drive your decision.
Two items in the FDD do most of the heavy lifting for a cost decision, and they answer different questions. Item 7 is the estimated initial investment (the $1,282,500-$5,386,000 table above). Item 19 is the financial performance representation, the section where revenue and, occasionally, cash-flow figures live. Both are mandatory disclosures under the FTC Franchise Rule, which requires franchisors to deliver the full document at least 14 days before you sign or pay.
The mistake first-time buyers make is reading them in isolation. A healthy-looking Item 19 average can hide a wide spread between top-quartile and bottom-quartile units, and Planet Fitness’s system skews toward large, mature multi-unit operators whose numbers a brand-new single location will not match for years. When you read Item 19, check three things: whether the figure is an average or a median, whether it covers all units or only a seasoned cohort, and whether it reports revenue only or actual owner earnings after rent, staffing, and debt service.
Item 7 tends to run the other direction and understate your true cash need. It leaves out your own living expenses during the ramp, and under an area-development deal it prices a single unit while your signed commitment obligates several. Reconciling the low end of Item 7 against the spread in Item 19 is the core of honest diligence, and it is the same reconciliation that ultimately answers whether Planet Fitness is a good franchise for your capital and risk tolerance. Our Planet Fitness FDD analysis runs that comparison straight from the source documents.
Planet Fitness’s revenue model is fundamentally different from traditional gyms. Rather than relying on a small number of high-paying members ($50-150/month), Planet Fitness attracts a massive base of low-cost members.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | ~$10/month | Basic gym access, one home location |
| Black Card | ~$24.99/month | All-location access, guest privileges, massage chairs, tanning, discounts |
Estimates compiled from industry sources; verify current figures in the brand’s FDD before relying on them.
A mature Planet Fitness location typically maintains 6,000 to 10,000+ members. Some high-performing locations exceed 12,000 members. This membership density is possible because of a concept central to Planet Fitness’s model: low utilization rates.
Most Planet Fitness members don’t visit the gym frequently. Industry data suggests the average Planet Fitness member visits approximately 4-6 times per month, and a significant percentage of members rarely or never visit. At $10-25/month, many members view the cost as low enough to maintain “just in case,” similar to a streaming subscription they rarely use.
This low utilization rate is actually a feature of the business model, not a bug. It allows Planet Fitness to maintain high membership counts without overcrowding facilities, keeping equipment available for members who do visit regularly.
Based on Planet Fitness’s Item 19 disclosure and industry data:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Item 19 median annual revenue (fiscal 2025) | $1,863,300 |
| Item 19 average annual revenue | $1,803,265 |
| Item 19 25th–75th percentile revenue | $1,597,497–$2,170,135 |
| Reporting units in Item 19 sample | 2,291 |
| Estimated EBITDA margin | 30-40% |
| Estimated owner cash flow per unit | $350,000–$700,000+ |
Item 19 figures are from the 2026 FDD parsed in VetMyFranchise’s database; margin and cash-flow figures are industry estimates. Verify current terms in the brand’s FDD.
Planet Fitness’s recurring-revenue model produces significantly higher margins than restaurant franchises, where food and labor costs consume 55-70% of revenue. Gym operating costs are primarily rent, utilities, staffing (relatively lean), and equipment maintenance.
However, the upfront investment is substantial. At $1.28M-$5.39M per location, the return timeline is typically 3-5 years before cumulative cash flow exceeds total investment. You can model your own numbers against these ranges, adjusting revenue, royalty, and build-out assumptions, before you commit to a development schedule.
Considering Planet Fitness? The full 12-section FDD analysis covers Item 19 earnings, litigation history, fee footnotes, and a buyer verdict personalized to your capital and market: $49 per brand, or three brands for $99 if you’re comparing finalists.
Planet Fitness locations are typically found in:
Visibility, parking, and accessibility are critical. Planet Fitness targets areas with high population density and demographic profiles that align with its casual-fitness positioning (median household income $40,000-$80,000).
From lease signing to opening, a typical Planet Fitness build-out takes 6-12 months depending on permitting, construction, and equipment delivery timelines. Pre-opening marketing campaigns (typically 6-8 weeks) are critical for launching with a strong initial membership base.
Planet Fitness requires franchisees to maintain equipment to brand standards and periodically refresh or replace aging machines. A full equipment refresh can cost $300,000-$600,000+ and is typically required every 7-10 years. This ongoing capital requirement should be factored into long-term financial planning.
