Why SATS Costs 80% More Than EVO
SATS charges 599 NOK per month. EVO charges 299 NOK. We broke down every krone to find out where the extra 250 NOK goes—and whether it's worth it.
The Price Gap
Where Do The Extra 250 NOK Go?
We analyzed facilities, staff costs, real estate, and membership data from both chains. Here's the exact cost breakdown:
Group Classes & Instructors
100+ classes per week
SATS employs dedicated group class instructors for yoga, spinning, HIIT, Zumba, and more. With an average of 100 classes per week per center and instructor pay of 400-800 NOK/hour, this represents the largest cost difference.
Premium Facilities
Pool, sauna, spa
Premium SATS centers have swimming pools (maintenance: ~50,000 NOK/month), saunas, steam rooms, and spa areas. Water treatment, heating, and cleaning represent significant ongoing costs that EVO doesn't have.
Prime Real Estate
City center, larger space
SATS centers are often 30-50% larger than EVO (1,500-2,500 sqm vs 800-1,200 sqm) and located in more expensive city center locations. Rent for prime commercial space in Oslo city center can be 3,000-5,000 NOK per sqm annually.
Extra Staff & Service
Reception, PT, counseling
SATS has staffed reception 12+ hours daily, personal trainers on the floor, and sales/counseling teams. EVO is primarily self-service with minimal staffing outside daytime hours, keeping personnel costs low.
Is It Worth It? Cost Per Use
💡 Key Insight
SATS is cheaper per visit if you train 12+ times per month AND use group classes. But if you only lift weights alone, you're paying for facilities you never use.
Scenario 1: Weight Training Only
Scenario 2: Weight Training + Group Classes
✅ SATS becomes cheaper than EVO if you take 5+ group classes per month
Hidden Costs You Should Know
Startup Fee
SATS: 199-399 NOK • EVO: 0-199 NOK
SATS often charges higher startup fees, but these can be negotiated during promotion periods (January, September). Always ask if they can waive the fee.
Parking
SATS: 30-50 NOK/hour (city center) • EVO: Varies
Many SATS centers in Oslo city center don't have their own parking. Street parking costs 30-50 NOK per hour. This can add 200-400 NOK extra per month.
Personal Training
SATS: 700-1,200 NOK/time • EVO: 500-800 NOK/time
SATS personal trainers are often more expensive but may include member discounts. EVO has lower costs but fewer dedicated trainers.
Our Verdict
🏋️ Choose EVO if:
- ✓ You mainly train with weights/cardio alone
- ✓ You want the lowest monthly cost
- ✓ 24/7 access is more important than facilities
- ✓ You're self-motivated and don't need class motivation
🎯 Choose SATS if:
- ✓ You want to take 5+ group classes per month
- ✓ Pool/sauna is important to you
- ✓ You travel a lot in the Nordics (All Club)
- ✓ You like social training environment with instructors
Bottom line: The extra 250 NOK at SATS is only worth it if you actually use the group classes and facilities. If you don't, you're paying 71% more for nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SATS worth 250 NOK extra per month?
It depends on how often you use group classes. If you take 8+ classes per month, each class costs ~30 NOK at SATS (included in membership). Drop-in group classes elsewhere cost 150-250 NOK. SATS is worth it if you want classes. If you only train alone with weights/cardio, save the money and choose EVO.
What do you get at SATS that EVO doesn't have?
SATS offers: 100+ weekly group classes (yoga, spinning, HIIT, Zumba), pool and sauna at Premium centers, more locations (15+ vs 5+ in Oslo), personal training discounts, and Nordic access. EVO focuses on basic training equipment, 24/7 access, and low costs without extra amenities.
Are there hidden costs at SATS?
Yes. SATS often requires a startup fee (199-399 NOK), towels cost extra (30-50 NOK/visit) at most centers, parking can cost 30-50 NOK/hour at city center locations, and premium personal training is more expensive than budget gyms. EVO has lower startup fees and fewer additional costs.
Ready to choose?
Compare all facilities and prices side-by-side