How Much Does It Cost to Start a MedSpa in 2026? Complete Budget Breakdown
Complete cost breakdown for starting a medspa in 2026. Equipment, licensing, staffing, marketing, and operational costs for the US, Canada, UK, and Australia with ROI projections.
Starting a medical spa (medspa) is an exciting venture in the booming aesthetic medicine industry, but it requires significant capital investment. Understanding the complete cost breakdown helps you plan realistically, secure adequate funding, and avoid costly surprises.
This comprehensive guide covers every expense you'll encounter when starting a medspa in 2026, with pricing for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, plus ROI projections and financing strategies.
Quick Cost Overview by Medspa Type
Basic MedSpa (1-2 Treatment Rooms)
- US: $200,000 - $350,000
- Canada: $270,000 - $475,000 CAD
- UK: £160,000 - £280,000
- Australia: $300,000 - $525,000 AUD
Mid-Range MedSpa (3-4 Treatment Rooms)
- US: $400,000 - $700,000
- Canada: $540,000 - $950,000 CAD
- UK: £320,000 - £560,000
- Australia: $600,000 - $1,050,000 AUD
Premium MedSpa (5+ Treatment Rooms)
- US: $800,000 - $1,500,000+
- Canada: $1,080,000 - $2,025,000+ CAD
- UK: £640,000 - £1,200,000+
- Australia: $1,200,000 - $2,250,000+ AUD
Complete Cost Breakdown: Every Expense Explained
1. Equipment Costs (Largest Investment)
Equipment represents 40-50% of your total startup costs and determines your service offerings.
Core Equipment for Basic MedSpa:
Laser Hair Removal System:
- US: $50,000 - $80,000 (IPL) or $80,000 - $150,000 (Diode)
- Canada: $68,000 - $108,000 CAD (IPL) or $108,000 - $203,000 CAD (Diode)
- UK: £40,000 - £64,000 (IPL) or £64,000 - £120,000 (Diode)
- Australia: $75,000 - $120,000 AUD (IPL) or $120,000 - $225,000 AUD (Diode)
Microdermabrasion/Hydrafacial:
- US: $15,000 - $35,000
- Canada: $20,000 - $47,000 CAD
- UK: £12,000 - £28,000
- Australia: $23,000 - $53,000 AUD
Injectable Equipment & Refrigeration:
- US: $10,000 - $15,000
- Canada: $14,000 - $20,000 CAD
- UK: £8,000 - £12,000
- Australia: $15,000 - $23,000 AUD
LED Light Therapy:
- US: $8,000 - $15,000
- Canada: $11,000 - $20,000 CAD
- UK: £6,500 - £12,000
- Australia: $12,000 - $23,000 AUD
Treatment Beds (2-3):
- US: $8,000 - $24,000
- Canada: $11,000 - $32,000 CAD
- UK: £6,500 - £19,000
- Australia: $12,000 - $36,000 AUD
Sterilization Equipment:
- US: $6,000 - $10,000
- Canada: $8,000 - $14,000 CAD
- UK: £5,000 - £8,000
- Australia: $9,000 - $15,000 AUD
Basic Equipment Total:
- US: $97,000 - $179,000
- Canada: $132,000 - $244,000 CAD
- UK: £78,000 - £143,000
- Australia: $146,000 - $270,000 AUD
Additional Equipment for Mid-Range MedSpa:
CoolSculpting System:
- US: $80,000 - $150,000 (including 4-6 applicators)
- Canada: $108,000 - $203,000 CAD
- UK: £64,000 - £120,000
- Australia: $120,000 - $225,000 AUD
RF Skin Tightening:
- US: $40,000 - $70,000
- Canada: $54,000 - $95,000 CAD
- UK: £32,000 - £56,000
- Australia: $60,000 - $105,000 AUD
Fractional CO2 Laser:
- US: $80,000 - $150,000
- Canada: $108,000 - $203,000 CAD
- UK: £64,000 - £120,000
- Australia: $120,000 - $225,000 AUD
For complete equipment details, see our MedSpa Equipment List Guide.
