Burning Man is an annual event held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada that attracts tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world. Planning for Burning Man requires careful consideration of the costs associated with attending this week-long event. While Burning Man emphasizes radical self-reliance and a gift economy, the reality is that you will likely need to spend money to fully experience everything Burning Man has to offer. In this article, we will break down the major costs associated with attending Burning Man to help you budget and prepare.
Ticket
The first major expense for Burning Man is purchasing a ticket. Tickets for Burning Man 2023 are priced as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Pre-Sale Ticket | $575 |
| Main Sale Ticket | $650 |
| Vehicle Pass | $140 |
So at a minimum, you are looking at spending $650 for a ticket if you purchase during the main sale. You will also need a vehicle pass for $140 if you plan to drive to the event.
Many people also opt to purchase pre-sale tickets to ensure they can attend. Pre-sale tickets cost $575. So if you want to guarantee your entry and bring a vehicle, budget $715 just for tickets.
Travel
The next major expense is travel to get to Black Rock City. While some attendees live close enough to drive, many people fly in from all over the world. Here are typical costs for travel to Burning Man:
| Travel From | Typical Cost |
| West Coast (driving) | $150-$300 for gas |
| East Coast (flight) | $300-$700 roundtrip |
| Europe (flight) | $800-$1500 roundtrip |
| Asia (flight) | $1000-$2000 roundtrip |
As you can see, flights can add a significant expense, especially if coming internationally. You may be able to offset costs by sharing rides and flights with friends also attending. But expect to budget at least $300 for travel within the U.S. or up to $2,000 internationally.
Camping Supplies & Equipment
To camp on the playa, you will need camping supplies and equipment suited for the harsh desert environment. Here are some typical costs:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Tent | $100-$300 |
| Sleeping bag | $50-$150 |
| Cooler | $50-$100 |
| Bike | $50-$300 (or rent for ~$60) |
| Bike lights | $20-$60 |
| Portable shower | $40-$100 |
| Camp stove | $40-$100 |
| Headlamps | $15-$40 each |
| Water containers | $20-$60 |
| Folding wagon | $50-$150 |
You can save money by borrowing equipment and sharing with campmates. But even sticking to the low end, you’re looking at spending $500+ on essential gear. Renting a bike can help avoid that major purchase.
Food & Supplies
You’ll need to stock up on plenty of food and water for the week, as well as other supplies like sunscreen, goggles, batteries, etc. Here’s a breakdown:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Food & beverages | $150-$300 |
| Reusable water jug | $20-$40 |
| Electrolyte tablets | $10-$20 |
| Sunscreen & lotion | $20-$40 |
| Face masks & goggles | $20-$50 |
| Portable phone charger | $30-$60 |
| Cooler ice | $40-$100 |
| Batteries | $10-$30 |
| Toiletries | $30-$75 |
| First aid kit | $20-$60 |
You can keep costs down by buying non-perishable foods, rationing wisely, and sharing communal supplies with your camp. But expect to spend around $300-$500 on these essentials.
Gifting & Bartering Items
An important part of the Burning Man ethos is gifting items to others on the playa. Bring fun trinkets, useful supplies, or anything you think would brighten someone’s day. Some popular gift ideas include:
– Fun costumes or accessories like tutus, light-up items, furry leg warmers
– Temporary tattoos, stickers, patches, pins
– Hand fans, spray bottles, balloons, kazoos
– Quick snacks like granola bars, fruit, candies
– Useful supplies like sunscreen, lip balm, batteries
– Fun toys like hula hoops, frisbees, bubble guns
The recommended budget for gifting items is $50-$200 per person. Get creative within your budget – often it’s the meaningful thought rather than cost that counts most as a gift.
You may also need money for bartering if you rely on campmates to share equipment, food, water, etc. Have $50-$100 set aside for this purpose.
Shelter Costs
While most people camp, you can also book other shelter options if you don’t want to sleep on the ground. Here are the typical costs:
| Shelter Type | Typical Cost |
| RV rental | $1500-$4000 |
| Camper van | $1000-$2500 |
| Geodesic dome | $1200-$2500 |
| Yurt | $800-$2500 |
| Monkey hut | $300-$1000 |
| Portable tent | $1500-$4000 |
These more luxurious shelter options provide relief from the elements, but come at a premium. RV rentals start around $250/night, while private geodesic domes can cost upwards of $2500.
