Your body has been aching pretty bad lately, and you’re dying for a massage. However, most high-end spas charge hundreds, and you don’t want to drop that much money on a full-body massage.
Considering the rising cost of goods and lack of decent job opportunities, we understand why you want to avoid wasting money during these turbulent times.
However, we also want to emphasize that getting a massage shouldn’t put a dent in your budget. You just need to know where to look for good deals, so don’t worry about not having enough money for spa services.
Is this your first time exploring different spas? To give you a good starting point, we made a comprehensive list of locations that offer cheap yet quality massage therapy sessions.
You’ll be surprised at our recommendations. If you’re lucky, you might even come across one or two affordable spas that accept walk-in massage appointments near your location.
Stick with us until the end to learn more about affordable massage services. Otherwise, you’ll keep postponing getting a massage just because you don’t want to waste money.
Let’s look at the cheapest full-body massage spas!
Best places to get a discount massage
You can skip the upscale spas that charge a fortune for massage therapy treatments! We scoured the net for spa services and found out that people get cheap, quality full-body massages from:
Local massage deals
Before driving around town searching for the cheapest spa, scroll through widely known discount platforms like the following:
1. Groupon
Just type the keyword “massage” in Groupon’s search bar, and you’ll come across 15+ pages of different discount codes and ongoing promos. These offers come from a wide range of establishments.
Upscale spas that typically charge more than $200+ for a full-body massage have promos as low as $60 to $80 per hour. You might even get access to their facilities if you ask.
However, if you just want a quality deep-tissue massage without spending much, turn to lesser-known spas. You’ll find some locations offering 60-minute sessions for $10 to $20.
2. LivingSocial
LivingSocial is another widely known and trusted discount platform. A quick search reveals that it typically offers the same deals on Groupon, but you should still look into it.
At least compare the available discounts. You might even find some establishments from Groupon offering better rates on LivingSocial.
3. Travelzoo
Frequent travelers looking to get discounts should visit Travelzoo. You’ll find a handful of affordable massage therapy services, but the best offers include full-on spa services and bundles.
For instance, a spa day at The Westin Sarasota in Florida typically costs $175. However, you can cut the price down to $99 and save nearly 50% if you take advantage of the deals available on Tavelzoo.
Massage school training
Massage schools need subjects for their students. However, since their massage therapists are still undergoing training, they can’t charge full price for their services yet. Hence, the lower fees.
Most schools only charge around $20 for a 60-minute session.
Apart from their lower rates, they also go above and beyond to recreate a full-on spa experience. You’ll likely even get a private room for your massage.
Just manage your expectations. Although the students know what they’re doing, most can only perform full-body massage basics.
Note: Massage schools don’t always accept walk-in massage appointments. To get a clear grasp of where to go, search for the nearest massage schools and contact them for ongoing promos.
Massage memberships
Do you find yourself yearning for a full-body massage almost every week? If so, look into massage memberships.
Many spas offer massive discounts and exclusive offers to their loyal patrons, although you’ll likely have to pay a membership fee. The establishment could bill you annually or monthly.
The cost-efficiency of these memberships depends on your lifestyle, financial health, and appointment frequency. It’s best to compare your savings versus the membership fee.
For instance, let’s look at Massage Envy. The establishment charges a $60 monthly membership fee, but its members only pay 50% of its $99 massage therapy rates.
If you get a massage every week without a membership, you’ll spend $396. However, as a member, you’ll only shell out $260 for four massages per month, including the $60 membership fee.
Couples massage classes
A creative way to get free massages for life is to take a massage class with your significant other. Dozens of online and offline classes teach various massage techniques.
You can learn full-body massage basics for under $100. However, you might have to spend more on specialized techniques and styles—which you probably won’t need for casual massages.
Massage referral rewards
Don’t ignore the free massages most clinics offer for referrals. Although the promos vary on a case-by-case basis, you can expect spas to require at least two to three referrals before rewarding you.
In most cases, you’ll just get a discount coupon. However, clinics might offer you an entire full-body massage session if you give them several referrals at one. Just make sure to confirm the specifics beforehand.
However, note that not all spas offer this benefit. To avoid wasting time, we suggest researching which massage clinics near you have a referral system.
Go to Chinatown
There are 50 Chinatowns in the U.S. If you live near one and badly need a massage, you’re in luck because Chinese spas offer quality, affordable massages.
Of course, Chinese spas have varying rates. However, you can generally keep your expenses under $40 to $50 if you only need a 60-minute massage.