2. Facility Costs
Lease/Rent (Monthly):
Basic Location (1,000-1,500 sq ft):
- US: $3,000 - $8,000/month
- Canada: $4,000 - $11,000 CAD/month
- UK: £2,500 - £6,500/month
- Australia: $4,500 - $12,000 AUD/month
- Annual: Multiply by 12
Mid-Range Location (1,500-2,500 sq ft):
- US: $6,000 - $15,000/month
- Canada: $8,000 - $20,000 CAD/month
- UK: £5,000 - £12,000/month
- Australia: $9,000 - $23,000 AUD/month
Premium Location (2,500-4,000 sq ft):
- US: $12,000 - $30,000/month
- Canada: $16,000 - $41,000 CAD/month
- UK: £10,000 - £24,000/month
- Australia: $18,000 - $45,000 AUD/month
Security Deposit: Typically 2-3 months rent
Leasehold Improvements/Renovation:
- US: $50,000 - $200,000
- Canada: $68,000 - $270,000 CAD
- UK: £40,000 - £160,000
- Australia: $75,000 - $300,000 AUD
Includes:
- Treatment room build-outs
- Plumbing and electrical upgrades
- HVAC modifications
- Flooring and finishes
- Reception area design
- Waiting room
- Private consultation rooms
- Staff areas
Furniture and Décor:
- US: $20,000 - $75,000
- Canada: $27,000 - $102,000 CAD
- UK: £16,000 - £60,000
- Australia: $30,000 - $113,000 AUD
Includes:
- Reception desk and seating
- Waiting room furniture
- Consultation room furniture
- Staff break room
- Product displays
- Artwork and décor
- Lighting fixtures
- Window treatments
3. Licensing and Legal Costs
Business Formation:
- US: $500 - $2,000 (LLC/Corporation)
- Canada: $700 - $2,700 CAD
- UK: £400 - £1,600
- Australia: $750 - $3,000 AUD
Medical Director Agreement:
- US: $2,000 - $10,000 (legal fees)
- Canada: $2,700 - $14,000 CAD
- UK: £1,600 - £8,000
- Australia: $3,000 - $15,000 AUD
- Monthly retainer: $1,000 - $5,000
Facility Licenses and Permits:
- US: $1,000 - $5,000
- Canada: $1,400 - $7,000 CAD
- UK: £800 - £4,000
- Australia: $1,500 - $7,500 AUD
Professional Liability Insurance (Annual):
- US: $5,000 - $15,000
- Canada: $7,000 - $20,000 CAD
- UK: £4,000 - £12,000
- Australia: $7,500 - $23,000 AUD
General Liability Insurance (Annual):
- US: $2,000 - $5,000
- Canada: $2,700 - $7,000 CAD
- UK: £1,600 - £4,000
- Australia: $3,000 - $7,500 AUD
Property Insurance (Annual):
- US: $3,000 - $8,000
- Canada: $4,000 - $11,000 CAD
- UK: £2,400 - £6,500
- Australia: $4,500 - $12,000 AUD
Legal Consultation and Contracts:
- US: $5,000 - $15,000
- Canada: $7,000 - $20,000 CAD
- UK: £4,000 - £12,000
- Australia: $7,500 - $23,000 AUD
4. Staffing Costs (First Year)
Medical Director (Part-Time Oversight):
- US: $24,000 - $60,000/year
- Canada: $32,000 - $81,000 CAD/year
- UK: £19,000 - £48,000/year
- Australia: $36,000 - $90,000 AUD/year
Nurse Practitioner or RN (Full-Time):
- US: $70,000 - $110,000/year
- Canada: $95,000 - $149,000 CAD/year
- UK: £56,000 - £88,000/year
- Australia: $105,000 - $165,000 AUD/year
Licensed Aesthetician (Full-Time):
- US: $35,000 - $55,000/year
- Canada: $47,000 - $75,000 CAD/year
- UK: £28,000 - £44,000/year
- Australia: $53,000 - $83,000 AUD/year
Front Desk/Receptionist (Full-Time):
- US: $30,000 - $45,000/year
- Canada: $41,000 - $61,000 CAD/year
- UK: £24,000 - £36,000/year
- Australia: $45,000 - $68,000 AUD/year
Practice Manager (Optional):
- US: $50,000 - $80,000/year
- Canada: $68,000 - $108,000 CAD/year
- UK: £40,000 - £64,000/year
- Australia: $75,000 - $120,000 AUD/year
Payroll Taxes and Benefits (Add 25-35%):
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Payroll taxes
