The best affordable gym memberships are Crunch Fitness, EōS Fitness, YouFit Gyms, Planet Fitness, and Blink Fitness/PureGym if you want a low monthly price with solid value. The cheapest option depends on where you live, but these gyms usually offer some of the lowest starting prices among popular fitness chains.
A budget gym can be worth it because you do not need a luxury club to build a consistent fitness routine. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week plus 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity, and a low-cost gym can make that easier to follow year-round.
Prices below are current as of April 2026 where official pricing is available, but gym memberships vary by location, promotion, taxes, annual fees, startup fees, and contract terms.
Best Affordable Gym Memberships: Quick Comparison
| Rank | Gym | Starting Price | Key Fees to Check | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crunch Fitness | Around $9.99/month at many locations | Annual fee, enrollment fee, local club terms | Lowest-price basic gym access with good value |
| 2 | EōS Fitness | $9.99/month at select tiers and locations | $59.99 annual fee may apply | Amenities at a low starting price |
| 3 | YouFit Gyms | $5 biweekly | Annual fee, enrollment fee, billing schedule | Very low entry price |
| 4 | Planet Fitness | $15/month Classic plan | $49 annual fee, possible 12-month commitment | Best nationwide budget gym |
| 5 | Blink Fitness / PureGym | Starting at $17/month | Annual maintenance fee and local contract terms | Affordable city gym access |
What Counts as an Affordable Gym Membership?
An affordable gym membership is usually a plan that costs under $30 per month before taxes and extra fees. But the monthly price alone does not tell the full story.
Before joining, compare:
- Monthly dues
- Annual fee
- Enrollment or startup fee
- Processing fee
- Contract length
- Cancellation rules
- Club access limits
- Guest privileges
- Class access
- Locker room and amenity access
The real number to compare is the first-year cost, not just the advertised monthly price.
A simple way to estimate it:
First-year cost = monthly dues x 12 + annual fee + enrollment fee + required processing fees + taxes
This matters because a gym that advertises $10 per month can cost much more after annual fees, startup fees, and required add-ons.
1. Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness is one of the best affordable gym memberships if your goal is low-cost access to cardio machines, strength equipment, and optional group classes.
Crunch says a basic monthly gym membership typically costs between $9.99 and $19.99, depending on location and the gym you choose. Crunch also says its Basic package has been listed around $9.99, while older Crunch examples have placed Peak around $21.99 and Peak Results around $29.99.
Why Crunch Fitness Is a Good Budget Pick
Crunch is a strong choice because it gives budget-minded members more upgrade options than many bare-bones gyms. A basic plan is usually enough for cardio and strength training, while higher tiers may include group fitness classes, multi-club access, guest privileges, tanning, or recovery amenities, depending on the location.
Crunch also notes that mid-tier memberships often add group fitness access, and its Peak and Peak Results memberships may include broader class access than the basic plan.
Best For
Crunch Fitness is best for people who want a cheap starting plan but may want to upgrade later for classes or extra perks.
Watch Out For
Crunch prices and fees vary by location. Before joining, check your local club for:
- Annual fee
- Enrollment fee
- Cancellation policy
- Whether classes are included
- Whether multi-club access is included
- Guest privileges
2. EōS Fitness
EōS Fitness is a strong affordable gym option in the markets where it operates. It often gives members access to more amenities than a basic low-cost gym, while still advertising very low starting prices.
EōS currently lists a $9.99/month starting membership for select tiers and locations. Its official promotion terms also say a $59.99 annual fee plus additional fees may apply.
Why EōS Fitness Is a Good Budget Pick
EōS can be a great value because many locations include a large gym floor, cardio equipment, strength machines, free weights, functional training space, and recovery-style amenities. Some clubs may also offer pools, saunas, cinema cardio rooms, group classes, or premium recovery options, but amenities vary by club and plan.
For the price, EōS often feels closer to a mid-range gym than a bare-bones budget gym.
Best For
EōS Fitness is best for people who want a low monthly starting price but care about amenities, equipment variety, and a larger gym environment.
Watch Out For
The lowest advertised price is not available everywhere. Check your exact location and read the checkout page carefully for:
- Annual fee
- Processing fee
- Add-on services
- Required commitment
- Cancellation notice
- Amenity access by membership tier
3. YouFit Gyms
YouFit Gyms is one of the cheapest gym memberships based on advertised starting price. Its official membership page says memberships start as low as $5 biweekly.
That sounds like $10 per month, but biweekly billing is different from monthly billing. Since there are 26 biweekly periods in a year, a $5 biweekly membership equals about $130 per year before fees and taxes, or roughly $10.83 per month when averaged across 12 months.
Why YouFit Is a Good Budget Pick
YouFit is designed for people who want a simple, low-cost gym without paying for luxury features they may not use. Its Basic plan focuses on the essentials, including cardio equipment, strength equipment, and turf or functional training areas where available.
YouFit’s membership page also shows higher tiers such as Premium and Premium+, which may include more amenities, group classes, small group training, guest privileges, or multi-club access, depending on location and plan.
