How Much Does It Cost to Go to Burning Man
The cost of attending Burning Man is hard to pin down, because there are many ways to enjoy the experience: Renting a large RV, buying FO’MO tickets and joining a camp can result in a large budget. In contrast, getting low income tickets and camping out of the back of your car in a walk in camping spot can make your week at Burning Man affordable.
How to Pack for Burning Man
Here we examine three models. (1) A more expensive experience, with a large RV; (2) A mid-range experience with an RV and (3) A less expensive tent experience. Each of the models we outline are widely practiced at Burning Man. We don’t examine plug-n-play camps, which we don’t believe capture the spirit of Burning Man, and for the same reasons we don’t look at how you could show up to Burning Man with little more than a ticket.
All expenses below assume two people sharing an RV or Tent. This guide is designed for first time burners. Experienced folk will own most of the items on the list, and their costs will be lower.
More Expensive Option: Large RV, Joining a Camp and Coming Well Prepared
Cost: $6,000 to $11,800 for two
The RV
The most expensive item will be the RV. A 35’ RV rented in San Francisco will set you back $6,000 to $8,000. In Portland Oregon the same RV costs $3,000 to $4,000. A 25’ RV goes for $4,000 to $6,000 in SF, and $2,250 to $3,000 in Portland.
Mileage to get to and from the Burn will be included in these prices. Some companies charge extra for generator usage, typically $3 to 4 per hour. 40 to 50 hours of use is a reasonable estimate of usage.
A 35’ RV will get less than 10 MPG. $0.40 per mile is a reasonable estimate of cost. A 25’ RV will cost about half that, at $0.20 per mile to drive. Therefore, from Los Angeles the drive is 1,100 miles round trip, costing $220 to $440. From San Francisco the drive is 760 miles, costing $150 to $300. Portland will set you back $200 to $400.
In each case you’ll likely use another $100 to $125 of gas for generator use.
Bottom line: Cost of an RV $3,000 to $8,000 plus $320 to $565 in gas.
The Tickets
Tickets for two in the main sale, plus a vehicle pass cost $1081.54. FO’MO tickets will be a little over $3,000. OMG tickets will cost around $1,300.
Bottom line: Tickets $1081.54 to $3,000
Camp Dues
Many first timers will be well served joiing a camp where they can gain from the experience of veteran burners and enjoy whatever ammenities their camp provides. Many camps provide a communal meal, a porta-pottie or a shade structure.
Bottom line: Camp dues $250 to $450.
Food
Food can cost as little as a few hundred dollars for the Burn plus the drive up. We splurge and buy a dinner for each night from our favorite restaurants back home and freeze them. You’ll need two coolers. You can buy Coleman Xtreme coolers for around $35 each on Craigslist
Bottom line: Food costs $200 to $400, plus $70 if you need to buy coolers
Clothing
First timers often spend too much on clothing for the Burn, by buying too many items of clothing, buying fancy pre-made items or complex lighting systems. One’s best bet is likely to go to Goodwill, buy some simple lighting and buying fewer items than they think they will use. Even buying a used warm coat, a reasonable budget could be $150. $400 would be over-doing.
Bottom line: Clothing cost $150 to $400
Bike
If you live in San Francisco, a used Burning Man bike can be found free of charge. Add lighting and some new decor and you’re good to go. Otherwise a beach cruiser costs around $80 new. Add $50 for lights and decor.
Bottom line: Bike cost $50 to $130
The Gear
Please see our packing list here for a full discussion of what we bring to Burning Man. Below we highlight the items you are most likely going to need to buy for the trip, but the list is not exhaustive.
RV Setup and RV Protection
White gaffer tape. It’s more expensive than painter’s tape but leaves no residue on RV.
Blue painter’s tape (if gaffer tape runs out). Blue tape will leave a residue if left in the sun. So we only use inside our RV.
Ikea mat for entrance way inside RV. We bought a stack on sale for $1 each at Ikea. We stack 5 on top of each other and just peel off the top one every other day (to be cleaned at home and reused the next year - they hold up surprisingly well to machine washing.
Cheap door mat for outside of RV (make sure it won’t leave MOOP - our first year we used a high quality front door mat that left us picking up fine bristles for a few hours on our way out.
Old bed sheets to cover surfaces
Clips to keep sheets covering furniture in place
Press n’ Seal Glad Wrap to help cover dash board and other surfaces
Corn husk broom for RV (we found small handheld “Dustbusters” not be to be effective)
USB wall chargers. One with multiple charging outlets is best
USB backup batteries. For charging or powering any USB device.