- Workers' compensation
- Paid time off
Basic MedSpa Staffing (Year 1):
- Medical Director (part-time): $30,000
- 1 RN/NP: $85,000
- 1 Aesthetician: $45,000
- 1 Front Desk: $38,000
- Total: $198,000 + benefits = $250,000 - $270,000
5. Marketing and Branding Costs
Brand Development:
- Logo design: $500 - $3,000
- Brand guidelines: $1,000 - $5,000
- Total: $1,500 - $8,000
Website Development:
- Professional website: $5,000 - $15,000
- Photography: $2,000 - $5,000
- Content creation: $1,000 - $3,000
- Total: $8,000 - $23,000
Grand Opening Marketing:
- US: $10,000 - $30,000
- Canada: $14,000 - $41,000 CAD
- UK: £8,000 - £24,000
- Australia: $15,000 - $45,000 AUD
Includes:
- Social media advertising
- Google Ads
- Local print advertising
- Grand opening event
- Promotional materials
- Influencer partnerships
Ongoing Marketing (Monthly):
- US: $3,000 - $10,000/month
- Canada: $4,000 - $14,000 CAD/month
- UK: £2,400 - £8,000/month
- Australia: $4,500 - $15,000 AUD/month
First Year Marketing Total:
- US: $50,000 - $150,000
- Canada: $68,000 - $203,000 CAD
- UK: £40,000 - £120,000
- Australia: $75,000 - $225,000 AUD
For detailed marketing strategies, see our Private Practice Marketing Guide.
6. Software and Technology Costs
Practice Management Software (ClinikEHR):
- Monthly: $149 - $299 per provider
- Annual: $1,788 - $3,588
- Features included:
- Appointment scheduling
- Client records and notes
- Before/after photo management
- POS and inventory tracking
- Online booking
- Client portal
- Automated reminders
- Billing and invoicing
Alternative Software Options:
- Basic systems: $100 - $200/month
- Mid-range: $300 - $500/month
- Enterprise: $500 - $1,000+/month
Point of Sale System:
- Hardware: $1,000 - $3,000
- Software: Included in ClinikEHR or $50 - $150/month
Security System:
- Cameras and monitoring: $2,000 - $8,000
- Monthly monitoring: $50 - $200
Phone System:
- VoIP setup: $500 - $2,000
- Monthly service: $50 - $200
Internet and IT:
- High-speed internet: $100 - $300/month
- IT support: $100 - $500/month
First Year Technology Total:
- US: $8,000 - $25,000
- Canada: $11,000 - $34,000 CAD
- UK: £6,500 - £20,000
- Australia: $12,000 - $38,000 AUD
7. Initial Inventory and Supplies
Injectable Products:
- Botox/Dysport: $5,000 - $15,000
- Dermal fillers: $5,000 - $15,000
- Total: $10,000 - $30,000
Skincare Products (Retail):
- Professional lines: $5,000 - $15,000
- Retail inventory: $3,000 - $10,000
- Total: $8,000 - $25,000
Medical Supplies:
- Syringes, needles, gauze: $2,000 - $5,000
- PPE (gloves, masks, gowns): $1,000 - $3,000
- Disinfectants and cleaners: $500 - $1,500
- Total: $3,500 - $9,500
Treatment Consumables:
- Laser tips and handpieces: $2,000 - $5,000
- Hydrafacial serums: $1,000 - $3,000
- Microdermabrasion tips: $500 - $1,500
- Total: $3,500 - $9,500
Linens and Robes:
- Treatment linens: $1,000 - $3,000
- Client robes: $500 - $2,000
- Towels: $500 - $1,500
- Total: $2,000 - $6,500
Total Initial Inventory:
- US: $27,000 - $80,000
- Canada: $37,000 - $108,000 CAD
- UK: £22,000 - £64,000
- Australia: $41,000 - $120,000 AUD
8. Operational Costs (Monthly)
Utilities:
- Electricity: $500 - $1,500
- Water: $100 - $300
- Gas/heating: $200 - $600
- Total: $800 - $2,400/month
Waste Disposal:
- Medical waste: $200 - $500/month
- Regular waste: $100 - $200/month
Cleaning Services:
- Professional cleaning: $500 - $1,500/month
