Starting Strength franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Starting Strength franchise fee is $39,950 and the total initial investment ranges from $237,033 to $712,503, with about $70,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Starting Strength FDD.
What are the Starting Strength franchise fees and investment?
The Starting Strength franchise requires a franchise fee of $39,950 and a total initial investment of $237,033 to $712,503. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $39,950 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $237,033 to $712,503 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $70,000 |
| US locations | 25 |
| Industry | Fitness |
| Headquarters | Eagle, Idaho |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Franchising since | 2018 |
How does the Starting Strength investment compare with other fitness franchises?
Starting Strength's minimum investment of $237,033 is above the median minimum investment of $202,548 across the 260 fitness franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 114 of the other 259 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $39,950 compares with an industry median of $42,500.
By minimum investment, Starting Strength belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Starting Strength FDD?
Verify six parts of the Starting Strength Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Starting Strength discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Starting Strength?
These fitness franchises have the closest minimum investment to Starting Strength:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Red Light Method | $50,000 | $235,750 to $472,750 |
| Sauna House | $49,500 | $235,070 to $712,020 |
| StarCycle | $20,000 to $40,000 | $240,025 to $464,900 |
| KickHouse | $49,500 | $241,200 to $454,500 |
| Pureflo Yoga | $20,000 to $30,000 | $231,314 to $355,353 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Starting Strength franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Starting Strength franchise ranges from $237,033 to $712,503, including a franchise fee of $39,950, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Starting Strength franchise?
Starting Strength lists a minimum of about $70,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Starting Strength locations are there?
Starting Strength reported 25 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Starting Strength been franchising?
Starting Strength started offering franchises in 2018 after the company was founded in 2018.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Starting Strength and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Starting Strength. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.