Find out average gym membership costs at Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Equinox, and more. Compare options. Free gym cost guide.
Gym membership costs range from $10/month at Planet Fitness to $300+/month at Equinox — a 30x difference for what is fundamentally the same activity. The most expensive gym is not always the most effective, and the cheapest gym you actually visit beats the luxury gym you avoid. Our guide shows real costs at every major gym chain so you find the best fit for your budget and goals.
Monthly membership rates: Planet Fitness: $10-$25/month — basic cardio equipment, no intimidation policy. LA Fitness: $30-$35/month — pools, basketball, group classes included. 24 Hour Fitness: $30-$50/month — 24/7 access, wide locations. Gold’s Gym: $30-$50/month. YMCA: $40-$80/month — pools, kids programs, community focus. Anytime Fitness: $35-$55/month — 24/7 access, smaller locations. Equinox: $200-$300+/month — luxury amenities, premium experience. CorePower Yoga: $100-$200/month.
5-year cost comparison: Budget gym ($25/month): $1,500 over 5 years. Mid-range gym ($45/month): $2,700 over 5 years. Premium gym ($200/month): $12,000 over 5 years. Basic home gym (dumbbells, bench, pull-up bar): $500-$1,500 one-time. Mid-range home gym (power rack, barbell, plates): $1,500-$3,000 one-time. Home gym math: after 2-3 years home gym beats gym membership cost for serious lifters. Gym wins for: variety, classes, social environment, pool access.
Cheapest gym options: Planet Fitness: $10/month classic, $25/month Black Card (brings guest, tanning, massage chairs). Most cities have locations. Anytime Fitness: some locations as low as $30/month. YMCA: sliding scale membership available for low income. Free options: many apartments include gym access free. YouTube and apps (Nike Training Club free, Peloton app $13/month) for home workouts. Employer wellness benefit: many employers reimburse $20-$50/month in gym fees.
Premium gym value depends on: Do you use the amenities? Equinox at $250/month is worth it if you use pool, sauna, classes and it motivates daily visits. Not worth it if you only use treadmill. Accountability factor: some people work harder because they paid more — sunk cost motivation is real. Better alternative: $25 gym plus $15/month fitness app achieves same results as $250/month Equinox for most people.
Gym cancellation strategies: In-person cancellation: most gyms require this even if you signed up online. Written notice: send certified mail as backup documentation. Timing: many contracts require 30 days notice — cancel before billing date. Annual contracts: break fee typically 2-3 months remaining dues. Moving clause: many gyms allow penalty-free cancellation if you move 25+ miles from any location. Billing disputes: dispute through credit card if gym charges after cancellation.
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