How much does a massage cost?
How much does a massage cost?
$60 – $150 average cost for 60-minute massage
$90 – $200 average cost for 90-minute massage
Massage prices
A massage costs $60 to $150 on average for a 60-minute session or $90 to $200 for a 90-minute session, depending on the massage type, the therapist's experience, your location, and the setting. Massage therapists in private practice charge significantly less than high-end spas and luxury hotels.
| Massage length | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 30-minute massage | $30 – $70 |
| 60-minute massage | $60 – $150 |
| 90-minute massage | $90 – $200 |
| 120-minute massage | $120 – $250 |
Massage cost factors
Several factors influence the cost of a massage:
Massage length: Longer sessions naturally cost more but also provide more comprehensive treatment. A 30-minute session typically focuses on one specific area, while 60-, 90-, and 120-minute sessions offer progressively more thorough full-body work.
Massage type: Specialized massage techniques that require additional training, like lymphatic drainage or Rolfing, cost more than standard Swedish massages.
Location: Massage prices vary significantly by geographic location. Massage therapists and spas in urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living typically have higher prices.
Therapist's experience: More experienced massage therapists often charge higher rates than newer practitioners.
Setting: The environment where you receive your massage significantly impacts the price. High-end spas and luxury hotels charge premium rates, while private practices, massage chains, and massage schools offer more affordable options.
Packages and memberships: Many massage therapists offer discounts when you purchase multiple sessions in advance or join a membership program. These packages typically provide savings of 10% or more compared to individual session prices.
Add-ons: Additional services such as aromatherapy, foot scrubs, cupping therapy, face masks, or Himalayan salt stones may increase the base price by $10 to $25+ each.
Massage cost by type
Different massage techniques address various needs—from relaxation to pain relief to performance enhancement. The specialized training required for certain modalities affects the pricing. The table below shows the average prices for popular massage types.
| Massage type | Average price |
|---|---|
| Swedish massage | $60 – $120 |
| Deep tissue massage | $80 – $130 |
| Sports massage | $75 – $125 |
| Prenatal massage | $75 – $150 |
| Aromatherapy massage | $80 – $130 |
| Lymphatic drainage massage | $100 – $150 |
| Hot stone massage | $85 – $130 |
| Thai massage | $90 – $170 |
| Rolfing / Structural Integration | $100 – $300 |
| Reflexology / Foot massage | $60 – $100 |
| Chair massage | $25 – $80 |
| Couples massage | $150 – $300 |
Swedish massage
A Swedish massage costs $60 to $120 for a 60-minute session and is perfect for stress relief and general wellness. The therapist uses long, gentle strokes, kneading, and circular movements to relax the entire body, boost circulation, and promote a sense of overall calm. As the most common type of massage, Swedish massage serves as an excellent introduction for first-time massage clients.
Deep tissue massage
A deep tissue massage costs $80 to $130 on average for a 60-minute session. A deep tissue massage involves slow, firm strokes and targeted pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscles and tissue. This type of massage is most beneficial for relieving chronic pain, muscle knots and tightness, and referred pain.
Sports massage
A 60-minute sports massage costs $75 to $125 and is tailored for athletes and active individuals. This massage focuses on preventing and treating injuries, enhancing flexibility, and improving performance. Techniques may include stretching, compression, and deep tissue work to address specific muscle groups used in sports activities.
Prenatal massage
For expectant mothers, a 60-minute prenatal massage costs $75 to $150. This gentle massage helps alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and enhance circulation. Special techniques and positioning ensure comfort and safety, making it a soothing choice during pregnancy.
Aromatherapy massage
An aromatherapy massage costs $80 to $130 for a 60-minute session. This massage enhances the standard Swedish technique by incorporating essential oils selected for their therapeutic properties. The oils are either applied directly to the skin during the massage or diffused into the air.
Lymphatic drainage massage
A 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage costs $100 to $150. This specialized technique is best for detoxification, boosting immune function, and reducing swelling. Gentle, rhythmic movements stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove toxins and excess fluid from the body, promoting overall health and recovery. This massage is particularly beneficial after surgery or for those with lymphedema.
Hot stone massage
A hot stone massage costs $85 to $130 for a 60-minute session and is ideal for stress reduction and easing mild muscle tension. The therapist places smooth, heated stones on key points of the body. The hot stones allow warmth to penetrate deeply and promote relaxation, improve circulation, and melt away tension.
