Yoga Studio: Monthly Operating Costs

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a yoga center.

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The Dojo Business Team

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We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the yoga center market.

What is the typical monthly rent or lease cost for a yoga studio of about 100–150 square meters in a central but not premium location?

Yoga studios of 100-150 square meters in central but non-premium locations typically pay between $2,000 and $4,000 per month in rent.

This translates to approximately $20-35 per square meter, depending on your specific city and neighborhood characteristics. Studios in secondary business districts or emerging neighborhoods often fall on the lower end of this range.

The rent cost can vary significantly based on factors like parking availability, street visibility, and proximity to complementary businesses such as health food stores or wellness centers. Ground-floor locations with large windows typically command higher rents due to better visibility and natural light.

Many yoga studio owners negotiate lease terms that include utilities or maintenance costs, which can affect the base rent but provide more predictable monthly expenses. Triple net leases, where you pay rent plus utilities, taxes, and maintenance separately, are also common in this market.

What are the average monthly utility expenses, including electricity, water, heating or cooling, and internet?

Monthly utility expenses for a yoga studio typically range from $600 to $1,200, with hot yoga studios often reaching the higher end due to increased heating requirements.

What is the standard range of instructor compensation per class, and how many classes are usually offered each month?

Yoga instructors typically earn between $25-50 per class, with experienced teachers in premium markets earning $35-75 per class.

Most yoga studios offer 40-100 group classes monthly, depending on their schedule density and target market. Studios focusing on beginner-friendly classes often offer more sessions, while those specializing in advanced or specialized yoga styles may offer fewer but longer sessions.

The total monthly instructor costs usually range from $1,500 to $4,000, representing one of the largest operational expenses for yoga centers. Many studios use a mix of employed and contract instructors to manage costs and scheduling flexibility.

Peak hours (early morning and evening) command higher rates, while mid-day and weekend classes may offer lower compensation but help instructors build consistent income streams.

You'll find detailed market insights on instructor compensation strategies in our yoga center business plan, updated every quarter.

What are the average monthly payroll costs if employing part-time reception or administrative staff?

Part-time reception and administrative staff for yoga studios typically cost between $800 and $1,500 monthly.

This usually covers 1-2 part-time employees working limited hours during peak times, weekday evenings, and weekend sessions. Many studios operate with minimal front desk coverage, relying on automated systems and instructor support during off-peak hours.

Staff responsibilities typically include member check-ins, retail sales, basic cleaning, scheduling support, and customer service inquiries. Some studios combine reception duties with social media management or basic marketing tasks to maximize value from payroll expenses.

Hourly rates for yoga studio reception staff range from $12-18 per hour, depending on local minimum wage laws and the level of responsibility required.

What are the expected costs of liability insurance and property insurance for a yoga studio on a monthly basis?

Combined liability and property insurance for a yoga studio costs between $80 and $150 per month.

Professional liability insurance protects against claims related to instruction and student injuries, while property insurance covers equipment, fixtures, and potential damages to the rented space. Many insurance providers offer bundled packages specifically designed for fitness and wellness businesses.

Coverage amounts typically range from $1-2 million in general liability, with additional coverage for professional liability and property protection. Studios offering specialized classes like aerial yoga or using specialized equipment may face higher premiums.

Some landlords require specific minimum coverage amounts, which can influence your monthly insurance costs. Additionally, studios offering teacher training programs may need higher liability limits and specialized coverage.

What are the typical monthly expenses for cleaning services and supplies to maintain hygiene standards?

Professional cleaning services for yoga studios cost between $200-600 monthly, with an additional $50-100 for cleaning and hygiene supplies.

• Daily mat sanitization and studio floor cleaning (essential for hygiene standards)
• Weekly deep cleaning of changing rooms, bathrooms, and common areas
• Bi-weekly equipment cleaning including props, bolsters, and blocks
• Monthly deep cleaning of HVAC systems and air filtration units
• Specialized cleaning supplies including eco-friendly mat cleaners and disinfectants
• Laundry services for studio towels, blankets, and prop covers
• Air purification systems maintenance and filter replacements

What are the average monthly costs for marketing, such as digital ads, flyers, or local partnerships?

