This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a padel center.
Our business plan for a padel center will help you build a profitable project
Opening a padel center requires careful financial planning to manage monthly operating expenses effectively.
Understanding these recurring costs helps you budget accurately and maintain profitability. This article breaks down the 12 most important monthly expense categories that every padel center owner needs to account for, from rent and utilities to staff salaries and equipment maintenance.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a padel center. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our padel center financial forecast.
Running a padel center involves significant monthly expenses that vary based on location, facility size, and operational scope.
For a standard 4-6 court facility, total monthly operating costs typically range from $15,000 to $30,000, with rent, staff, and utilities representing the largest expense categories.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rent or Lease | $2,500 - $8,300 | Urban locations cost significantly more; suburban areas offer lower rates but may require additional site preparation investment |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Climate Control) | $1,500 - $3,000 | Indoor facilities pay 30-40% more due to heating, cooling, and ventilation systems; electricity represents the largest utility expense |
| Maintenance and Repairs | $800 - $2,000 | Covers court surface maintenance, lighting system repairs, and equipment upkeep; annual per-court maintenance ranges from €1,000-€2,500 |
| Cleaning and Landscaping | $2,500 - $3,000 | Includes janitorial services, trash removal, cleaning supplies, and outdoor grounds maintenance for larger facilities |
| Staff Costs | $2,500 - $10,000 | Covers reception staff, maintenance workers, coaches, and cleaning personnel; includes salaries, benefits, and seasonal employees |
| Insurance Premiums | $250 - $833 | Liability, property, and employee coverage; varies based on facility size, amenities offered, and local insurance requirements |
| Marketing and Advertising | $2,000 - $10,000 | Typically 5-10% of revenues; includes digital advertising, social media campaigns, and local partnership investments |
| Technology Systems | $150 - $500 | Booking platforms, payment processing, website hosting, and management software subscription fees |
| Financing/Loan Repayments | $2,000 - $6,000 | Often the third largest expense for financed facilities; varies based on initial capital borrowed and repayment terms |
What is the typical monthly rent or lease cost for padel center facilities with indoor and outdoor courts?
The monthly rent or lease cost for a padel center facility ranges from $2,500 to $8,300, with urban locations commanding significantly higher prices than suburban or rural areas.
Location determines the bulk of your rent expense, as urban centers with high foot traffic and visibility cost substantially more per square foot than suburban areas. A facility in a metropolitan area might pay $8,000 monthly for prime real estate, while a similar-sized suburban location could secure space for $3,500 per month.
Indoor facilities generally require more square footage to accommodate climate control systems and additional infrastructure, which drives up lease costs compared to outdoor-only venues. The total rentable area needed for a 4-6 court padel center typically ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 square feet when you include courts, common areas, changing rooms, and reception spaces.
Suburban and rural locations may offer lower base rent, but you need to factor in site preparation costs that can add significant upfront investment. These preparation expenses include leveling land, installing proper drainage systems, and setting up utilities, which might require an additional $50,000 to $150,000 in capital before opening.
Lease terms for padel centers typically run 5 to 10 years, and landlords often require security deposits equivalent to 2-3 months' rent plus first month's payment upfront.
What are the monthly utility expenses for electricity, water, and climate control in a padel center?
Utility expenses for a padel center typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, with indoor facilities paying 30-40% more than outdoor-only venues due to climate control requirements.
Electricity represents the largest utility expense, averaging around $3,000 monthly for facilities with extensive lighting for evening play and indoor climate control systems. Courts require high-quality lighting to meet sport standards, and if you operate 12-16 hours daily, this can consume 8,000 to 15,000 kWh monthly depending on your lighting technology and number of courts.
Water costs typically run around $1,200 per month, covering restroom facilities, showers, cleaning operations, and occasional court washing. Climate control systems for indoor courts add approximately $2,500 monthly in heating and cooling expenses, particularly in regions with extreme temperatures where maintaining comfortable playing conditions year-round is essential.
You'll find detailed market insights in our padel center business plan, updated every quarter.
Energy-efficient LED lighting can reduce electricity costs by 40-60% compared to traditional halogen systems, making the initial investment worthwhile for long-term operational savings. Installing smart climate control systems with zone management and programmable thermostats can also trim 15-25% off your heating and cooling bills.
What are the recurring monthly maintenance and repair costs for padel courts, lighting, and equipment?
