Gyms Ranked from Cheapest to Most Expensive

Whether it’s to lose weight, build a little muscle or just to feel more fit, millions of people join a gym in their quest for a healthier, happier life.

Nearly 61 million Americans have a gym or health club membership, and that number has been steadily increasing since 2012.

As the number of gym memberships goes up, the pricing for memberships is also affected. Today gym memberships can cost anywhere between $10 to $200 per month. The fees add up, and currently, the health care industry is sitting at over $81 billion in revenues each year. With a variety of different gyms to choose from, which is the best for your lifestyle?

We are going to rank the top 10 national gyms in the United States and tell you not only their membership cost but what’s included in each gym. That way you can have an easier time choosing which gym is right for you.

1.      Planet Fitness

Photo: Planetfitness.com

We see Planet Fitness commercials all the time. This gym is known to be low-cost and catered to the normal, everyday person. They have strict rules when it comes to lifting weights and the clothes you decide to lift in. Many people see Planet Fitness as a relief from the typical gym since you won’t be hearing any grunting coming from people. Planet Fitness markets themselves as a “Judgment-Free Zone” which is great if you’re starting your fitness journey and a little self-conscience.

They also hold special events, like Pizza Monday or Bagel Tuesday, which seems counterproductive, but members enjoy it. Their gym includes a weight section, plus cardio equipment, the necessities you need for working out. Planet Fitness has over 1,500 locations worldwide, and its membership is commitment-free, starting at $10 per month. Usually, there is a sign-up fee that comes with getting a membership, but it depends on the time of year you sign up. The price can be as low as $1 or as high as $49.

2.      Orangetheory Fitness

Photo: Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness is relatively new to the gym world but still a great option. Orangetheory is more tailored to a person who wants a structured workout and being told what to do and when to do it. They offer HIIT workouts and cardio sessions that are sure to get your heart rate skyrocketing. They offer a variety of equipment like treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspensions, and free weights.

They have over 600 locations in the United States, and their membership is unique. If you want to do drop-in sessions it will cost, you $28. Membership pricing is around $99, but it does vary by location. Their membership is month to month, so there’s no contract. You can also purchase additional sessions at a discounted rate.

3.      Gold’s Gym

Photo: Gold’s Gym

Gold’s gym has been around for a long time. It was founded back in 1960 and is a full-service gym with cardio equipment, resistance training, group fitness classes, personal training, and a locker room. Besides workout equipment, they also have a shop, drink station, bar, supplement area, and nutritional products. They have a variety of fitness classes from kickboxing to yoga and have fitness tools to help personalize workout plans to you.

They have a smaller number of clubs than other gyms, but there are still over 700 spanning the United States. Currently, their membership fee is $29.99 with a monthly contract, or you can pay an entire year up-front. The enrollment fee is a doozy though, coming in at $100 when you sign up for your first month.

4.      LA Fitness

Photo: LA Fitness

LA Fitness may seem like it is only based in California, but it’s not. Currently, this fitness giant is growing with 690 gyms in the United States and 2 in Canada.  They offer group fitness classes, leagues, personal training, and a weight room. Their app helps keep you on track but also gives you information to reserve bikes for cycling or get some personal training.

Their membership fee is $29.99 a month for multi-clubs and an initiation fee of $99. If you want to skip the initiation fee, you can pay $39.00 a month for multi-club access.

5.      24 Hour Fitness

Photo: 24 Hour Fitness

24 Hour Fitness is your typical run of the mill gym. It is filled with free weights, deadlifting equipment, cardio stations, and personal training. If you love taking group classes, 24 Hour Fitness is filled with a good variety of class that promise to get yours in shape. There are over 400 clubs in the US alone that come with custom workouts and a kid’s zone.

Their membership fee is $31.99 a month for their basic package and increases depending on what you want.  Their enrollment fee can be as high as $99 or as low as $29.99, so look for when they have sales to get your best cost. Also, unlike other gyms, Costco has a unique 2-year rate for 24 Hour Fitness.

6.      Anytime Fitness

Photo: Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is unique compared to other gyms since they give their members a 24-hour all-access key card. With thousands of locations across the US, members can come in and get a good workout in at any time of the day or night. The gym offers a free personalized Get Started Plan with each membership and a fitness app with goal-setting option. The app provides over 1,100 workout plans to help establish bench markers and monitor your progress. They don’t have live, scheduled classes, but instead, they offer a virtual, customized, on-demand class help in a particular room via a large screen.

The membership price is currently $40 per month. There is an upfront enrollment fee of $50, but the company does offer a “No Member Left Behind” program. The program is designed for new members and allows them to get a free 30-day “get-started” program with two complementary training sessions, nutritional help, and a customized workout plan.

7.      Snap Fitness

Photo: Snap Fitness

Snap Fitness has over 1000 locations around the States, and their goal is to get fitter, faster. They offer cardio stations and strength training, plus functional training. Every day their website updates a daily 18-minute workout for a member to complete if they don’t want to create their workout. They also feature a MyFit app that gives you exercises always of the day.

Their membership fee is $44.95 per month but could go up if you wanted to add your partner or a family member. Their enrollment fee is $49, better than other gyms that need to be paid upfront when you join the gym.

8.      Curves International

Photo: Cur

Curves is a gym that mainly caters to women, but men are accepted to come to classes as well. Curves are more centered on group fitness classes that last 30-minutes, but the membership also includes circuit training, professions coaching, weight machines, and a supportive community. Their variety of classes incorporates cardio, boxing, and balancing, perfect for any fitness level.

Their membership fee is $50 with a $75 upfront enrollment fee. Some locations also require a six-month contract when you sign up.

9.      Crunch

Photo: Crunch

Crunch has been in the fitness world for a long time. They offer a judgment-free workout zone and promote positivity, inclusivity, and fun while working out. With a variety of different group fitness class, including cycling and yoga, you won’t get bored with your workout here. They offer a HIITZone and a training center that is full of weights and offers personal training.

Depending on your location, membership fees are between $80 to $100 with a $100 enrollment fee. Most of their memberships also don’t require a contract, but it depends on the location where you sign up.  

10.  Equinox

We all know what Equinox is. It’s the fancy gym that celebrities and models go to and cost about a million dollars to join. Not quite that much, but it’s still a lot. This high-end fitness center has a ton of amenities you won’t even feel like you’re at a gym. They offer personal training sessions, a variety of studio classes, an app to help track your performance, and the typical cardio and weight equipment. Besides that, they have a steam room, on-site juice bar, cold towels, and relaxation and recovery services. Plus they also have Kiehl’s products in their locker rooms.

Equinox is located around the US, but most locations are found in big cities, like Los Angeles or New York. They typically get super busy and crowded at peak times as well, so plan your workout accordingly. The starting membership fee is $185 per month for a single location but could go up to $500 per month for the premier experience. Their ignition fee is also pretty hefty, coming in at $500.


There are a variety of different gyms you can attend, all at various price points. Some gyms come with a better price and essential equipment, while others cost a bit more but boost the luxury lifestyle of a gym.

Article courtesy of flyost.com