Yoga studio marketing expenses typically range from $200 to $800 monthly, varying based on growth stage and competitive market conditions.

Digital marketing often represents the largest portion of this budget, including social media advertising, Google Ads, and online directory listings. Local partnership costs might include community event sponsorships, collaboration with health practitioners, or cross-promotional activities.

New studios typically invest more heavily in marketing during their first year, while established studios may maintain lower ongoing marketing expenses. Email marketing platforms, website maintenance, and promotional material printing also contribute to monthly marketing costs.

Seasonal marketing pushes, such as New Year wellness campaigns or summer challenge programs, can temporarily increase monthly marketing expenses but often generate significant membership growth.

This is one of the strategies explained in our yoga center business plan.

What is the standard monthly budget for booking and payment management software or studio management platforms?

Studio management software typically costs between $70 and $200 per month for standard plans, with advanced features requiring higher-tier subscriptions.

Popular platforms like MindBody, Glofox, and Pike13 offer comprehensive solutions including class scheduling, payment processing, member management, and basic marketing tools. The monthly cost often depends on the number of active members and additional features required.

Basic plans usually include essential features like online booking, payment processing, and member communications. Advanced plans add features like detailed analytics, automated marketing campaigns, mobile app customization, and integration with accounting software.

Payment processing fees are typically separate from software subscription costs, adding 2.9-3.5% per transaction plus fixed fees for credit card processing.

What are the estimated monthly costs for yoga props and equipment maintenance or replacement?

Monthly costs for yoga props, equipment maintenance, and replacement typically range from $50 to $150.

This budget covers gradual replacement of mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets due to normal wear and tear. High-traffic studios may need to replace 5-10% of their props monthly to maintain quality standards.

Sound equipment maintenance, including speaker systems and microphones, represents a significant portion of equipment costs. Regular calibration and occasional replacement of audio equipment ensures consistent class quality.

Seasonal equipment needs, such as heating system maintenance for hot yoga or air purification system upgrades, can create periodic spikes in equipment expenses.

What are the common license, permit, or membership fees that recur monthly or annually when spread out?

Monthly equivalent costs for licenses, permits, and memberships typically average $30-75 when annual fees are spread across twelve months.

Business licenses, health department permits, and fire safety certifications require annual renewals with costs varying by location and local regulations. Many jurisdictions require specific permits for fitness facilities, including occupancy permits and health department approvals.

Professional association memberships, such as Yoga Alliance registration for the studio, contribute to monthly operational costs. These memberships often provide liability insurance discounts and professional development resources.

Music licensing fees for commercial use during classes represent an ongoing monthly expense, typically costing $20-40 monthly for proper licensing from organizations like ASCAP or BMI.

What is the average monthly contribution to a reserve fund for equipment upgrades, renovations, or unexpected repairs?

A prudent monthly reserve fund contribution ranges from $100 to $300, depending on studio age, lease terms, and equipment quality.

Newer studios with modern equipment may contribute toward the lower end, while older facilities or those with extensive specialized equipment should budget more conservatively. This fund covers unexpected repairs, equipment failures, and periodic upgrades to maintain competitive standards.

Major expenses covered by reserve funds include HVAC system repairs, flooring replacement, lighting upgrades, and sound system improvements. Studios in leased spaces should also prepare for potential lease-end restoration costs.

Establishing this reserve fund early helps avoid cash flow problems when unexpected expenses arise and ensures consistent service quality for members.

We cover this exact topic in the yoga center business plan.

What percentage of revenue is typically allocated each month to cover taxes, transaction fees, and accounting services?

Yoga studios typically allocate 10-15% of gross revenue monthly to cover business taxes, payment processing fees, and accounting support.

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.

Sources

1. Business Plan Templates - Yoga Studio Running Costs
2. Offering Tree - Yoga Studio Set Up Costs
3. FinModelsLab - Yoga Studio Operating Costs
4. Dojo Business - Yoga Center Monthly Costs
5. Booking Ninjas - Are Yoga Studios Profitable
6. Yogi Times - Yoga Instructor Salary Guide
7. Asivana Yoga - Yoga Teacher Salary
8. Soma Yoga Institute - Complete 2025 Salary Guide