Monthly maintenance and repair costs for padel center courts, lighting systems, and equipment typically range from $800 to $2,000, depending on facility size and usage intensity.
Court surface maintenance forms the core of this expense category, with each padel court requiring €1,000 to €2,500 annually (approximately $83 to $208 per court monthly) for regular cleaning, repairs, and surface treatment. High-traffic facilities with tournament play or extensive programming will trend toward the higher end of this range due to accelerated wear and tear.
Lighting system maintenance includes bulb replacements, ballast repairs, and electrical system checks, which typically cost $150 to $400 monthly across a multi-court facility. LED systems require less frequent maintenance than traditional lighting, but when components fail, individual replacements can be more expensive.
Equipment maintenance covers nets, glass panels, artificial turf repairs, and structural elements that need periodic inspection and repair. Net replacement happens every 2-3 years per court at $300-$500 each, while glass panel maintenance or replacement for damaged sections can cost $800-$2,000 per incident.
Establishing a preventive maintenance schedule reduces long-term costs by catching small issues before they become expensive repairs, and many experienced padel center owners budget an additional 10-15% contingency for unexpected maintenance needs.
What is the monthly expense for cleaning, landscaping, and facility upkeep at a padel center?
Cleaning, landscaping, and general facility upkeep expenses for a padel center typically run $2,500 to $3,000 per month, covering janitorial services, supplies, trash removal, and outdoor maintenance.
Professional janitorial services represent the bulk of this expense, with daily cleaning of restrooms, locker rooms, common areas, and reception spaces costing $1,800 to $2,400 monthly for a standard facility. Courts themselves require regular sweeping and debris removal to maintain playing surfaces, adding $300 to $500 monthly depending on whether you use in-house staff or contract services.
Cleaning supplies including disinfectants, paper products, floor care materials, and general maintenance items add approximately $200 to $400 monthly to your operating budget. Trash removal services for commercial facilities typically cost $150 to $300 per month based on frequency of pickup and waste volume.
Landscaping and outdoor grounds maintenance applies primarily to facilities with outdoor courts or significant surrounding green space, ranging from $300 to $800 monthly depending on property size and regional labor costs. This includes lawn mowing, hedge trimming, seasonal plantings, and keeping parking areas and walkways clean and presentable.
This is one of the strategies explained in our padel center business plan.
What are the monthly staff costs including salaries, benefits, and seasonal employees for a padel center?
Staff costs represent one of the largest monthly expenses for a padel center, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on your facility size, operating hours, and service level.
A basic staffing model for a smaller padel center includes reception staff, part-time maintenance workers, and potentially one or two coaches, totaling $2,500 to $4,000 monthly. Larger facilities with extended hours, full-service amenities, and comprehensive programming require a more robust team including full-time managers, multiple receptionists across shifts, maintenance personnel, coaches, and cleaning staff, pushing costs to $8,000-$10,000 monthly.
Reception and administrative staff typically earn $12 to $18 per hour, with a full-time employee costing $2,080 to $3,120 monthly before benefits. Maintenance personnel command $15 to $22 per hour ($2,600 to $3,800 monthly for full-time), while professional padel coaches charge $20 to $40 per hour, though many work on commission or as independent contractors rather than salaried employees.
Benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off add 20-35% to base salary costs, meaning a $3,000 monthly salary actually costs your business $3,600 to $4,050 when benefits are included. Many padel centers minimize this by using part-time staff who work below the threshold for mandatory benefits, though this can increase turnover and training costs.
Seasonal fluctuations affect staffing needs, with many facilities hiring additional part-time staff during peak seasons and reducing hours during slower periods. Summer months often see 30-50% higher demand, requiring temporary staff additions that you should account for in your annual budget planning.
What is the average monthly cost of administrative and office expenses for a padel center?
Administrative and office expenses for a padel center typically range from $500 to $2,000 per month, covering accounting services, management software, communication tools, and office supplies.
Accounting and bookkeeping services cost $300 to $800 monthly depending on whether you use an in-house bookkeeper, outsourced accounting firm, or combination of both for tax preparation and financial reporting. Management software subscriptions for booking systems, member management, and point-of-sale operations add $150 to $400 monthly, with more sophisticated platforms charging based on transaction volume or member count.
Communication tools including business phone systems, internet service, and email platforms typically cost $100 to $200 monthly for a small to mid-sized facility. Office supplies, printing, postage, and miscellaneous administrative materials add another $50 to $150 monthly, though this varies significantly based on how much you rely on digital versus paper-based systems.
