I'm Gigi M. Knudtson, and for more than a decade I've advised individuals and families on lifestyle cost planning for high-commitment memberships, including private athletic and social clubs. In my experience, most people dramatically underestimate the true cost of joining because they focus only on the headline initiation fee.
This guide breaks down every realistic expense category, regional cost differences, and the subtle financial traps I’ve often seen surprise even careful planners.
A private sports club is a members-only facility offering structured athletic amenities such as:
Many also function as social clubs, with dining rooms, lounges, and event spaces. That hybrid model is why costs can escalate quickly.
This is your buy-in. It can range widely based on exclusivity, location, and waitlist demand.
Dues cover base operations. Expect:
Many clubs require mandatory spending per month or quarter.
Guests usually cost $25–$150 per visit.
These are surprise charges for renovations or expansions.
A critical lesson I’ve learned is that the clubs with the most polished sales presentations often have the most complex fee structures. Silence about fees is never accidental.By Gigi M. Knudtson, Founder
Purely financially, rarely. The value is experiential: access, consistency, community, and privacy. From a budgeting standpoint, it's closer to a lifestyle subscription than a fitness expense.
Yes. Dues typically rise 3–7% annually, and initiation fees often increase during high-demand periods.
Almost never. Some clubs allow partial resale upon resignation, but most initiation fees are non-refundable.
Occasionally during slow seasons or expansion phases, but established clubs rarely discount.
Yes. Family memberships often cost 30–60% more in dues and include additional minimum spending requirements.
Municipal facilities and semi-private athletic clubs offer similar amenities at a fraction of the cost, but with less exclusivity.