How much does it cost to open a medspa?
Thinking of opening a medical spa? Want to get a sense of your medspa startup costs? Read on for an overview of those costs and a free handy calculator.
The spa business is booming. Medical spas (medispas) are the fastest growing segment for salons and spa businesses in 2025. But how much does it cost to open a medspa? If you're an MD or a beauty professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, here is a guide to help you.
Is opening a medspa a good idea? Here are some stats:
- The affordable spa segment captured the biggest market share of 55% in 2024.
- The luxury spa products segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.94%
- The hotel/resort spas segment generated a major market share of 30% in 2024.
No matter which you choose, there are costs and risks associated with opening your own spa or medspa. Here is a list of cost considerations to help you estimate medspa start-up costs.
1. Location: The biggest factor of your medspa costs
Where you decide to place your business will impact both your initial investment and your ongoing expenses. Obviously, real estate costs a lot more in midtown Manhattan than in a midwestern suburban mall.
Here are some location-related cost considerations:
- Lease or purchase of property
- Renovation costs
- Licenses and permits
- Company incorporation
Also, consider the market environment. In an area with a strong demand for medical aesthetics, the higher business volume could offset your initial outlay more quickly.
2. Setup: Crafting your medspa’s aesthetic and functional space
After securing the perfect location, the next step is to create an inviting space that captures the right vibe for your brand – and your clients.
Determine your spend with a balance of visual aesthetics and practicality:
- Furniture
- Interior design
- Signage
- Operational supplies
The initial investment in your medspa’s physical space will help you set the tone for an enriching experience for all: clients, clinicians, and staff.
3. The right tools: Medical spa equipment costs
The physical and financial backbone of any medical spa is, of course, the equipment. From treatment chairs to skincare tools, each piece contributes to successful service delivery.
For equipment costs, consider these line items:
- Initial purchase or lease of equipment
- Start-up product inventory
- Warranty and service agreements
As you consider the tangible equipment you’ll need to start your medspa, give thought to an intangible that’s just as important: business management software. It will impact the way you run your entire operation, so choose wisely. Consider software options that make it easier for you to manage the day, and your clients to book and stay connected to your medspa.
- Research potential suppliers online and review their background and history.
- Check customer reviews and testimonials for insights on product quality and service.
- Ask for recommendations from industry peers or online forums dedicated to medspa businesses.
- Verify supplier certifications and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Attend trade shows and networking events to connect with reputable suppliers face-to-face.
- Place trial orders to assess product quality and supplier reliability.
- Gauge customer service responsiveness to ensure timely support and assistance.
- Compare pricing, warranty options, and after-sale support to secure the best value for your investment.
4. Getting the word out: Branding, marketing, and promotions
Your branding and marketing strategies serve a dual role when your clinic opens: they attract early clientele and help cement your presence in the market.
Key marketing costs include:
- Logo design and branding
- Website development, including domain registration
- Online advertising
- Printed materials and signage
Your initial marketing gets the word out. Then, more targeted efforts down the road help you retain clients, build out visit frequency, and grow your business over time.
Related: Looking to retool your medspa marketing strategies? Get 5 essential medspa marketing ideas other than advertising.
5. Crunching the final numbers: How much will it cost to open your medspa?
What’s the best way to break it down? Here’s a basic equation to get you started:
Up-front expenses = ([Lease/Property Costs] + [Set-up Costs] + [Equipment Costs] + [Marketing Expenses])
To quickly estimate these start-up costs, here’s a free calculator you can download.
Conclusion
Launching a medical spa is about combining a passion for aesthetics and people with a sound business plan. With plenty of grit, sufficient funding, and a strategic approach, you can bring your vision to life like St. George Med Spa, a family-run brand.
Begin with an understanding of medical spa start-up costs, a financial plan, and a commitment to excellence. The medical aesthetics world is your oyster – go find your pearl!
How much does it cost to open a medspa? Use our interactive calculator to get an estimate.
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