Banking fees, credit card processing charges, and merchant services represent an ongoing administrative cost that often gets overlooked in initial budgeting. While these are typically calculated as a percentage of revenue (2-3%), for budgeting purposes you should expect $200 to $600 monthly for a facility processing $10,000 to $25,000 in monthly transactions.
What are the monthly insurance premiums for liability, property, and employee coverage at a padel center?
| Insurance Type | Monthly Cost Range | Coverage Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability Insurance | $125 - $400 | Protects against third-party injury claims, property damage, and accidents occurring on your premises; essential for any sports facility where participants could be injured during play or while using facilities |
| Property Insurance | $75 - $250 | Covers damage to building structure, courts, equipment, and furnishings from fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters; cost varies based on facility value and local risk factors |
| Workers' Compensation | $50 - $150 | Mandatory in most regions for businesses with employees; covers medical costs and lost wages if staff members are injured on the job; rates vary by state/country and job classification |
| Professional Liability | $30 - $80 | Covers claims related to coaching services, instruction, or professional advice given by staff; particularly important if you offer lessons, clinics, or training programs |
| Business Interruption | $40 - $100 | Compensates for lost income if your facility must close temporarily due to covered events like fire, flood, or major equipment failure; helps cover ongoing expenses during closure periods |
| Equipment Breakdown | $25 - $75 | Covers repair or replacement of HVAC systems, electrical equipment, lighting systems, and other mechanical breakdowns not covered by standard property insurance |
| Cyber Liability | $20 - $50 | Increasingly important for facilities with online booking systems and payment processing; protects against data breaches, cyber attacks, and customer information theft |
What marketing and advertising costs should a padel center budget monthly to attract members?
Marketing and advertising expenses for a padel center typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 per month, with most successful facilities allocating 5-10% of their monthly revenue to marketing efforts.
Digital advertising through Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram represents the most cost-effective channel for padel centers, with budgets of $800 to $3,000 monthly reaching local audiences effectively. A well-managed digital campaign targeting a 10-mile radius around your facility can generate 50-150 qualified leads monthly, with conversion rates of 10-20% for trial memberships or first-time bookings.
Social media management including content creation, community engagement, and influencer partnerships costs $500 to $2,000 monthly whether handled in-house or outsourced to a specialized agency. Regular posting, member testimonials, event coverage, and behind-the-scenes content keeps your facility top-of-mind and drives organic engagement that complements paid advertising.
Local partnerships with hotels, corporate offices, fitness centers, and community organizations require modest financial investment ($200-$800 monthly) but deliver consistent referral traffic. Many padel centers offer corporate membership packages, tournament sponsorships, and community event hosting as part of their marketing strategy to build brand awareness.
Traditional marketing including print materials, local newspaper ads, radio spots, and outdoor signage adds $500 to $2,000 monthly for facilities pursuing a multi-channel approach. While digital channels often deliver better ROI, traditional media still reaches demographics less active online and builds local credibility.
What are the monthly costs for equipment, balls, nets, and consumables in a padel center?
Monthly equipment and consumables costs for a padel center range from $300 to $800, covering balls, replacement nets, maintenance tools, and other items needed for daily operations.
Padel balls represent the single largest consumable expense, with facilities using 50-150 balls monthly depending on play volume and whether you provide balls for recreational play or require players to bring their own. Professional-grade balls cost $3 to $6 per unit, meaning a facility providing balls for all court bookings might spend $200 to $500 monthly on this item alone.
Nets, while not replaced monthly, require budgeting for periodic replacement every 2-3 years at $300 to $500 per court, which averages to $40-$70 per court monthly when amortized. Maintenance tools including court squeegees, cleaning brushes, pressure washers, and repair supplies add $50 to $150 monthly to your consumables budget.
Additional consumable items include first aid supplies, hand sanitizer stations, paper towels for restrooms, and basic amenities that enhance customer experience. These typically cost $80 to $150 monthly for a standard facility, with larger venues or those offering premium amenities spending proportionally more.
We cover this exact topic in the padel center business plan.
What is the average monthly cost of technology systems like booking platforms and payment processing?
Technology systems including booking platforms, payment processing, and website hosting typically cost padel centers $150 to $500 per month, depending on system sophistication and transaction volume.