Maintenance and Repairs:
- Equipment maintenance: $500 - $2,000/month
- Facility maintenance: $300 - $1,000/month
Office Supplies:
- Paper, pens, forms: $200 - $500/month
Professional Development:
- Training and conferences: $500 - $2,000/month
Total Monthly Operational:
- US: $3,100 - $10,100/month
- Annual: $37,200 - $121,200
9. Working Capital (First 6 Months)
You need cash reserves to cover expenses while building your client base.
Recommended Working Capital:
- Basic MedSpa: $50,000 - $100,000
- Mid-Range MedSpa: $100,000 - $200,000
- Premium MedSpa: $200,000 - $400,000
Covers:
- Payroll during ramp-up
- Rent and utilities
- Marketing campaigns
- Inventory replenishment
- Unexpected expenses
- Equipment repairs
Complete Budget Examples by Medspa Type
Basic MedSpa Budget (United States)
One-Time Startup Costs:
- Equipment: $97,000 - $179,000
- Leasehold improvements: $50,000 - $100,000
- Furniture and décor: $20,000 - $40,000
- Licensing and legal: $15,000 - $30,000
- Initial inventory: $27,000 - $50,000
- Technology setup: $5,000 - $10,000
- Marketing launch: $20,000 - $40,000
- Subtotal: $234,000 - $449,000
First Year Operating Costs:
- Rent (12 months): $36,000 - $96,000
- Staffing: $250,000 - $270,000
- Insurance: $10,000 - $28,000
- Utilities and operations: $37,200 - $121,200
- Software: $1,788 - $3,588
- Ongoing marketing: $30,000 - $110,000
- Subtotal: $364,988 - $628,788
Working Capital: $50,000 - $100,000
Total First Year Investment: $648,988 - $1,177,788
Realistic Budget: $700,000 - $900,000
Mid-Range MedSpa Budget (United States)
One-Time Startup Costs:
- Equipment: $297,000 - $449,000
- Leasehold improvements: $100,000 - $150,000
- Furniture and décor: $40,000 - $60,000
- Licensing and legal: $20,000 - $40,000
- Initial inventory: $50,000 - $70,000
- Technology setup: $10,000 - $15,000
- Marketing launch: $30,000 - $50,000
- Subtotal: $547,000 - $834,000
First Year Operating Costs:
- Rent (12 months): $72,000 - $180,000
- Staffing: $400,000 - $500,000
- Insurance: $15,000 - $35,000
- Utilities and operations: $50,000 - $150,000
- Software: $3,588 - $7,176
- Ongoing marketing: $50,000 - $120,000
- Subtotal: $590,588 - $992,176
Working Capital: $100,000 - $200,000
Total First Year Investment: $1,237,588 - $2,026,176
Realistic Budget: $1,300,000 - $1,600,000
Premium MedSpa Budget (United States)
One-Time Startup Costs:
- Equipment: $600,000 - $1,000,000
- Leasehold improvements: $150,000 - $200,000
- Furniture and décor: $60,000 - $100,000
- Licensing and legal: $30,000 - $50,000
- Initial inventory: $70,000 - $100,000
- Technology setup: $15,000 - $25,000
- Marketing launch: $50,000 - $80,000
- Subtotal: $975,000 - $1,555,000
First Year Operating Costs:
- Rent (12 months): $144,000 - $360,000
- Staffing: $600,000 - $800,000
- Insurance: $20,000 - $45,000
- Utilities and operations: $75,000 - $180,000
- Software: $7,176 - $14,352
- Ongoing marketing: $80,000 - $150,000
- Subtotal: $926,176 - $1,549,352
Working Capital: $200,000 - $400,000
Total First Year Investment: $2,101,176 - $3,504,352
Realistic Budget: $2,200,000 - $2,800,000
Financing Options for Your MedSpa
1. Traditional Bank Loans
SBA 7(a) Loans (US):
- Loan amount: Up to $5 million
- Interest rates: 6-9%
- Term: 10-25 years
- Down payment: 10-20%
- Pros: Lower rates, longer terms
- Cons: Extensive paperwork, slower approval
