Gold's Gym vs Snap Fitness
Gold's Gym vs Snap Fitness: Gold's Gym costs $1.5M–$3.6M to open; Snap Fitness costs $431K–$1.1M. Gold's Gym has 173 units, Snap Fitness has 228. SBA loan history: Gold's Gym = 242 loans (11.2% default); Snap Fitness = 323 loans (8.4% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 49/100 | 59/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 242 | 323 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 11.2% | 8.4% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $1.5M – $3.6M | $431K – $1.1M |
Franchise Fee | $20K | $40K |
Royalty Rate | 5% | 8% |
Ad Fund | 2% | 3% |
Liquid Capital | $1.0M | $100K |
Net Worth Required | $1.0M | $250K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 173 | 228 |
Franchised Units | 173 | 228 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1965 | 2003 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 2004 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 22 yrs |
Headquarters | SANTA MARIA, CA | Woodbury, MN |
Category | Fitness | Fitness |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Which Is Better — Gold's Gym or Snap Fitness?
Lower upfront capital required
Snap Fitness
Gold's Gym: $1.5M starting · Snap Fitness: $431K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Snap Fitness
Gold's Gym: 242 SBA loans · Snap Fitness: 323 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Snap Fitness
Gold's Gym: 11.2% · Snap Fitness: 8.4%
Larger system & brand presence
Snap Fitness
Gold's Gym: 173 units · Snap Fitness: 228 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Gold's Gym
Gold's Gym: 5% · Snap Fitness: 8%
More lender financing options
Snap Fitness
Gold's Gym: 123 unique lenders · Snap Fitness: 148 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation — your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Gold's Gym vs Snap Fitness: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Gold's Gym and Snap Fitness is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $431K to $3.6M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Gold's Gym with 242 SBA loans and Snap Fitness with 323. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands — not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice — consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.