Best For
YouFit is best for people who want one of the lowest starting prices and do not need a luxury gym.
Watch Out For
Biweekly billing can be confusing. Always calculate the yearly total before joining.
Also check:
- Annual fee
- Enrollment fee
- First and last payment requirements
- Home-club access rules
- Upgrade cost
- Cancellation rules
4. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the best affordable gym memberships for nationwide access and simple pricing.
Planet Fitness currently lists Classic memberships starting at $15/month and PF Black Card memberships starting at $24.99/month, billed monthly. Its official terms also state that memberships may include a 12-month commitment, state and local taxes may apply, prices vary by location, and a $49 annual fee applies.
Why Planet Fitness Is a Good Budget Pick
Planet Fitness is popular because it is widely available, beginner-friendly, and usually cheaper than many full-service gyms. The Classic plan is enough for people who only need access to one home club for cardio and basic strength training.
The PF Black Card costs more but may include access to all Planet Fitness locations, guest privileges, and extra amenities such as massage chairs, HydroMassage, tanning, or Total Body Enhancement where available.
Best For
Planet Fitness is best for beginners, casual gym users, travelers who want a large chain, and people who want predictable budget pricing.
Watch Out For
Planet Fitness is not the best choice if you need heavy barbell training, advanced strength equipment, or specialty classes. Also, some amenities are available only at participating locations.
Before joining, check:
- Whether the plan has a 12-month commitment
- Annual fee date
- Startup fee
- Home-club restriction
- Cancellation method
- PF Black Card amenity rules
5. Blink Fitness / PureGym
Blink Fitness remains a good affordable gym option in areas where locations are available. Blink currently advertises memberships starting at $17/month and highlights access to equipment and amenities without premium pricing.
There is one important update: PureGym has finalized its acquisition of Blink Fitness, and PureGym US describes the move as part of its expansion into the U.S. market. Readers should check the current club page because branding, membership terms, and plan names may continue to change during the transition.
Why Blink Fitness / PureGym Is a Good Budget Pick
Blink is a good option for people who want a clean, simple, affordable gym without paying for a luxury club. It is especially useful in metro areas where other gyms can be expensive.
Depending on the location, members may get access to cardio machines, strength machines, free weights, stretching areas, personal training, group classes, or recovery services.
Best For
Blink Fitness / PureGym is best for people in supported cities who want an affordable gym with a straightforward fitness floor.
Watch Out For
Blink/PureGym availability is limited compared with larger chains like Planet Fitness. Also check:
- Annual maintenance fee
- Contract length
- Early cancellation fee
- Multi-club access
- Local club transition updates
- Whether your club is still Blink-branded or already PureGym-branded
Other Budget-Friendly Gym Options Worth Knowing
These options are not in the top five for lowest general pricing, but they may still be useful depending on your situation.
Active&Fit Direct
Active&Fit Direct can be a strong value if you qualify through an employer, health plan, or participating organization. Its official site lists access starting at $28/month, and its eligibility page notes that people who do not qualify may be able to use Active&Fit Now for $32/month plus enrollment fee and taxes.
This can be a better deal than joining one gym directly if you want flexibility across multiple participating fitness centers.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is convenient because many locations offer 24/7 access, but it is not usually one of the cheapest gym memberships. Anytime Fitness says pricing varies by location, and its average monthly membership cost is $53. It also says club dues, monthly fees, and extra charges are specific to each independently owned gym.
This makes Anytime Fitness better for convenience than lowest price.
24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness may offer good value for people who want more amenities, but it is not always the cheapest option. Its official terms state that a $69.99 annual fee is required in addition to membership dues, with the first annual fee billed on the 15th day after enrollment and annually after that.
It may still be worth comparing if your local club has a strong promotion or better amenities than cheaper gyms nearby.
Hidden Fees to Check Before Joining a Cheap Gym
A cheap gym membership can become less affordable if you miss the fine print. Before you sign up, look for these common charges.
Annual Fee
Many gyms charge an annual fee in addition to monthly dues. Planet Fitness lists a $49 annual fee, EōS says a $59.99 annual fee may apply, and 24 Hour Fitness lists a $69.99 annual fee.
Enrollment or Startup Fee
Some gyms advertise a low monthly price but add an enrollment fee at checkout. This fee may be reduced during promotions, so it can be worth checking for limited-time deals.
Maintenance Fee
Some gyms use the term “maintenance fee” instead of annual fee. Treat it the same way: it is an extra charge beyond your monthly dues.
Processing Fee
Some clubs charge monthly processing fees or payment-related fees. These can make a cheap membership more expensive over a full year.
Cancellation Rules
Cancellation rules matter. In August 2025, the Federal Trade Commission sued the operators of LA Fitness and related gym brands, alleging that consumers faced difficult cancellation processes, including in-person or mail-based cancellation requirements and other obstacles. The case is a reminder to read cancellation terms before joining any gym.
Before signing up, ask:
- Can I cancel online?
- Do I need to cancel in person?
- Is written notice required?
- How many days’ notice do I need?
- Will I owe another billing cycle?
- Is there an early termination fee?
- Will I receive written cancellation confirmation?
