Gym / Fitness Studio Startup Costs: Chicago, IL vs Memphis, TN (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of one-time expenses, monthly costs, and first-year budget adjusted for local cost of living.
Opening a gym / fitness studio in Memphis saves approximately $26,523 (19.6%) compared to Chicago in 2026, with first-year costs of $108,618 vs $135,141.
First-Year Savings
Memphis saves $26,523 (19.6%) for a Gym / Fitness Studio
$135,141 in Chicago vs $108,618 in Memphis
Chicago, IL
$135,141
First-year total (mid)
COL index: 107.0
Memphis, TN
$108,618
First-year total (mid)
COL index: 86.0
First-Year Budget Comparison
Mid-range estimates for gym / fitness studio startup
| Category | Chicago | Memphis | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Costs | $59,385 | $47,730 | +$11,655 |
| Monthly Costs x 12 | $75,756 | $60,888 | +$14,868 |
| Total First Year | $135,141 | $108,618 | +$26,523 |
One-Time Startup Costs
Upfront investment comparison (mid estimates)
| Expense | Chicago | Memphis | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $32,100 | $25,800 | +$6,300 |
| Licenses | $1,605 | $1,290 | +$315 |
| Renovations | $21,400 | $17,200 | +$4,200 |
| Software/App | $2,140 | $1,720 | +$420 |
| Sound System | $2,140 | $1,720 | +$420 |
| Total One-Time | $59,385 | $47,730 | +$11,655 |
Monthly Operating Costs
Recurring expense comparison (mid estimates)
| Expense | Chicago/mo | Memphis/mo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | $535 | $430 | +$105 |
| Insurance | $642 | $516 | +$126 |
| Rent | $4,280 | $3,440 | +$840 |
| Utilities | $856 | $688 | +$168 |
| Total Monthly | $6,313 | $5,074 | +$1,239 |
City Business Profiles
Chicago, IL
Chicago is a major global city and Midwest hub with a COL index of 107, higher than most Midwest markets but significantly below coastal peers like New York or Boston.
financial services, food & beverage manufacturing, logistics & trade
Chicago's dense transit network and varied neighborhoods create micromarket dynamics; a restaurant in River North faces very different rent and labor competition than one in Pilsen or Rogers Park.
Memphis, TN
Memphis has one of the lowest COL indices in the dataset with Tennessee's zero income tax and minimal employer mandates, making it highly cost-efficient for operations.
logistics & distribution (FedEx world HQ), healthcare, food processing
FedEx's world headquarters creates a massive logistics-adjacent economy; suppliers, customs brokers, and warehouse operators benefit from the global shipping network centered in Memphis.
What This Means for Your Gym / Fitness Studio
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107.0 while Memphis sits at 86.0 (national average = 100). This means every expense — rent, equipment, supplies, insurance — costs proportionally more in the higher-indexed city.
Over the first year, opening a gym / fitness studio in Memphis saves an estimated $26,523 (19.6%) compared to Chicago. The monthly operating cost difference alone accounts for $14,868 of that gap over 12 months.
These estimates use national average startup costs for a gym / fitness studio, adjusted by each city's cost of living factor. Actual costs vary based on your specific location, size of operation, and current market conditions. Use the interactive Startup Cost Calculator to customize expenses for your situation.
Explore Each City
Compare Other Business Types: Chicago vs Memphis
Tools to Launch Your Business in Chicago and Memphis
Track expenses, manage finances, and stay on budget from day one.
Track startup expenses, manage cash flow, and see where every dollar goes.
Simple invoicing and expense tracking built for small business owners.
Bookkeeping service so you can focus on building your business, not spreadsheets.
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