If you’re actually shopping for a new chair rental or salon suite, you want straight answers. What will you pay, what’s included, and—maybe most important—what tricks do owners and renters need to watch for?
The Real Numbers: What You’ll Pay to Rent a Suite or Chair
Let’s cut through the noise. Empty chairs cost salon owners $400–800 a month in lost revenue—sometimes more in high-traffic areas. So yes, most owners want to fill those spots fast, but the rates they charge still add up fast for beauty pros.
- Booth rent (chair/station): $400–$600/month is the average across the US for 2025. Top cities go higher.
- Private salon suites: $250–$800/week depending on city and size. Serious money, and rates rise each year.
Let’s get specific. Here’s what listings typically go for in real cities:
- NYC: $300–$1,500/week for a suite. Manhattan is always higher.
- Los Angeles: $300–$1,200/week for a suite. In top neighborhoods? Budget at the high end.
- Miami: $300–$1,000/week (tourist demand keeps things expensive).
- Atlanta: $200–$700/week. More affordable, but city center still climbs.
- Dallas + Chicago: $250–$900/week depending on the buildout and walk-in traffic.
- Denver/Boulder: $250–$700/week (Boulder costs more than Denver even for the same size).
- Small cities (e.g., Boise, Reno): $225–$450/week.
Example: A 4-chair salon in Austin will charge $200–$350 per week per booth. Private suites in Austin usually start around $250/week and can match Dallas prices quickly depending on location.
What Drives the Price for Chair and Suite Rentals?
- Location: This is at least 60% of your rate. Booth rental in hot neighborhoods—NYC, LA, Miami—can easily hit $1,000/month (for a chair, not a suite!).
- Suite size & buildout: Bigger rooms with private sinks or dark/light rooms cost more. Full wash stations or color processing setups add $100–$200 weekly.
- Demand: High-traffic salons, salons on major roads, and those with lots of walk-ins can command 20–30% higher rent for the same chair or room.
- Lease term & flexibility: Daily rentals and short-term leases cost more per week than month-to-month, but help you test a new location without a big risk.
What’s Usually Included (and What’s Not)
Never assume all amenities come standard—always double-check the fine print. But most salon suite and booth rentals typically include:
- Utilities (water, electric, heating/cooling): This can save you $100–$200 per month. If the rent sounds cheap, check if the utilities are hidden as add-ons.
- Backbar/sinks: Most suites come with a shampoo station and sink. Booths in open-concept salons usually share community sinks.
- Lighting and built-in cabinetry: High-end lighting and millwork are common in premium suites. Shared booths might only offer a rolling cart and basic mirror.
- Lobby, security, and restroom access: Better buildings have front desk or keycard security and clean restrooms for clients.
- WiFi and building maintenance: These are nearly always included, but ask, because some owners try to pass WiFi as a $35–$75/month fee.
Extras to watch for:
- Laundry or towel service: Some charge $50–$100/month for this convenience. Others expect you to haul your own.
- Marketing and social media fees: If a salon offers “promotion” on their channels, expect a fee, or watch for commission agreements.
- Parking: Always ask up front. Urban suites can charge for a spot. Free parking is a perk worth real money.
- Cleaning fees/add-ons: Nightly or weekly janitorial can be an add-on, especially in suites.
Booth Rent vs. Suite: Which One Actually Pays Off?
| Rental Type | Average Weekly Cost | Monthly Take-Home (Sample) | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suite (Denver example) | $300–$400 | $7,150 (assumes $9,000 revenue, minus $1,400 rent) | Private, full control, keep 100% of sales |
| Booth/Chair rental | $250–$400 | $6,000+ (shared space, pay product/backbar fees) | Lower upfront, but less privacy and control |
Suites cost more per week but let you earn 15–20% more. You keep what you make. With booths, product and backbar fees plus commissions can cut into profits fast. If a booth is empty, owners lose $400–$800/month—so there’s pressure on both sides to fill the spot.
Common Objections (and What to Do About Them)
- “Suites are too expensive.” Don’t bite off more rent than your book can handle. Start with daily or weekly rentals if available. Some renters share suites at first or rotate times until their client base is strong enough.
- “I can’t find anything available near me.” Top spots fill fast. Use platforms with location-based alerts. Don’t waste time on Facebook groups with little info—quality listings let you filter by city, amenities, and price. Ask to tour in person before committing.
- “There are too many hidden fees.” The contract matters. Ask for a fee breakdown before touring. Is parking included? Who pays for WiFi, laundry, or marketing pushes? Some of the best listings spell all this out with photos and clear owner contact info, so you can ask direct question—no games.
Typical Owner Frustrations: The Other Side of the Chair
- Every empty booth can cost you $400–$800 a month in lost revenue. If you run a four-chair shop and two are empty, that quickly becomes a serious money leak.
- Unreliable renters spread your stress out over months. That’s why direct, verified connections and fast messaging tools matter as much as listing exposure.
Owners need to get renters into the shop and behind the chair—not just showing up for tours and ghosting. The faster you fill your space, the faster you stop the financial bleeding.
What to Do Next—Real Steps for Renters and Owners
- Renter: Decide your non-negotiables: private room or chair, must-have amenities, real price ceiling. Don’t pay for extras you will never use. Create a free account on a site that lets you filter real spaces (by city, price, amenities, and profession)—then message owners directly. Don’t just submit forms and hope. Schedule at least one tour. If nothing’s available, subscribe to city alerts so you’re first to hear when a spot opens.
- Owner: List your chair, station, or suite where real beauty pros search. Set a fair price for your market (not what you hope, but what local renters pay). Respond to leads quickly—messaging and confirmations matter. Highlight your included amenities in the listing. Show clear photos so renters don’t waste time touring spots that are the wrong fit.
Want a straight shot to the right match? Over 12,000 beauty pros and owners have used SalonRenter.com to find or fill their spaces. You can create a free account, search by city, price, or even filter just for salon suites or private rooms. Owners can list spaces starting at $39 for 3 months. This is the fastest way to tour and fill spots before prices go up next year.
Additional Resources for Beauty Pros and Owners
- If you’re moving to a suite, double-check your equipment and tech needs. Our guide on setting up a studio with the right tools can help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Don’t forget about insurance for independent beauty pros. Read our breakdown on beauty business insurance—it’s often overlooked until it’s too late.
Bottom Line
Know your numbers, know what’s included, and don’t settle for contracts with hidden fees or fuzzy terms. Get direct with owners and don’t waste months hoping something better pops up on old-school rental boards. When you’re ready, or want to test the local market, the quickest starting point for both renters and owners is SalonRenter.com. You’ll find what you need—and we keep the process direct, not salesy.