Commercial Bank Loans:
- Loan amount: $50,000 - $500,000+
- Interest rates: 7-12%
- Term: 5-15 years
- Down payment: 20-30%
- Pros: Established relationships
- Cons: Strict requirements, collateral needed
2. Equipment Financing
Equipment Leasing:
- Monthly payments: $2,000 - $15,000
- Term: 3-7 years
- Down payment: 10-20%
- Interest rates: 8-15%
- Pros: Preserve cash, tax benefits
- Cons: Higher total cost, no ownership until paid
Equipment Loans:
- Loan amount: Equipment cost
- Interest rates: 6-12%
- Term: 3-7 years
- Pros: Own equipment immediately
- Cons: Requires down payment
3. Private Investors
Angel Investors:
- Investment: $50,000 - $500,000
- Equity: 10-30%
- Pros: Expertise and connections
- Cons: Give up ownership, ongoing involvement
Venture Capital:
- Investment: $500,000 - $5,000,000+
- Equity: 20-40%
- Pros: Large capital, strategic support
- Cons: Significant ownership loss, high expectations
4. Personal Financing
Personal Savings:
- Pros: No debt, full ownership
- Cons: Risk personal assets
Home Equity Loan:
- Loan amount: Up to 80% home equity
- Interest rates: 5-8%
- Pros: Lower rates, tax deductible
- Cons: Risk losing home
401(k) Loan:
- Loan amount: Up to $50,000
- Interest rates: Prime + 1-2%
- Pros: No credit check
- Cons: Penalties if not repaid, lost retirement growth
5. Alternative Financing
Crowdfunding:
- Platforms: Kickstarter, Indiegogo
- Amount: $10,000 - $100,000+
- Pros: Marketing opportunity, no debt
- Cons: Time-consuming, uncertain success
Medical Practice Loans:
- Specialized lenders for healthcare
- Loan amount: $100,000 - $2,000,000
- Interest rates: 7-12%
- Pros: Industry expertise
- Cons: Higher rates than traditional banks
Revenue Projections and ROI
Basic MedSpa Revenue Potential
Services and Pricing (US):
- Laser hair removal: $200 - $500 per session
- Botox: $12 - $20 per unit (average 40 units = $480 - $800)
- Dermal fillers: $600 - $1,500 per syringe
- Hydrafacial: $150 - $300 per session
- Chemical peels: $150 - $400 per session
- Microdermabrasion: $100 - $200 per session
Monthly Revenue Projections:
Month 1-3 (Ramp-Up):
- 50-100 treatments/month
- Average ticket: $300
- Revenue: $15,000 - $30,000/month
Month 4-6 (Growth):
- 150-250 treatments/month
- Average ticket: $350
- Revenue: $52,500 - $87,500/month
Month 7-12 (Established):
- 300-400 treatments/month
- Average ticket: $400
- Revenue: $120,000 - $160,000/month
First Year Total Revenue: $600,000 - $1,200,000
Operating Expenses: $500,000 - $750,000
Net Profit (Year 1): $100,000 - $450,000
Break-Even Timeline: 12-18 months
ROI Timeline: 24-36 months
Mid-Range MedSpa Revenue Potential
Monthly Revenue (Established):
- 600-800 treatments/month
- Average ticket: $450
- Revenue: $270,000 - $360,000/month
First Year Total Revenue: $1,500,000 - $2,500,000
Operating Expenses: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000
Net Profit (Year 1): $500,000 - $1,000,000
Break-Even Timeline: 18-24 months
ROI Timeline: 30-42 months
Premium MedSpa Revenue Potential
Monthly Revenue (Established):
- 1,000-1,500 treatments/month
- Average ticket: $500
- Revenue: $500,000 - $750,000/month
First Year Total Revenue: $3,000,000 - $5,000,000
Operating Expenses: $2,000,000 - $3,000,000
Net Profit (Year 1): $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
Break-Even Timeline: 24-36 months
ROI Timeline: 36-48 months
Cost-Saving Strategies
