How Much Should Your Coaching Platform Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
One of the first things I teach coaches about money: if you don’t see your services as a necessity, nobody else will. The same applies to your tools. Invest in the right technology — but stop overpaying for the wrong technology.
Let’s get specific.
How do transaction fees affect coaching platform costs?
Most coaches compare monthly prices. But the bigger number is often the per-transaction fee.
The math on a group coaching program: $500 per participant, 20 people, 4 cohorts/year ($40,000 annual course revenue):
| Platform | Monthly | Annual Sub | Fee % | Fee/Cohort | True Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruzuku Core | $83 | $996 | 0% | $0 | $996 |
| Teachable Starter | $29 | $348 | 7.5% | $750 | $3,348 |
| Teachable Builder | $69 | $828 | 0% | $0 | $828 |
| Kajabi Basic | $143 | $1,716 | 0% | $0 | $1,716 |
| Kajabi Growth* | $199 | $2,388 | 0% | $0 | $2,388 |
| Mighty Courses | $99 | $1,188 | 2% | $200 | $1,988 |
| Podia Mover | $33 | $396 | 5% | $500 | $2,396 |
*Kajabi Growth annual price; $249/month if paid monthly.
See the full breakdown of Kajabi plans, pricing, and what each tier includes.
Notice: Teachable’s “cheap” $29/month plan costs MORE than Ruzuku’s $83/month plan once you factor in transaction fees. And Podia’s “budget” $33/month plan costs $2,396/year on $40,000 revenue.
This is what I mean when I say you need to look behind the scenes.
How much should you spend on a course platform at each business stage?
I teach coaches about five business stages — from Declaration through Expansion. Your technology investment should match your stage.
Declaration / Transition (testing your first program)
Target: $0-30/month.
Use a free plan to build and test. Ruzuku’s free tier (unlimited courses, up to 5 students, zero fees) is designed for this stage — start your course platform free.
Don’t sign up for Kajabi yet. You don’t need marketing funnels. You need to validate your program with a small group. “Getting paid to create” — launch, learn, improve.
Attraction (steady enrollment, 2-5 programs)
Target: $70-100/month with zero transaction fees.
You need cohort scheduling, discussion, and reliable delivery. Transaction fees are unacceptable now.
Ruzuku Core ($83/month, unlimited everything, zero fees) fits this stage.
Evolution / Expansion ($100K+ revenue)
Target: $83-200/month maximum.
Your platform cost should be under 2% of revenue. At this stage, invest in your coaching CRM for business growth and keep your course platform lean and effective.
Which platform is the best value for coaches?
| If You Need | Best Value |
|---|---|
| Free start, zero fees forever | Ruzuku Free |
| Cohort programs with per-lesson discussion | Ruzuku Core ($83/mo) |
| Self-paced courses, budget | Teachable Builder ($69/mo) |
| Marketing funnels + cohort courses | Kajabi Growth ($199/mo) |
| Community-first coaching | Mighty Networks Courses ($99/mo + 2% fee) |
Use the free course pricing calculator to price your coaching program right, and compare coaching course platforms side by side.
Melinda Cohan is the co-founder of The Coaches Console and author of The Confident Coach, The Professional Coach, and Sustainable Success. Since 2004, she’s helped 50,000+ coaches build businesses they love — without burning out. She believes business is a spiritual playground and that behind-the-scenes systems are what give coaches the confidence to shine. Hear her discuss the elements every coaching program needs on the Course Lab podcast.