Transportation at the Event
Biking is the main way to get around Burning Man. You can bring your own or rent one on-site for $50-$100 for the week. Beyond that, you may need funds for:
| Item | Cost |
| Bicycle maintenance | $20-$50 |
| Decorating your bike | $20-$75+ |
| Lock for your bike | $15-$30 |
| Art car rides | Gifts appreciated |
Having a well-decorated bike is a must for creative expression on the playa. Budget at least $50 for fun decorations like LED lights, fur, ribbons, etc.
You may also need funds if you require art car rides due to mobility challenges. Be sure to offer gifts in return as a token of appreciation.
Theme Camps & Activities
One major advantage of joining an established theme camp at Burning Man is gaining access to shared resources and amenities. This can help lower your costs. Here are typical fees to join a theme camp:
| Camp Size | Typical Fees |
| Small (10-20 people) | $100-$300 per person |
| Medium (20-50 people) | $200-$400 per person |
| Large (50+ people) | $300-$500+ per person |
For the luxury of having infrastructure set up for you, expect to pay at least $100. Large camps with extensive amenities like kitchens and showers can run over $500 per person.
You’ll also want to budget for paid events, activities, classes, and workshops at the event:
| Activity | Typical Cost |
| Workshops | $10-$75 |
| Fitness classes | $10-$40 per class |
| Spa services | $50-$200+ |
| Rides | $5-$30 |
| Burlesque shows | $15-$60 |
From helicopter rides to massage workshops, be prepared to spend $100-$500+ on these experiences if they interest you.
Burning Man Fashion & Costumes
Dressing up in funky, elaborate costumes and outfits is one of the best parts of Burning Man! Costume costs vary wildly based on how much time and effort you put in. Here are some guidelines:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Pre-made costumes | $50-$200 |
| Used clothing & accessories | $20-$100 |
| DIY costumes | $50-$500+ |
| Makeup & body paint | $20-$75 |
| Lighting | $30-$150 |
You can create elaborate costumes on any budget. Shop thrift stores for funky pieces, or go all out with original creations using LEDs, fur, sequins and more. Allow $150-$300 for a well-rounded wardrobe.
Personal Care & Health
Take care of your body with funds set aside for:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Prescriptions | Varies |
| Over-the-counter medications | $20-$75 |
| First aid supplies | $20-$100 |
| Hand sanitizer & wipes | $10-$20 |
| Baby wipes (for dust) | $5-$20 |
| Earplugs | $5-$15 |
| Emergency medical fund | $300-$1000 |
Don’t skimp on health and sanitation – this is an extremely harsh environment. Budget at least $300 for illness prevention and medical contingencies.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Here are some other supplies that could come in handy:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| RV service (if renting) | $100-$300 |
| Vehicle oil change | $40-$100 |
| Cooler repairs | $20-$60 |
| Flagpole & flags | $30-$100 |
| Rope, tape, zip ties | $20-$50 |
| Spare parts like tubes | $30-$100 |
| Travel to Reno for supplies | $50-$200 |
It never hurts to come extra prepared with $100-$200 for errands and unexpected needs on site.
Leisure & Entertainment
While much of the entertainment at Burning Man is free, you may want additional funds for:
| Activity | Typical Cost |
| Ice | $5-$10 per bag |
| Coffee & drinks | $3-$8 each |
| Food trucks & vendors | $10-$20 per meal |
| Cocktail supplies | $50-$200 |
| Marijuana & other | $100-$500+ |
| Merchandise vendors | $20-$200+ |
Vendors offer coffee, snacks, cocktails, and more – just bring cash and gifts to trade. Having $100-$300 for leisure spending is reasonable.
Conclusion
Attending Burning Man requires extensive planning and budgeting. With travel, ticket, and basic camping gear alone, you’re looking at around $1000-$1500 per person. Adding in costumes, food, activities, and more comfortable shelter can quickly raise the total costs to $2000-$5000 per person. While you can trim expenses in many areas with DIY solutions and borrowed equipment, it’s smart to budget $3000-$4000 if you want to fully experience everything Burning Man has to offer. As a once in a lifetime experience for many, the extra costs are worthwhile – just be prepared so you can focus on self-expression and enjoying the event rather than worrying about making ends meet.
