Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is more than just a course—it’s a journey that transforms both your practice and your perspective. Some join to deepen their understanding of yoga’s philosophy and traditions, while others aim to earn certification and guide students in their own classes.
Whatever the goal, one thing is certain: it’s a meaningful investment of time, energy, and money. Knowing the yoga teacher training cost in advance helps you plan wisely and choose the right program for your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence pricing and what to expect for different formats and locations.
Why Invest in Yoga Teacher Training?
Joining a yoga teacher training program is not only about becoming a certified yoga teacher but also about having a completely transformational experience. It changes the way you think, you live your life, you breathe, and relate to the world surrounding you. At the core of this training, you learn that yoga is all about self-enquiry. This teacher training program provides you the ideal space and structure so that you can explore your inner world.
Yoga teacher training sharpens your understanding regarding every asana you practice. You learn about your bodily needs and practice movements accordingly. You dive into the depths of yogic philosophy and get introduced to different styles of yoga like Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, and Vinyasa. This helps in broadening your perspective towards what resonates with you the most. After the completion of your training program, you receive the Internationally Certified RYT certification that reflects your credibility as a yoga teacher.
If you wish to pursue teaching yoga professionally, then investing in a yoga teacher training program is the ideal option to consider. This will be your launchpad where you will learn how to guide the students, create sequence classes, provide a safe environment for practicing hands-on alignment, and giving real-time feedback. Always remember that you are not doing this alone. There are several individuals from different backgrounds and countries who participate in these training programs just like you do.
Overview Table for the Cost of YTT Programs
Below is the overview of the cost of yoga teacher training programs according to the locations and level of training.
| Training Program | India (Residential) | US/Europe (Residential) | Online Format |
| 100 Hours | $250–$1,200 | $400–$2,000 | $200–$800 |
| 200 Hours | $800–$2,500 | $1,200–$5,000 | $400–$1,500 |
| 300 Hours | $1,200–$3,000 | $2,000–$7,000 | $700–$2,000 |
| 500 Hours | $2,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
100-hour Yoga Teacher Training
100-hour yoga teacher training is the entry point certification which is not certified by the Yoga Alliance but is considered as the first half of the 200-hour yoga teacher training program. This program lasts for around 2 weeks and is ideal for complete beginners.
Cost Insights for 100-hour YTT program
- India: Shared accommodation and three course meals are included along with daily yoga/meditation sessions; typically ranges from INR 12,750–25,500 ($250–$400).
- US/Europe: If outside India, then prices might vary according to the locations and amenities provided, ranging from $400–$2,000.
- Online: If you are taking online sessions for 100-hour YTT then expect the cost ranging approximately $200–$800.
Why do people choose it?
This program is ideal for individuals who wish to taste practice before committing to a certified teacher training program.
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training
The 200-hour YTT program is the fundamental program required to become a certified yoga instructor. It is accredited by the Yoga Alliance and teaches all the necessary foundational aspects of yoga. It has a curriculum that includes daily yoga asanas along with pranayama and meditation, yogic philosophies, teaching methodologies, and hands-on practicum. Once you have completed the program, you will receive the RYT 200 certification through Yoga Alliance as it will signify that you are a qualified and certified yoga teacher.
Cost Insight for 200-hour YTT program-
- India: Ranges from $800 to $2,500. This includes the accommodation facility, three course meals, and other essential amenities. Major centres of YTT programs in India are Goa, Rishikesh, Mysore, Kerala, and Dharamshala.
- US/Europe: Ranges from $1,200 to $5,000+. This happens because of the higher cost of living as well as facilities provided. You might get luxurious venues, smaller and more focused classes, and bigger names.
- Online: Begin from as low as $400. You can access the recorded lessons and learn as per your availability.
Why do people choose it?
Yoga practitioners who wish to pursue yoga as their professional career have to necessarily join the 200-hour YTT program as it is the fundamental certification program. Every individual graduating from the program receives the RYT 200 certification which proves their credibility of becoming a yoga instructor.
300-hour Yoga Teacher Training
The 300-hour yoga teacher training program is the advanced course for the individuals who have completed the fundamental 200-hour YTT program. It is designed specifically to deepen the understanding about different yogic aspects which will ultimately make you an extremely qualified yoga instructor. It has a curriculum which also includes anatomy, physiology, class sequencing, yogic philosophy, daily asana practice, and advanced teaching skills.
Cost Insight for 300-hour YTT program
- India: Ranges between $1,200–$3,000. The program includes all-inclusive residential courses along with providing necessary amenities.