1. Start Small and Scale
Phase 1 (Year 1):
- Focus on high-demand, high-margin services
- Laser hair removal + injectables
- 2-3 treatment rooms
- Minimal staff
Phase 2 (Year 2):
- Add body contouring
- Expand to 4-5 rooms
- Hire additional staff
Phase 3 (Year 3+):
- Add advanced treatments
- Consider second location
- Build team
2. Buy Refurbished Equipment
Savings: 40-60% on major equipment Considerations:
- Verify warranty coverage
- Check service history
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Buy from reputable dealers
3. Negotiate Lease Terms
Strategies:
- Request tenant improvement allowance
- Negotiate lower rent for first 6-12 months
- Ask for rent-free period during build-out
- Lock in long-term rate
4. Outsource Initially
Consider Outsourcing:
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Marketing and social media
- IT support
- Cleaning services
Hire In-House When:
- Volume justifies full-time position
- Cost-effective compared to outsourcing
- Need more control
5. Leverage Technology
ClinikEHR Benefits:
- Automated appointment reminders (reduce no-shows)
- Online booking (reduce staff time)
- Inventory tracking (prevent waste)
- Automated marketing (reduce costs)
- Integrated POS (streamline operations)
Savings: $2,000 - $5,000/month in staff time and efficiency
Common Mistakes That Increase Costs
1. Underestimating Working Capital
Mistake: Only budgeting for startup costs Reality: Need 6-12 months operating expenses Cost Impact: $50,000 - $200,000 shortfall
2. Buying Too Much Equipment Too Soon
Mistake: Purchasing every device on day one Reality: Start with high-demand services, add gradually Cost Impact: $100,000 - $300,000 in unused equipment
3. Choosing Wrong Location
Mistake: Picking cheapest rent without considering demographics Reality: Location drives 40% of success Cost Impact: Lost revenue potential
4. Inadequate Marketing Budget
Mistake: Spending less than 5% of revenue on marketing Reality: Need 10-15% initially to build awareness Cost Impact: Slow growth, extended break-even
5. Hiring Too Many Staff Too Early
Mistake: Full staff from day one Reality: Ramp up staffing with client volume Cost Impact: $50,000 - $150,000 in unnecessary payroll
6. Skipping Legal and Compliance
Mistake: DIY contracts and compliance Reality: One lawsuit costs more than proper setup Cost Impact: $50,000 - $500,000+ in legal issues
7. Choosing Cheap Software
Mistake: Using free or basic software Reality: Inefficiency costs more than good software Cost Impact: $10,000 - $30,000/year in lost time and errors
Related Resources
ClinikEHR Guides
- MedSpa Equipment List (International)
- Best Guide to Setting Up a MedSpa
- Top 5 EHR for Med Spa 2026
- Med Spa Practice Management Software
- EHR for Med Spa
External Resources
- American Med Spa Association: https://americanmedspa.org/
- SBA Loans: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
- FDA Medical Device Information: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices
- JCCP (UK): https://jccp.org.uk/
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a basic medspa in the US? Starting a basic medspa in the US costs $200,000-350,000 for initial setup, plus $400,000-550,000 for first-year operations and working capital, totaling $600,000-900,000. This includes equipment ($97,000-179,000), facility costs, staffing, and marketing.
