The real cost of a gym membership

Compare a full year, not one number

A monthly advertisement is a starting point for comparison. Planet Fitness's national membership page, for example, separately discloses an annual fee and says prices vary by location. EōS also describes an annual membership fee in its FAQ. Check the checkout summary for the exact club and plan you are considering.

Our comparison method is straightforward: add 12 monthly payments, every mandatory fee due in the first year, enrollment charges and any required add-ons. Then include applicable tax. For a shorter stay, calculate the actual expected term and any applicable exit cost instead.

A worked example with fictional prices

Suppose a plan costs $20 per month, has a $50 annual fee and a $25 joining fee. Its first-year total is $315 before tax or optional extras: 12 × $20 + $50 + $25. That is an effective $26.25 per month. These numbers are an illustration, not a quote from a gym.

A competing $25 monthly plan with no other required charges would total $300 over the same year. This simple calculation can change which offer looks cheaper.

Keep unknown charges visible

Do not treat an undisclosed fee as zero. Mark it as unconfirmed until the club supplies the answer. Save the dated checkout terms so you know whether a promotion is introductory and when the regular rate begins.

• Confirm the selected club and membership tier.
• Check annual-fee timing and whether another fee can fall in your comparison period.
• Ask about payment-method differences and mandatory add-ons.
• Include classes, childcare or training only when you actually intend to buy them.
• Read the commitment and cancellation terms before paying.