- US/Europe: In other countries, the cost might range between $2,000–$7,000. This is because of the internationally recognized faculty and other luxury amenities provided by the yoga schools. It might vary according to the school and destination you choose.
- Online/Hybrid: You can also choose the online or hybrid format of yoga teacher training program, which ranges from $700 to $2,000. It majorly depends on the length of your course, popularity of the yoga schools and the quality of their classes.
Why do people choose it?
Yoga practitioners who have already graduated from the foundational 200-hour yoga teacher training program and wish to expand their understanding in this field can join this. It will help you to become an even better certified yoga instructor, with increased credibility. Once you complete the program, you will receive the certification which can be used for teaching yoga anywhere across the globe.
500-hour Yoga Teacher Training
The 500-hour YTT program is a combination of the syllabus of the foundational 200-hour and advanced 300-hour YTT programs. It can either be a structured or a stand alone course of almost 2 months. For comprehensive understanding of yoga and its principles, this is the ideal program to consider. Your training will start with introducing you to the fundamentals of yoga and then proceeding with the advanced teachings.
Cost insight for the 500-hour YTT program
- India: Ranges between $2,000–$5,000. It is a standard program with accommodation and food facilities and lasts for around 8- to 10 weeks.
- US/Europe: Ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. Outside India, these programs are especially conducted at renowned institutes and specific destinations which results in such prices.
- Online: Online sessions for 500-hour YTT programs are affordable and range from $1,500 to $3,000. It might be a financially better option to consider but it is always better to join such programs in person.
Why do people choose it?
With two months of comprehensive training, you will become a certified yoga instructor. It includes the curriculum of both 200-hour as well as 300-hour YTT program, so you are able to understand everything about yoga from basic to advanced. Once you have completed it, you will receive the RYT 500 certification
Factors Affecting the Cost of Yoga Teacher Training Program
Yoga teacher training programs are not “one size fits all”. The cost of these programs depends on various factors like location, level of the course, facilities included, etc. Let’s look at some of the major factors that affect the cost of any YTT program.
Location
Prices vary according to the type of location you are choosing. If you choose India, Nepal, Bali, etc, you will be able to find some really under-budget YTT programs. This is majorly because of the low cost of living and also due to the fact that yoga was born here and is extremely common. If you are going to a new country for YTT programs, the cost might vary depending on different destinations. You will not only pay for the training but also for the economic cost of that place.
For example:
- A 200-hour YTT program in destinations like Rishikesh or Goa can cost you anywhere around $700 to $1500 USD, which will also include accommodation and meal facility.
- The same 200-hour program in countries like the US or Europe might cost around $2500 to $5000 USD, which is just about the sessions and does not include accommodation.
Duration and Level of the Program
The duration and the level of program you are choosing directly affects its cost. Since the 100-hour or 200-hour is shorter than the 300-hour or 500-hour YTT programs in terms of duration, the cost of these programs will be comparatively less. The number of hours you are joining for is directly related to the price of the program.
- 100-hour YTT programs are of short duration and also said to be just introductory modules. These programs can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000 USD.
- The 200-hour YTT program is one of the most common entry-level certification programs. This can cost you around $700 and $3,500 USD, depending on the facilities provided.
- The 300-hour and 500-hour YTT programs are of longer durations and said to be more advanced. This is the reason they are quite expensive and can range between $1,500 and $6,000 USD.
This happens because the longer duration programs require more teaching time as well as accommodation facilities. They also include three course meals, materials, and other specialized content for advanced sequencing.
Reputation and Popularity of the Yoga School
Renowned yoga schools which have prominent teachers often tend to charge more premium. Established yoga schools who have built their strong reputation and have long standing accreditation from Yoga Alliance will cost more for the YTT programs. You will be paying for the quality of training, trust of the school, consistency, and better facilities.
There are several individuals who are happily willing to pay more for an experienced yoga teacher or someone who has a lineage connection because of the authenticity they will offer. Reputation is all about the depth of instructions, perfection of the curriculum, safe environment, and post-training support.
In-Person vs. Online Training Format
Due to the global pandemic in 2020, doors have been opened for online yoga teacher training programs. In comparison to the in-person training course, the online courses are much more affordable. This is because there is no need for a specific location, providing accommodation or three meals a day in the online classes. They are flexible and budget-friendly, if you are someone who is balancing your work or family with this.
