Planet Fitness vs Anytime Fitness Franchise: Cost & Investment Comparison

Planet Fitness requires a total initial investment of approximately $1,525,000 per unit according to its 2025 FDD. The franchise fee is $20,000. This is a large-format concept requiring 15,000 to 25,000 square feet of retail space, typically in former big-box retail locations or purpose-built strip center endcaps. The buildout is capital-intensive, including cardio and strength equipment, locker rooms, and Planet Fitness's signature purple and yellow branding throughout.

Anytime Fitness operates at a much smaller scale per unit. While the current FDD on FranchiseCensus does not disclose a specific investment range, Anytime Fitness locations typically require 4,000 to 6,000 square feet and a total investment estimated between $300,000 and $700,000 depending on the market and buildout condition. The smaller footprint means lower rent, lower equipment costs, and faster time to open.

The capital gap between these two brands is the defining factor for most prospective franchisees. Planet Fitness is a seven-figure commitment that requires either significant personal capital or SBA financing. Anytime Fitness is more accessible to first-time franchise investors.

Planet Fitness is built on extreme value pricing. Monthly memberships start at $10 to $15 with a premium tier around $25. The business model depends on volume: a typical Planet Fitness club targets 6,000 to 8,000 members, many of whom join but rarely visit. This low-utilization, high-volume model is the core economic engine of the brand.

Anytime Fitness charges higher monthly rates, typically $30 to $50 depending on the market, but serves a smaller member base of 1,000 to 2,500 per club. The value proposition is 24/7 access, proximity to home or work, and a more personal atmosphere than a mega-gym. Revenue per member is higher, but total member count per location is significantly lower.

Both models can produce strong unit economics when executed well. Planet Fitness benefits from scale and brand recognition driving consistent member sign-ups. Anytime Fitness benefits from lower operating costs and the ability to operate profitably in smaller markets where a Planet Fitness footprint would not be viable.

Planet Fitness has approximately 2,500 US locations and continues to expand, though prime metropolitan markets are increasingly saturated. New development opportunities are strongest in secondary and tertiary markets where the brand has not yet reached critical density. The large footprint requirement limits site availability, which naturally controls growth pace.

Anytime Fitness operates over 3,000 US locations and approximately 5,000 globally, making it one of the largest fitness brands in the world by unit count. Its smaller footprint means it can operate in markets and sites that Planet Fitness cannot, including rural communities, small towns, and dense urban neighborhoods with limited retail availability.

For franchisees evaluating territory availability, Anytime Fitness generally offers more open markets simply because its smaller format fits more locations. Planet Fitness offers more protected territory per franchise agreement, but the number of remaining greenfield markets is declining.

Planet Fitness clubs are not 24/7 in most markets and require staffed front desk operations during business hours plus cleaning, maintenance, and management personnel. A typical Planet Fitness club employs 15 to 30 people including part-time staff. The larger space and higher member volume create proportionally higher operating costs.

Anytime Fitness's 24/7 model relies heavily on key fob access and security cameras to enable unstaffed hours. Many Anytime Fitness clubs operate with just 3 to 8 total employees, including the owner-operator. This dramatically lower labor requirement is one of the model's strongest advantages, particularly in tight labor markets.

For owner-operators who want to be hands-on in the business, Anytime Fitness's smaller scale is more manageable. Planet Fitness operates more like a regional retail business that requires dedicated management infrastructure from day one.

If you have access to $1.5 million or more in capital and want a high-profile brand with a proven high-volume model, Planet Fitness is the category leader. Its brand recognition drives member acquisition, and its scale creates purchasing power advantages that smaller concepts cannot match.

If you are a first-time franchise investor looking for a manageable, lower-cost entry into the fitness industry with 24/7 convenience as a differentiator, Anytime Fitness offers a more accessible path. Lower capital requirements, smaller footprint, and reduced staffing needs make it a strong option for operators who want to stay close to the business.

Both brands are available for detailed comparison on FranchiseCensus. Review the full FDD profiles for each, and consider how the investment requirements align with your available capital and financing options before making a commitment.