Business Setup

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.

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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

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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