Also, take this opportunity to try Shiatsu-style massages. This massage technique primarily relies on the concepts from traditional Chinese medicine like qi meridians.
Generally, a Shiatsu massage feels heavier. It also targets super-specific pain and energy points said to affect your physiological health.
Don’t fret if you’ve never visited Chinatown. Use our search bar below to locate the nearest Chinatowns.
Health fairs or community events
Watch out for upcoming health fairs. Community events like these often have rest stations with massage chairs or tables.
The cost varies on a case-by-case basis. However, you can expect automatic massage chairs to cost around $20 for 20-minute sessions, while massage therapists might charge $30 for 60 minutes if they have a full table.
Massage research programs
Recreation and wellness centers that focus on physical therapy often offer free massages when demonstrating new techniques or technologies. They typically do these at conventions and trade fairs.
For instance, let’s say a research program is researching Thai massage techniques. If they want to introduce their findings to the media, they’ll need subjects willing to try to cooperate with them. Hence, they’ll look for people who want free massages.
You’ll generally need to pay a small fee or ticket to access these fairs. However, once you’re inside, you can probably use most of the technologies and services offered for free.
Just note that not all conventions have these benefits. To avoid wasting time, use our search bar below to research the upcoming recreation and wellness research programs near you.
Airport layovers
Most travelers avoid flights with a long layover. Although tickets to these flights cost less, you’ll take much longer to reach your destination.
If you need something to do on your next layover flight, look for cheap massage chairs and tables. Most airports have at least a couple of massage stations.
They’re fast, accessible, and, most importantly, affordable. You can get a 15-minute neck, back, and head massage for $15 to $35.
National Spa Week discounts
National Spa Week runs from the end of October to the start of November. The movement focuses on raising awareness of the emotional, physical, and psychological benefits of massages—encouraging more people to book massages.
After all, too many see spa services as an expensive luxury. Consumers often forgo massage therapy despite its benefits because they feel they can’t afford it.
National Spa Week aims to break this baseless stigma. Several spas across the U.S. and the U.K. help spread the advocacy by offering massive discounts, thus making their services more accessible.
Watch out for these promos. You can also double-check which spas near you often participate in National Spa Week activities and programs.
Insurance benefits
Review your insurance policy. Except for Medicare, many insurance providers cover the partial or full cost of a deep-tissue massage therapy session.
However, this benefit does have some caveats. Setting aside provider-specific requirements, you can only expect coverage if an accredited medical professional prescribes your massage therapy session.
Also, you’ll have to visit a spa or therapy clinic that accommodates your policy. Note: upscale establishments focused on luxury spa services generally don’t take insurance.
Of course, when in doubt, consult your insurance agent. Take this opportunity to ask about any out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, or coverage limits you should know.
Massage Therapy Foundation
The Massage Therapy Foundation provides free massages to impoverished communities that have no access to these services. Its beneficiaries typically consist of families living below the poverty line.
We want to clarify that you can’t get a free massage yourself from the foundation. However, if you represent a nonprofit organization that supports the less fortunate, you can reach out to Massage Therapy Foundation for a project grant.
How much does a massage usually cost?
A full-body massage typically costs at least $60. However, specialized deep-tissue massage therapy sessions could set you back by upward of $100.
Also, note that most spas will try to upsell you. Massages themselves don’t cost much, but they end up costing hundreds of dollars if your therapist adds on spa services like facials, manicures, and pedicures.
How much should you tip when paying with coupons?
Base your tip on pre-discounted rates. For instance, if the massage costs $100 and you have a 50% coupon, you should still tip 15% to 20% of $100.
How often should you schedule massages?
You can schedule a full-body massage every week or two if you have the extra money for them. Alternatively, opt for monthly sessions to minimize your expenses.
Should you bother scheduling massages?
Massages yield several physical, emotional, and psychological benefits, so strive to book at least one session every month. Trust us—you’ll feel a lot more relaxed and refreshed.
Consider the fees an investment. Either way, most of the tips we mentioned above will give you 60 minutes of full-body massages for under $50.
Paying less for quality, relaxing massage sessions
We want to break the notion that massage therapy is expensive. Yes, spas charge hundreds for various add-on services, but full-body massages shouldn’t cost much if you turn to the right professional.
Generally, avoid upscale spas to save on money. Instead turn to locations that offer cheap, relaxing services like community centers, foundations, and massage therapy schools.
However, if you want to enjoy a full-on spa experience, watch out for coupons. Many discount platforms and online magazines offer massive discounts to widely known spas—which you might find near you.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
