How Much Does It Cost to Open a Gym in Asheville?

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

In short

A 2,000 sq ft gym in Asheville costs about $85,000 to $205,000 to open in second-generation gym space, before working capital. September 2026 listing data puts average retail asking rent at $24.94/sq ft, with 1,000 to 2,500 sq ft spaces averaging $26. Permits come from the City of Asheville inside city limits and Buncombe County elsewhere.

• $24.94/sq ft [1]: average retail asking rent in listings, September 2026.
• $26/sq ft [1]: average for 1,000 to 2,500 sq ft listings.
• 35,000 sq ft [2]: cutoff for city staff-level (Level I) commercial review.
• 6 months [3]: Buncombe County permit expiration if work has not started.

Commercial rent in Asheville

At $24.94/sq ft, base rent on 2,000 sq ft is about $49,880 a year, or $4,157 a month, before NNN. PropertyShark shows 2,500 to 5,000 sq ft listings averaging $30, and CityFeet listings average $31. This is listing data rather than a full market report, so treat it as directional.

Permits

• City of Asheville: Development Services reviews commercial projects under 35,000 sq ft at the staff level (Level I), which covers nearly every gym. Small projects such as tenant remodels usually get about a 10-day review, and a change of occupancy with no building work can often be permitted the same day.
• Buncombe County: the county Permitting Division handles plan review for remodels and upfits outside city limits, and permits expire six months after issue if no work has started. A site plan review comes first and takes at least five business days, and commercial plans are submitted electronically. The county's commercial checklist requires plans sealed by a registered architect or licensed engineer.
• Confirm which jurisdiction your address falls under before applying.

The Asheville gym market

TenantBase describes Asheville's commercial market as returning toward business as usual after regional weather events. North Carolina commercial electricity averaged 10.73 cents per kWh in July 2026, below Tennessee, which helps HVAC-heavy gyms. Cushman & Wakefield puts Southeast retail fit-outs at $117/sq ft.

Presale rules in North Carolina

If you sell memberships before services are available, G.S. 66-124(b) requires a bond or escrow of $10,000 per location or all payments received, whichever is greater. Services must begin within 180 days of the sale. See gym presales.

Other GGC markets

• Cost to open a gym in Nashville Read more →
• Cost to open a gym in Charlotte Read more →
• Cost to open a gym in Chattanooga Read more →

See also: how much it costs to open a gym, monthly cost to run a gym and local SEO for gyms.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues gym permits in Asheville? The City of Asheville inside city limits, and Buncombe County elsewhere.

How long does Asheville permit review take? About 10 days for small tenant remodels, according to the city.

Sources

1. Asheville, NC Retail Space for Lease. PropertyShark, September 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
2. Commercial Permits. City of Asheville Development Services. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
3. Permitting. Buncombe County Permits & Inspections. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
4. Apply for a Commercial Permit. City of Asheville Development Services. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
5. Electronic Plan Review. Buncombe County Permits & Inspections. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
6. Commercial Checklist. Buncombe County Permits & Inspections. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
7. Asheville Commercial Real Estate Market Report, Q2 2026. TenantBase, 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
8. Electricity Rates by State. Choose Energy, using EIA data, 2026. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
9. Fit Out Cost Guide 2025: Americas Retail. Cushman & Wakefield, 2025. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
10. G.S. 66-124: Bond or Escrow Account Required. North Carolina General Assembly. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.
11. Chapter 66, Article 21: Prepaid Entertainment Contracts. North Carolina General Assembly. Accessed Oct 20, 2026.