In-person yoga teacher training programs have their own pros and cons. If you are taking the online course, you will miss out on the immersive surroundings, supportive community, sunrise meditation, real-time feedback, and energy shifts that only happen when you are totally away from your regular routine.
- The online YTT programs often cost between $400 and $1,500 USD, depending on if it is hybrid, self-paced, or live.
- The In-person training programs which are residential, cost more because they include accommodation and food facility along with other necessary amenities. It usually ranges from $1,000 USD to $5,000 USD or even more.
Different Yoga Styles
There are several yoga schools that provide yoga teacher training programs focusing on different yoga styles. Some most common styles are Hatha yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin, and Restorative yoga. Every yoga style is different and its impact on your body is also different. Before you choose the YTT program, make sure to know about what yoga style they are teaching and what is the cost of the program according to this. Decide the yoga style depending on the requirements of your body, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Tips for Budgeting your Yoga Teacher Training Program
Yoga teacher training is a big investment for you, in terms of finances as well as time and energy. Whether you are joining it for enhancing your personal wellness or wish to achieve the professional milestone, budgeting your YTT program carefully is extremely important.
Do your Homework Before you Join
Make sure to research about the yoga school and the programs they are providing before you join them. Not all the training programs are created equally. Read the reviews, testimonials, and the feedback provided by real students and then analyze your decision.
Join the Program in Off-Season
If you pick out destinations like Bali, Goa, Kerala, or Thailand, then try to attend the program during the off-season. Through this you can save a lot in your flight tickets, accommodation, and even the fees of the program. There are many yoga schools that offer discounted rates during their off-season in order to attract potential students.
Share the Room and Skip Luxury
Don’t opt for the fancy resorts or private rooms, instead take the sharing rooms. This will help you in building like-minded communities and also cuts your cost to half. Several bonds are created in the yoga schools as people from different backgrounds and surroundings come to one specific destination for yoga and wellness and have the same mindset about it.
Check the Financial Aid and Scholarships
Always make sure to research about the financial aids and scholarships provided to some sincere students who wish to deepen their understanding about yoga. If you meet the eligibility criteria of the scholarship, then apply for it.
Check whether the School is Yoga Alliance Certified or not
Always consider a yoga school which is accredited by the Yoga Alliance, USA. It is a non-profit global organization that sets the standards for the yoga teacher training programs. Graduating from the YTT programs via Yoga Alliance certified school means that you are credible enough to teach yoga professionally anywhere. So before budgeting your yoga journey, make sure you are aware about the Yoga Alliance accredited yoga schools.
FAQ’s on How Much Does Yoga Teacher Training Cost?
Why does yoga teacher training cost so much in the West?
In countries like the U.S., Canada, or Europe, higher costs come from factors like studio rent, instructor salaries, small class sizes, and added perks such as meals, retreats, or luxury accommodations. You’re also paying for the school’s reputation, location, and sometimes extras like marketing or branding.
Is yoga teacher training cheaper in India?
Yes—often dramatically. In India, you can find reputable, Yoga Alliance–approved 200-hour programs with food and lodging included for $500–$1,200, compared to $2,000–$7,000 in the West. The lower cost is due to reduced living expenses and operating costs in India—not a compromise on quality.
Are online yoga teacher trainings worth it?
If you’re disciplined and prefer flexibility, online YTTs can be a fantastic option. Many reputable programs cost between $333 and $500, and still offer Yoga Alliance certification. You’ll miss the in-person community and hands-on adjustments, but gain affordability and schedule freedom.
What’s included in the price of a YTT?
In-person trainings usually include tuition, course materials, certification, and sometimes meals and lodging. In India, accommodation and vegetarian meals are often part of the package, while in the West, you might pay extra for these.
Can I find scholarships or discounts?
Yes—many schools offer early-bird discounts, seasonal promotions, or work-trade opportunities. Some also have scholarships for underrepresented groups in yoga, so it’s worth asking before you book.
How much does the average yoga teacher training cost?
For a 200-hour in-person yoga teacher training in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, the average cost is between $2,000 and $4,000. Premium retreat-style programs at high-end venues can range from $5,000 to $7,000 or more.
How much do online yoga teacher trainings cost?
Online YTTs can be a budget-friendly choice, starting around $300–$500 for self-paced options. Fully interactive, live-online programs can cost $1,000–$2,500 depending on the school and format.
Is it cheaper to do yoga teacher training abroad?
Yes. Many all-inclusive programs in destinations like India or Bali cost between $500 and $2,000, including accommodation and meals—often less than half the price of equivalent Western programs.
