The Short Answer
Monthly operating cost for a typical 24/7 gym: $8,000-25,000/mo depending on size, location, and whether you have staff during peak hours. But here's the thing — the 24/7 part itself doesn't cost much. It's mostly access control hardware ($200-800 per door, one-time) and software ($89-188/mo).
The big costs are the same as any gym: rent, equipment, insurance, utilities. Going 24/7 actually saves money by reducing staffing needs. That's the whole point.
Fixed Costs (You Pay These Whether You're 24/7 or Not)
| Expense | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/lease | $2,000-10,000 | Depends on market. Most 24/7 gyms are 3,000-8,000 sq ft. |
| Equipment | $500-2,000 | If leasing. $10K-50K upfront if buying (used cuts this in half). |
| Insurance | $200-500 | General liability. 24/7 may increase premium 10-30%. Ask about unmanned hours coverage. |
| Utilities | $500-1,500 | HVAC runs longer but most gyms already climate-control off-hours to protect equipment. |
| Internet | $100-200 | Non-negotiable. Get a business line with SLA, not residential. |
The 24/7-Specific Costs
This is what you're really here for — what does it actually cost to go 24/7?
Access Control Hardware
Total per door: $200-800. Most gyms need 1-2 doors. That's $200-1,600 total — one-time, not monthly.
Access Control Software
| Platform | Monthly | Hardware | Billing Sync |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kisi (standalone) | $50-80/door | $749-1,099/unit | No |
| ManageMemberships | $89-188 total | Standard hardware | Yes — real-time |
| GymMaster | $89-249 | Proprietary | Yes |
The difference matters: standalone systems don't sync with billing. Integrated systems do — payment fails, door locks automatically. No manual intervention.
Camera System
- 4-8 cameras with cloud recording: $500-2,000 one-time
- Cloud storage: $0-50/mo (many systems include it)
- Cover: entrance, main floor, locker room entrances (not inside), parking lot
- Remote viewing from your phone — this is not optional for unmanned hours
Signage and safety: emergency contact posted (free), rules posted (free), panic button or emergency phone ($50-200 one-time), fire extinguisher ($20-50, you should already have this).
Staffing — Where 24/7 Actually Saves You Money
The whole point of going 24/7 is NOT hiring a night shift. Here's the math:
The hybrid model is what most successful 24/7 gyms run: staffed 40-60 hours/week during peak hours, unmanned the rest. Door access handles the off-hours. You're NOT paying $12-18/hr for someone to sit at a desk from 10 PM to 6 AM watching nobody work out.
Software Stack — What You Actually Need
The cost difference compounds: $100-800/mo in savings × 12 months = $1,200-9,600/year. For a detailed breakdown, see our best 24/7 gym software comparison.
The Real Monthly Breakdown
Here's a realistic P&L for a 24/7 gym with 175 members at $45/mo average:
Your access control and software is less than 2% of total operating cost.
It's the cheapest line item with the biggest impact on your ability to operate 24/7.
What Most People Get Wrong
"I need a fancy key fob system" — phone-based access (QR code or Bluetooth) is cheaper, more secure, and ties to billing. Fobs get lost, shared, and cloned for $5 on Amazon. Here's how to replace key fobs with an app.
Converting vs. Starting from Scratch
- $500-2,000 for hardware + installation
- Can be done in 1-2 weeks
- Do a 2-week pilot with extended hours first
- Then go full 24/7
- Factor 24/7 into your lease (confirm with landlord)
- Wire door hardware during buildout (easier)
- Launch as 24/7 from day one
- Immediate competitive advantage
Either way, the 24/7-specific costs are a rounding error compared to rent, equipment, and staffing. See our 24-hour gym solution for more on getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
The 24/7-specific costs are minimal: $200-800 per door one-time, $89-188/mo for software. The real cost of a gym is rent, equipment, insurance, and staff — same as any gym.
Going 24/7 reduces your biggest variable cost (staffing) while increasing your value proposition to members. Members will pay $10-20/mo more for "anytime access" even if they never come at 2 AM. Lower costs + higher perceived value = more members at better margins.
Your access control software should be less than 2% of your total operating cost. If it's more than that, you're overpaying.
Smarter Billing, Better Control, Stronger Tools
Explore calendar billing, subscription management, automated door scheduling, digital waivers, reporting dashboards, and full member portal customization built specifically for gym and studio operators.
