Equinox Prices & Membership Cost

Let’s be honest: You don’t join Equinox just to lift weights. You join Equinox because you want the eucalyptus towels, the Kiehl’s products in the locker room, and the silent acknowledgement that you can afford to spend $300+ a month on a gym membership.

But in 2026, with inflation squeezing everyone’s wallet, the big question is: Is it actually worth it?

I recently walked into my local Equinox (posing as a potential member, naturally) to get the real numbers. I wanted to see if the “Destination” membership is a scam, what the hidden initiation fees actually look like, and if you can negotiate that terrifying monthly payment.

If you are looking for the straight answer on Equinox prices, you found it. No sales pitch—just the cold, hard data.

Equinox Membership Cost 2026: The Breakdown

Unlike Planet Fitness or Gold’s Gym, Equinox doesn’t plaster its prices on billboards. They want you to come in for a tour so they can “tailor a package” for you. Translation: They want to upsell you.

After analyzing data from 30+ locations across New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, here is the verified pricing structure for 2026.

1. Select Membership (Single Club Access)

This is the entry-level tier. You get access to one specific club. If you travel for work or like to bounce between neighborhoods, this isn’t for you.

• Monthly Cost: $220 – $260
• Initiation Fee: $100 – $300 (Often waived during promos)
• Best For: The creature of habit who lives next door to the gym.

2. All-Access Membership (Regional Access)

This is the “sweet spot” for most members. You get access to almost every Equinox club in your region (e.g., “All Access SoCal” or “All Access NYC”), excluding the ultra-premium “Destination” locations.

• Monthly Cost: $280 – $315
• Initiation Fee: $300 – $500
• Best For: Commuters who want to work out near the office and near home.

3. Destination Membership (Global Access)

This is the big leagues. You get access to 100+ clubs worldwide, including the “Destination” clubs (like Hudson Yards in NYC or the Century City location in LA) that are off-limits to regular members.

• Monthly Cost: $340 – $405
• Initiation Fee: $500+
• Best For: Business travelers and status seekers.

4. E by Equinox (Ultra-Luxury)

If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. “E” is a private club within the club. Think private changing cabanas, laundry service, and valet.

• Monthly Cost: $500 – $750+
• Initiation Fee: $750+

The “Hidden” Costs: What They Don’t Tell You on the Tour

The sticker price is just the beginning. When I sat down with the membership advisor, I started asking about the fees that don’t appear in the brochure. Here is what you need to budget for.

The Initiation Fee

Equinox is famous for its steep initiation fees, which can range from $100 to $750.

• The Hack: Never pay full price for this. Equinox runs promos almost every month (especially in January, May, and September) where the initiation fee is dropped to $0. If they quote you $300, tell them you’re willing to sign up today if they waive it. 9 times out of 10, they will.

The “Annual” Fee

Unlike cheaper gyms that hit you with a $49 annual fee, Equinox rolls most of its costs into the monthly dues. However, watch out for the “amenity fees” in certain locations, specifically if you use services like the Kids Club or Pilates Reformer classes (which are usually extra).

The Commitment Contract

Most Equinox memberships require a 12-month commitment.

• Can you cancel early? Only if you move more than 25 miles away from an Equinox location (and you’ll need proof, like a utility bill) or have a medical note. Otherwise, you are on the hook for the full year.

Is Equinox Worth $200+ Per Month? (An Honest Review)

This is the most common question I get: “Why would I pay $300 when I can go to LA Fitness for $40?”

It’s a fair question. In fact, The New York Times recently highlighted how subscription costs are creeping up, noting that some memberships now hit $200 per month or more.

So, where is that money going?

1. The Cleanliness (The “Ew” Factor)

At a budget gym, you spend half your workout wondering if the previous user wiped down the bench. At Equinox, the cleanliness is obsessive. There are stacks of fresh towels everywhere. The locker rooms smell like a spa, not a locker room.

• Verdict: If you are a germaphobe, Equinox is paradise.

2. The Classes (SoulCycle Quality)

Equinox classes are legitimate. We aren’t talking about a random trainer yelling over a blown-out speaker. The instructors are often celebrity trainers.

• The Value: A single SoulCycle or Barry’s Bootcamp class costs $35. If you take 3 classes a week at Equinox, the membership pays for itself ($35 x 12 classes = $420 value).

3. The Co-Working Space

This is the hidden value. Most Equinox locations have massive lounges with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs, and power outlets.

• The Hack: I know freelancers who cancelled their WeWork membership ($400/mo) and just work out of the Equinox lounge. You get a gym and an office for one price.

How to Get a Discount on Equinox (Yes, It’s Possible)

You can’t really “negotiate” the monthly rate—corporate sets that in stone. But you can get a better deal if you know which levers to pull.

1. The Corporate Discount Equinox has partnerships with thousands of companies (Apple, Google, Chase, etc.). Ask the advisor to check your work email. This can knock $10–$20 off the monthly rate and waive the initiation fee.

2. The American Express Platinum Credit If you hold an American Express Platinum Card, you get a $300 annual credit toward an Equinox membership.

• Note: You have to enroll through the Amex benefits dashboard first.

3. The “End of Month” Close Sales advisors have quotas. Walking in on the last two days of the month gives you leverage. They might not lower the monthly rate, but they will throw in guest passes, a free massage, or a personal training session to close the deal.

Equinox Cancellation Policy: The Nightmare

I have to be real with you—cancelling Equinox is harder than breaking up with a jealous partner.

According to their 2026 terms:

• Notice Period: You must give 45 days’ notice. (Yes, 45 days. Not 30).
• The Method: You usually have to do it in person or via certified mail. You cannot just click “cancel” in the app.
• The Loophole: If you are injured, get a doctor’s note. They are legally required to freeze or cancel your account without penalty if you can prove you physically cannot work out.

Final Verdict: Who Should Join?

Join Equinox IF:

• You take 3+ group fitness classes a week.
• You want a luxury shower/spa experience (Kiehl’s products, steam room).
• You need a “third place” to work and relax.
• You have an Amex Platinum card.

Skip Equinox IF:

• You only use the treadmill and dumbbells. (Go to Planet Fitness).
• You travel constantly to cities without an Equinox.
• The $300 monthly fee stresses you out.

The Bottom Line: Equinox is a luxury good. It’s the BMW of gyms. You don’t need it to get fit, but it sure makes the ride a lot more comfortable.