How to Choose the Best Affordable Gym Membership for You
The cheapest gym is not always the best gym. The best affordable gym membership is the one you will actually use.
Choose Crunch Fitness If You Want Low Price Plus Upgrade Options
Crunch is a smart choice if you want a cheap basic plan but may want group classes, guest privileges, or multi-club access later.
Choose EōS Fitness If You Want More Amenities for the Price
EōS is a strong value if your local club has the amenities you want and the lowest plan is available near you.
Choose YouFit If You Want the Lowest Entry Price
YouFit is a good pick if the biweekly price fits your budget and the location is convenient.
Choose Planet Fitness If You Want a Simple Nationwide Budget Gym
Planet Fitness is hard to beat for beginners and casual gym users who want a familiar, low-pressure place to work out.
Choose Blink Fitness / PureGym If You Live Near One
Blink/PureGym can be a good deal in supported cities, especially if you want simple gym access without luxury pricing.
How to Keep Your Gym Membership Affordable
Use these steps before joining:
- Visit the gym during your normal workout time. A cheap gym is not useful if it is too crowded when you need it.
- Ask for the total first-year cost. Include monthly dues, annual fees, startup fees, and taxes.
- Avoid paying for amenities you will not use. If you only lift weights and use cardio machines, the basic plan may be enough.
- Check employer or insurance discounts. Some people can save through workplace wellness programs or fitness benefit programs.
- Ask about student, senior, military, or first responder discounts.
- Read the cancellation policy before paying.
- Take a free trial if available.
- Choose the closest good gym, not the cheapest faraway gym. Convenience often decides whether you stay consistent.
Are Cheap Gym Memberships Worth It?
Yes, cheap gym memberships are worth it if the gym is clean, safe, close enough to use regularly, and has the equipment you need.
A low-cost gym can help you build consistency without a large monthly bill. For many people, basic cardio machines, resistance machines, dumbbells, cables, benches, and a few open training areas are enough to support a full fitness routine.
However, a cheap gym may not be worth it if:
- It is always overcrowded
- It lacks the equipment you need
- The location is inconvenient
- The cancellation policy is difficult
- The lowest plan excludes important features
- You are paying for a membership you rarely use
Safety Tips Before Starting a New Gym Routine
If you are new to exercise, start slowly. You do not need to train hard every day to make progress.
A safe beginner routine can include:
- 2–3 days of strength training per week
- 2–4 days of light to moderate cardio
- Rest days between hard workouts
- A short warm-up before training
- Comfortable weights you can control
- Good form before heavier weight
Stop exercising and seek medical help if you feel chest pain, faintness, severe shortness of breath, or unusual pain. If you have a medical condition, are recovering from an injury, or have not exercised in a long time, talk with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new workout program.
FAQs About Affordable Gym Memberships
What is the cheapest gym membership?
Crunch Fitness and EōS Fitness often advertise some of the cheapest starting prices, with plans around $9.99/month at select locations. YouFit is also very cheap, with memberships starting as low as $5 biweekly. Prices vary by club, so always check your local gym before joining.
Is Planet Fitness still one of the cheapest gyms?
Yes. Planet Fitness is still one of the cheapest nationwide gym chains, but its Classic plan now starts at $15/month, not the old $10/month price for new members. It also has a $49 annual fee and prices vary by location.
Is YouFit really $5 per month?
No. YouFit advertises memberships starting at $5 biweekly, which means the charge happens every two weeks. That equals about $130 per year before fees and taxes, or about $10.83 per month when averaged over 12 months.
Which affordable gym has the best value?
Crunch Fitness may offer the best overall value if you want a low starting price with upgrade options for classes and perks. Planet Fitness is the best nationwide budget choice. EōS Fitness can be the best value if your local club offers strong amenities at the lowest tier.
What is the best gym membership under $30?
Crunch Fitness, YouFit, Planet Fitness, EōS Fitness, Blink Fitness/PureGym, and Active&Fit Direct may all fit under $30/month before taxes and fees, depending on your location and eligibility.
Are cheap gyms good for beginners?
Yes. Cheap gyms are often great for beginners because they usually provide basic cardio machines, resistance machines, dumbbells, and a simple workout environment. Planet Fitness is especially beginner-friendly, while Crunch and EōS may offer more room to grow.
Should I choose the cheapest gym or the closest gym?
Choose the closest good gym that fits your budget. A slightly more expensive gym near your home or workplace is often better than a cheaper gym you rarely visit.
What fees should I ask about before joining?
Ask about monthly dues, annual fees, enrollment fees, maintenance fees, processing fees, taxes, cancellation fees, freeze fees, and early termination fees.
Conclusion
The best affordable gym memberships are not just the ones with the lowest advertised price. The real value comes from a fair total cost, convenient location, clean equipment, clear cancellation terms, and enough features to keep you consistent.
For most people, Crunch Fitness, EōS Fitness, YouFit, Planet Fitness, and Blink Fitness/PureGym are the top low-cost options to compare first. Check your local club’s final checkout price, read the membership agreement, and choose the gym you can realistically use week after week.