Thai massage
Thai massage costs $90 to $170. This ancient healing system combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and deep stretching. Performed on a floor mat with the client fully clothed, it involves rhythmic compression along energy lines to enhance flexibility, relieve tension, and promote relaxation. The specialized training and physical demands make this massage type more expensive than standard options.
Rolfing / Structural Integration
Rolfing or Structural Integration costs $100 to $300 per session. This holistic system works to realign and balance the body's structure through manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue). Rolfing is typically performed as a series of 10 sessions, each focusing on different body regions. The extensive training required for Rolfers and the comprehensive approach explains the higher price point.
Reflexology / Foot massage
Reflexology costs $60 to $100 for a typical session. This specialized massage focuses on pressure points in the feet that correspond to organs and systems throughout the body. Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes and aim to promote overall wellness by stimulating these reflex points. Reflexology can be less expensive than a full-body massage while still providing significant relaxation and health benefits.
Chair massage
Chair massages cost $25 to $80 depending on length, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. These massages are performed while you're seated fully clothed in a specialized massage chair. Chair massages focus primarily on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands. This is an affordable option often found in workplaces, malls, and events.
Couples massage
A couples massage costs $150 to $300 for a 60-minute session for two people. This experience allows partners, friends, or family members to enjoy massages simultaneously in the same room. Each person has their own massage therapist. Couples massages often include additional amenities like champagne, chocolate, or rose petals, contributing to the premium pricing.
Massage prices by provider
Most national massage chains offer standardized services, along with membership programs for regular clients. Prices vary by location, even within the same chain, due to regional cost differences.
| Provider | Average price (60-minute massage) |
|---|---|
| Massage Envy | $70 – $150 |
| Hand and Stone Massage | $90 – $140 |
| Elements Massage | $90 – $130 |
| Massage Luxe | $80 – $140 |
| Zeel (on-demand in-home service) | $100 – $150 |
A massage therapist at a private practice can often provide more customized services tailored to your specific needs.
Massage FAQs
How much should you tip for a massage?
Most clients tip a massage therapist 15% to 20% of the massage price or a flat $10 to $20. When deciding how much to tip your massage therapist, consider the massage length and type, as well as the setting. Tips are usually higher at hotel spas and high-end resorts. Some all-inclusive spas add a gratuity automatically, so check your bill before adding a tip.
How often should you get a massage?
The ideal frequency for massages depends on your personal needs and budget. For general wellness and stress management, monthly massages are often recommended. Athletes or individuals with chronic pain conditions might benefit from more frequent sessions, typically every 1 to 2 weeks. Those recovering from injuries might need weekly sessions at first, reducing the frequency as they heal.
What should you wear to a massage?
For most full-body massages, you'll undress to your comfort level, typically down to underwear, though some clients prefer to be completely unclothed. You'll be covered with a sheet or blanket during the massage, with only the area being worked on exposed. The therapist will step out of the room while you undress and get on the massage table.
For modalities like Thai massage, you'll remain fully clothed in comfortable, loose-fitting attire. For chair massages, no clothing removal is necessary. If you're unsure about the dress code for a specific type of massage, don't hesitate to ask your therapist before your appointment.
Are massages good for you?
Massage therapy offers numerous benefits, including:
Stress reduction and lowered anxiety
Pain relief for both acute and chronic conditions
Improved circulation and lymphatic flow
Enhanced immune function
Better sleep quality
Increased flexibility and range of motion
Reduced muscle tension and fatigue
Lower blood pressure
Improved posture
While massage offers many benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. Those with certain health conditions like deep vein thrombosis, severe osteoporosis, or infectious skin conditions should consult with a healthcare provider before getting a massage.
Where to get a massage
Follow these tips to help you choose the best massage therapist near you:
Decide which type of massage you're interested in and look for massage therapists who specialize in that type.
Read reviews of local massage therapists from other customers on Thervo and Google.
Confirm the therapist is licensed or certified.
Ask questions about the massage process to help you gauge the therapist's communication style.
Ask if they offer any package discounts for purchasing multiple sessions.
Questions to ask a massage therapist
Ask the massage therapist these important questions before booking your appointment:
How long have you been a massage therapist?
What are your qualifications and experience?
Are you licensed or certified?
What type of massage do you specialize in?
Can you customize the massage to address my specific needs?
What experience do you have working with my health condition?
What should I expect during the massage session?
What should I wear to the session?
What oils, lotions, or other products do you use?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.