European Wax Center vs Anytime Fitness: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Fitness & Health Real Data Not Investment Advice
EW

European Wax Center

Fitness & Health
$382K – $611K
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VS
AF

Anytime Fitness

Fitness & Health
$398K – $974K
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
European Wax Center wins on investment range ($363K less) vs Anytime Fitness.
Fee Burden
Anytime Fitness wins on royalty rate (1.0% lower) vs European Wax Center.
Unit Count
Anytime Fitness wins on total units (4,100 more) vs European Wax Center.
Satisfaction
European Wax Center wins on franchisee satisfaction vs Anytime Fitness.

Investment & Fees

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Min Investment $382K $398K
Max Investment $611K $974K
Franchise Fee $45K $43K
Royalty Rate 6.0% 5.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% 2.0%

Unit Economics

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Avg Unit Revenue $950K $650K
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Total Units 900 5,000
Annual Growth 6.0% 1.0%
Failure Rate 2.0% 4.0%

Franchisee Performance

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Franchisee Satisfaction 79/100 71/100

Track Record

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Years in Business 18 22
Years Franchising 15 22

Financial Requirements

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Min Net Worth Required $750K $300K
Liquid Capital Required $250K $100K

Operations

Metric European Wax Center Anytime Fitness
Avg Employees 12 6
Training Weeks 3 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Is European Wax Center or Anytime Fitness a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. European Wax Center has 900 total units and a 79/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Anytime Fitness has 5,000 total units and a 71/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a European Wax Center franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a European Wax Center franchise requires an initial investment of $382K – $611K. The franchise fee is $45K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Anytime Fitness franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Anytime Fitness franchise requires an initial investment of $398K – $974K. The franchise fee is $43K, with ongoing royalties of 5.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for European Wax Center vs Anytime Fitness?

European Wax Center's royalty rate is 6.0%. Anytime Fitness's royalty rate is 5.0%. That means Anytime Fitness has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — European Wax Center or Anytime Fitness?

European Wax Center has 900 total units. Anytime Fitness has 5,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is European Wax Center or Anytime Fitness semi-absentee friendly?

European Wax Center is typically run as a semi-absentee model. Anytime Fitness is typically run as a semi-absentee model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

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