Court booking and reservation software represents the core technology expense, with platforms charging $80 to $250 monthly based on features, number of courts, and booking volume. Basic systems offer online scheduling and calendar management, while premium platforms include automated reminders, dynamic pricing, member management, and integrated marketing tools.
Payment processing fees operate on a percentage basis (typically 2.5-3.5% of transactions plus $0.15-$0.30 per transaction) but translate to $150 to $400 monthly for a facility processing $8,000 to $15,000 in bookings and memberships. Choosing the right payment processor affects your bottom line significantly, as seemingly small percentage differences compound over time.
Website hosting and maintenance costs $30 to $100 monthly depending on whether you use a simple template-based site or a custom-built platform with integrated booking functionality. Email marketing platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and additional software subscriptions add another $40 to $150 monthly to your technology budget.
What monthly taxes, permits, and licensing fees apply to padel centers?
Monthly taxes, permits, and licensing fees for padel centers vary widely by location but typically range from $200 to $1,000, covering business licenses, health permits, zoning compliance, and ongoing tax obligations.
Business licenses and permits require annual renewal in most jurisdictions, which when averaged monthly equals $50 to $200 depending on your city or county fee structure. Health and safety permits for facilities with locker rooms, showers, or food service add $30 to $150 monthly when calculated on an annual basis.
Property taxes, if not included in your lease agreement, represent a significant monthly expense for property owners, potentially reaching $500 to $2,000 monthly depending on local tax rates and property valuation. Sales tax collection and remittance, while technically passed through to customers, requires administrative effort and sometimes software to manage properly.
Zoning compliance fees, special use permits for operating a sports facility, and periodic inspections by fire marshals or building departments add irregular but predictable costs that should be budgeted at $100 to $300 monthly to avoid surprises. Some jurisdictions also impose entertainment or amusement taxes on sports facilities, adding another 1-3% of gross revenues to your tax burden.
What are the monthly financing or loan repayment obligations for a padel center started with borrowed capital?
Monthly loan repayment obligations for padel centers financed with borrowed capital typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, often representing the third largest monthly expense after rent and staff costs.
The total amount borrowed significantly impacts monthly payments, with padel center startups typically requiring $150,000 to $500,000 in initial capital for site preparation, court construction, equipment, and working capital. A $250,000 loan at 7% interest over 10 years results in monthly payments of approximately $2,900, while a $400,000 loan under the same terms requires $4,650 monthly.
Interest rates for small business loans currently range from 6% to 12% depending on your creditworthiness, collateral, and lender type, with SBA loans typically offering the most favorable terms for qualified borrowers. Equipment financing for court construction and lighting systems may carry different rates than working capital loans, creating a mixed portfolio of debt obligations.
Loan term length dramatically affects monthly payment amounts, with shorter terms (5-7 years) requiring higher monthly payments but lower total interest paid, while longer terms (10-15 years) reduce monthly burden but increase total cost over the loan's life. Many padel center owners structure their financing with a mix of term lengths to balance cash flow needs with long-term cost minimization.
It's a key part of what we outline in the padel center business plan.
Seasonal revenue fluctuations in the padel business make steady loan payments challenging during slower months, so maintaining a cash reserve equivalent to 3-6 months of loan payments helps ensure you meet obligations even when revenue dips below projections.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Successfully managing monthly operating expenses determines whether your padel center thrives or struggles financially.
By understanding each expense category in detail and planning for both fixed and variable costs, you position your facility for sustainable profitability and growth in this rapidly expanding sport.
Sources
- Dojo Business - How Much Does It Cost to Open a Padel Club
- Business Plan Templates - Tennis Club Running Costs
- Padel Maintenance UK
- Alles Voor Padel - Padel Court Costs
- Business Plan Templates - Sports Complex Running Costs
- Reddit - Padel Club Owner AMA
- NX Padel - Economic Tips for Padel Club Management
- Ascott Insurance - Padel Clubs Coverage
- Founder Pal - Padel Club Marketing Budget
- Padel Gest - Padel Court Costs
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a Padel Court
- How Much Does It Cost to Open a Padel Club
- How Much Does It Cost to Make a Padel Court
- Padel Center Budget for Utilities
- Padel Center Business Plan Guide
- Complete Guide to Starting a Padel Center
- Padel Center Financial Plan
- Padel Center Marketing Strategy
- Revenue Tools for Padel Centers
- How to Set Competitive and Profitable Rates for Your Padel Center
