At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 1% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +10%/yr | +6%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 7.0% | 14.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Gold's Gym vs Planet Fitness
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Gold's Gym and Planet Fitness are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Fitness & Health sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Planet Fitness has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Gold's Gym has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Planet Fitness charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket. If passive ownership matters to you, Planet Fitness supports a semi-absentee model — you can hire a manager and maintain other income sources.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Planet Fitness leads with a 82/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $294K | $1.5M |
| Max Investment | $719K | $4.9M |
| Franchise Fee | $60K | $20K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | 7.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $2.0M | $2.5M |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 700 | 2,500 |
| Annual Growth | 10.0% | 6.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 1.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 71/100 | 82/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | 32 |
| Years Franchising | N/A | 22 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | $3.0M |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | $1.5M |
Operations
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 20 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 4 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Gold's Gym | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 1.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | 10.0% | 6.0% |
| Units Opened Last Year | N/A | 150 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gold's Gym or Planet Fitness a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Gold's Gym has 700 total units and a 71/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units and a 82/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Gold's Gym franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Gold's Gym franchise requires an initial investment of $294K – $719K. The franchise fee is $60K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Planet Fitness franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Planet Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.9M. The franchise fee is $20K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Gold's Gym vs Planet Fitness?
Gold's Gym's royalty rate is 7.0%. Planet Fitness's royalty rate is 7.0%. That means Planet Fitness has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Gold's Gym or Planet Fitness?
Gold's Gym has 700 total units. Planet Fitness has 2,500 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Gold's Gym or Planet Fitness semi-absentee friendly?
Gold's Gym is typically run as a owner-operator model. Planet Fitness is typically run as a semi-absentee model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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