Planet Fitness strongly favors multi-unit operators. Most new franchise agreements involve area development deals requiring franchisees to open multiple locations over a defined timeline (often 5-10 locations over 5-7 years).
This structure means:
Existing multi-unit operators looking to expand or diversify their franchise portfolio are often well-suited for Planet Fitness development.
Planet Fitness’s low price point creates a unique retention dynamic. At $10-25/month, the decision to cancel involves minimal financial motivation. Most members simply keep paying. Average member tenure is estimated at 18-24 months for Classic members and longer for Black Card members.
This “sticky” revenue base provides significant financial stability. Even during economic downturns, Planet Fitness has demonstrated resilient membership numbers because:
The COVID-19 pandemic was the notable exception: temporary closures and health concerns drove temporary membership declines. However, Planet Fitness demonstrated strong post-pandemic recovery.
If the multi-million-dollar entry cost is the sticking point, weigh Planet Fitness against the fitness franchises you can open for under $200K, which trade PF’s scale and margins for a dramatically lower cost of entry.
Planet Fitness is best suited for experienced multi-unit operators or well-capitalized investment groups looking for a recurring-revenue business with strong margins and brand recognition. The capital requirements and multi-unit expectations make it unsuitable for most first-time franchisees.
If you have the capital and operational experience, the Planet Fitness model offers compelling unit economics, particularly the combination of high margins, predictable recurring revenue, and recession-resistant membership dynamics.
Before you commit, weigh the full Planet Fitness franchise pros and cons against your own risk tolerance, then compare it head-to-head with other fitness franchises and high-investment systems using VetMyFranchise to see which opportunity best fits your financial profile and operational goals.
The total initial investment ranges from $1,282,500 to $5,386,000 per location per the 2026 FDD Item 7, including a $40,000 franchise fee. Major cost drivers are real estate build-out ($500K-$2M) and equipment ($400K-$900K). As of 2026, Planet Fitness expects minimum liquid capital of $1.5M and net worth of $3M+.
Per the 2026 FDD Item 19, median annual revenue was $1,863,300 across 2,291 franchised units in fiscal 2025, with a 25th-75th percentile spread of $1,597,497 to $2,170,135. Industry estimates put EBITDA margins at 30-40%, which translates to estimated owner cash flow of $350,000 to $700,000+ per mature location.
Owner earnings depend on how many locations you run and how mature they are. A single mature location produces an estimated $350,000 to $700,000+ in annual owner cash flow, based on 30-40% EBITDA margins against the $1,863,300 median revenue reported in the 2026 FDD Item 19. Because most franchisees operate multiple units, total owner income scales with the size of the development schedule.
A mature Planet Fitness location typically maintains 6,000 to 10,000+ active members, with some high-performing locations exceeding 12,000. The high membership count is sustainable because of low average utilization rates. Many members visit infrequently or maintain memberships without regular attendance.
Planet Fitness strongly prefers multi-unit developers. Most new franchise agreements involve area development deals requiring franchisees to open multiple locations (often 5-10) over a defined timeline. Single-unit agreements are uncommon, making this franchise better suited for experienced operators or well-capitalized investment groups.
Planet Fitness charges a 7% royalty on gross revenue plus approximately 2% for the national advertising fund, totaling about 9%+ in ongoing fees. Additionally, franchisees must budget for local marketing spending and equipment replacement reserves, as equipment refreshes every 7-10 years can cost $300,000-$600,000+.
Expect roughly $750,000 to $1,300,000 per year at a mature location. The biggest lines are the 7% royalty plus 2% ad fund (about $168,000 on the Item 19 median revenue of $1,863,300), big-box rent of $225,000-$450,000 for a 15,000-30,000 square foot space, lean payroll of $200,000-$350,000, 24/7 utilities, insurance, and an equipment replacement reserve for the $300,000-$600,000 refresh due every 7-10 years. These are industry estimates. The FDD does not disclose ongoing operating costs, so build your own pro forma before signing.
For qualified multi-unit operators with the capital depth to fund an area development schedule, Planet Fitness offers strong recurring-revenue economics with 30-40% EBITDA margins, sticky memberships, and recession resilience at the $10-25/month price point. It is not worth it for first-time or single-unit buyers, because the brand rarely grants single units to new franchisees and the multi-unit commitment obligates you to open the full development schedule even if the first location underperforms. Match your capital and operating experience to that profile before committing.
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