The cost of fitness: new data reveals the cheapest UK cities for gym memberships in 2025
Key Findings:
- New data reveals the least expensive gym memberships in the UK
- Swansea has the lowest gym membership prices, followed by Nottingham in second and Coventry in third
- Study also revealed which UK cities have the most expensive gym memberships
As of 2024, around 10.7 million people in the UK held gym memberships, showcasing the nation’s growing obsession with health and fitness. However, the cost of staying in shape varies greatly depending on where you live.
Lynne Murphy is a food expert at Nutri Lean, a meal delivery service specialising in fresh, healthy, low-calorie, and high-protein meals. To uncover the best cities for affordable gym access in 2025, she and the team at Nutri Lean analysed membership prices at five highly rated gyms in each city in the UK.
After taking the average for each city and ranking them from most to least expensive, the results reveal the best places to save money as a gym-goer this year.
Table 1: The Top 10 Cheapest UK Cities To Be A Gym Member
| Rank | City | Average Gym Membership Cost Per Month | Average Gym Membership Cost Per Year |
| 1 | Swansea | £28.79 | £345.50 |
| 2 | Nottingham | £29.80 | £357.58 |
| 3 | Coventry | £29.90 | £358.78 |
| 4 | Sheffield | £29.98 | £359.81 |
| 5 | Bradford | £31.29 | £375.46 |
| 6 | Cardiff | £33.40 | £400.75 |
| 7 | Northampton | £34.20 | £410.35 |
| 8 | Birmingham | £34.50 | £414.00 |
| 9 | Glasgow | £35.20 | £422.35 |
| 10 | Leicester | £35.40 | £424.80 |
The Cheapest UK Cities To Be A Gym Member
If you’re looking to get fit without breaking the bank, Swansea is the place to be. With an average gym membership cost of just £28.79 per month (£345.50 per year), this Welsh haven takes the top spot as the most affordable city for fitness enthusiasts.
Following closely behind in second place is Nottingham, where memberships average £29.80 per month (£357.58 per year). In third is Coventry, where gym-goers pay around £29.90 per month (£358.78 per year) – just 10p more per month than in Nottingham.
Why are these cities the cheapest? One factor is the cost of living—Swansea, Nottingham, and Coventry all offer relatively affordable housing compared to bigger UK cities like London and Manchester, meaning businesses, including gyms, can keep prices lower. Additionally, the presence of a large student population in these cities increases competition among budget-friendly gym chains, driving prices down further.
Other cities making the top 10 list include Sheffield (£29.98 per month), Bradford (£31.29), Cardiff (£33.40), and Leicester (£35.40).
Lynne Murphy, a food expert at Nutri Lean, commented:
“You may be asking: if it costs this much, is a gym membership even worth it? I believe I can confidently say: yes. A gym membership can be one of the best investments you make in your health – provided you make the most of it.
“Joining a gym gives you access to structured workouts, professional equipment, and a motivating environment filled with like-minded people. Whether you want to improve your strength, cardiovascular fitness, or overall well-being, having a dedicated training space can put a real fire in your belly.
“To maximise your membership, consistency is key. Set realistic fitness goals, attend regularly, and make good use of all the available facilities. Treat your gym membership like any other subscription service—if you’re paying for it, make sure you use it!”
Further Study Insights:
- The study found that London was the most expensive city for gym memberships, followed by Manchester and Edinburgh.
The full study can be viewed upon request.
