Planet Fitness vs Subway Franchise Cost 2026
Planet Fitness runs $1.6M–$4.5M. Subway runs $229K–$522K. The gap at midpoint: $2.7M.
Planet Fitness
$1.6M–$4.5M
total investment
Investment Difference
$2.7M
Subway costs less
Subway
$229K–$522K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Planet Fitness | Subway | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $1.6M–$4.5M | $229K–$522K | Subway |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $15,000 | Subway |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 8.0% | Planet Fitness |
| Ad Fund Fee | 7.0% | 4.5% | Subway |
| Net Worth Required | $3.0M | $100K | Subway |
| Liquid Capital | $800K | $100K | Subway |
| Est. Break-Even | 72.1 yr | N/A | — |
Planet Fitness Profile
- Category
- fitness
- Total Investment
- $1.6M–$4.5M
- Franchise Fee
- $20,000
- Royalty
- 7.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $4.2M
Subway Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $229K–$522K
- Franchise Fee
- $15,000
- Royalty
- 8.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $430K
Bottom Line
Subway costs $2.7M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Planet Fitness also wins on royalty rate.