What is the most expensive part of starting a medspa? Equipment is the largest expense at 40-50% of startup costs ($97,000-1,000,000 depending on medspa type). Staffing is the second largest at 30-40% of first-year costs ($250,000-800,000). Together they represent 70-80% of total investment.
Can I start a medspa with $100,000? $100,000 is insufficient for a full medspa. However, you could start a mobile Botox/filler service or rent space in an existing facility. A proper brick-and-mortar medspa requires minimum $200,000-350,000 for basic setup.
How long does it take to break even on a medspa? Most medspas break even in 12-24 months depending on location, marketing, and services offered. Basic medspas: 12-18 months. Mid-range: 18-24 months. Premium: 24-36 months. Strong marketing accelerates break-even.
What is the ROI on a medspa investment? Typical ROI timeline is 24-48 months. Well-run medspas can generate 20-40% annual returns after break-even. First-year profit margins: 10-20%. Years 2-3: 25-35%. Year 4+: 35-50% with established client base.
Do I need a medical director for a medspa? Yes, in most US states, UK, Canada, and Australia, medspas require physician oversight for medical procedures like injectables and laser treatments. Medical director costs: $24,000-60,000/year part-time or $1,000-5,000/month retainer.
Can I finance medspa equipment? Yes, equipment financing is common with 10-20% down payment, 3-7 year terms, and 8-15% interest rates. Equipment leasing is also available with lower upfront costs. Many manufacturers offer direct financing with 0-10% interest.
What are the ongoing monthly costs for a medspa? Monthly operating costs for a basic medspa: $35,000-60,000 including rent ($3,000-8,000), staffing ($20,000-25,000), utilities ($800-2,400), insurance ($800-2,000), marketing ($3,000-10,000), supplies ($2,000-5,000), and software ($150-300).
Conclusion: Plan Smart, Start Strong
Starting a medspa requires significant investment, but with proper planning and realistic budgeting, it can be a highly profitable business. The key is understanding every cost category, securing adequate financing, and avoiding common mistakes that drain capital.
Key Takeaways:
- ✅ Budget $600,000-900,000 for basic medspa
- ✅ Equipment represents 40-50% of startup costs
- ✅ Plan for 6-12 months working capital
- ✅ Break-even typically occurs in 12-24 months
- ✅ ROI timeline is 24-48 months
- ✅ Start small and scale strategically
- ✅ Invest in proper software from day one
- ✅ Don't underestimate marketing budget
Quick Decision Guide:
- Budget under $500K: Start mobile or rent space
- Budget $600K-900K: Basic medspa (2-3 rooms)
- Budget $1.3M-1.6M: Mid-range medspa (3-4 rooms)
- Budget $2.2M-2.8M: Premium medspa (5+ rooms)
Start Your MedSpa Journey with ClinikEHR
Managing a medspa efficiently starts with the right software. ClinikEHR provides everything you need:
✅ Complete Practice Management — Scheduling, notes, photos, inventory ✅ Integrated POS — Products, packages, memberships ✅ Before/After Photos — Secure storage and client sharing ✅ Online Booking — 24/7 appointment scheduling ✅ Automated Marketing — Email campaigns and reminders ✅ Financial Reporting — Track revenue and expenses ✅ Transparent Pricing — $149-299/month, all-inclusive
Start Your Free 30-Day Trial — Experience complete medspa management software designed for aesthetic practices.
Planning your medspa? Contact our team for a free consultation on budgeting and software setup.
Disclaimer: Costs vary significantly by location, services offered, and business model. This guide provides general estimates for planning purposes. Consult with financial advisors, attorneys, and industry experts for guidance specific to your situation. Regulations and requirements vary by jurisdiction—always verify local compliance requirements.
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