Tapestry for RV protection and decoration.
Bottom line: Total cost $150
Tools
We assume you’ll have most of the tools you’ll need (see the full list here), with only minor items needed to purchase.
Bottom line: Total cost $30.
Female Daily Mini Bin
Foam ear plugs. Make sure they fit comfortably. Earplugs are rated for how much noise they block out, so shop carefully. Men and women often need different sizes. Read up on this, it’s important to get the right ones. Make good playa gifts.
Headlamp. Any small reliable headlamp will work. Bring extra batteries just in case, but we seldom use headlamps at BRC.
Tinted sun screen
Emery board
Small cuticle pack
Loofah
Work gloves
Glasses
Gum
Toiletry bag
Sippy cup. There are two good ways to go. I prefer the sippy cup style (may I recommend these), they are small and never spill. Or a camping cup style like these, which are larger. These cups will be used at bars and the like for offering.
Male Daily Mini Bin
Foam Ear plugs Make sure they fit comfortably. Earplugs are rated for how much noise they block out, so shop carefully. Men and women often need different sizes. Read up on this, it’s important to get the right ones. Make good playa gifts.
Headlamp. Any small reliable headlamp will work. Bring extra batteries.
Work gloves
Toiletry bag
Sippy cup.
Joint Daily Mini Bin
Skin moisturizing (watch this for some skin care tips)
Coconut oil packs (or sunflower if you have very sensitive skin). Good for skin moisturizer after cleaning up.
Hand moisturizer
Face moisturizer
Body moisturizer
Essential Oils (which can be also used in a diffuser…but may damage typical humidifiers)
Vaseline
Lubricated eye drops
Sunscreen
Sunblock spray We bring ten of these for two people. We use creme before going out but on the playa refresh with the spray. Very light skin. Very little clothing. Never a burn. Our two favorites are Trader Joes spray or Banana Boat. Re-apply every two hours. (You need way more than you do at any beach).
Sunblock creme. Neutrogena Ultra works great on the playa. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use an ounce/shotglass worth to cover the body. which means one tube is about enough for a single application for three people…if using a separate face sunscreen. This tells you the right amount… (you’ve been using too little).
Sunblock for face. Eltamd sunscreen is great for sensitive skin. Others may find standard sunscreen to be just fine for the face.
Body wipes. Alcala bamboo body wipes are magical. It’s one of the few times we would strongly recommend a brand. These are fairly large wipes (10”x10”) that are almost as good as a shower. And small and light enough to keep one in your pack at all times.
Personal wipes, for the most sensitive areas.
Aloe vera for sun burn.
Q-tips
Hand warmers
Neosporin can be used in the nose to keep your nose from becoming too dry. Some use Vaseline, although at least in theory there could be issues doing so.
Condoms
Personal lube
Gum
Power
USB Batteries (power banks for USB charged devices)
Extra batteries AAA
Extra batteries AA
Extra batteries (2032)
Lighter
Sharpies
Pens
Sewing kit. For normal sewing needs.
Specialized sewing kit for leather and costume repair.
Disposable dust masks. Having a couple hospital type masks work well in a pinch.
Mini E6000 for fixing stuff
Bottom line: Total cost, depending on what you own, $100 to $200.
Dusk Masks and Goggles
Bottom line: $80
RV Protection
2 rolls of foil-faced bubble wrap to cover windows (Reflectix). Essential for keeping the RV cool. Also keeps the RV fairly dark, allowing for off hours sleeping. It can be used inside or outside the RV. If you cover windows on the outside, you’ll need to have strong, wide tape to keep it in place, and cover all the outside seams. A small gap in the tape will allow wind to catch it, and it will rip off. Many people (most?) put it on the outside, because it is more effective there. We put it on the inside, because it can’t blow away, and when properly mounted still does a very good job. We have a/c and don’t want to hassle with it. If we didn’t have a/c, it would be on the outside.
Coverings for floor like this clean film that will stick to wood or the equivalent carpet covering
Bottom line: $100
Mid-Tier Option: Small RV, Joining a Camp and Coming Prepared
Cost: $4,750 to $9,250 for two
The RV
A 25’ RV goes for $4,000 to $6,000 in SF, and $2,250 to $3,000 in Portland.
Mileage to get to and from the Burn will be included in these prices. Some companies charge extra for generator use, typically $3 to 4 per hour. 40 to 50 hours of use is a reasonable estimate of usage.
A 25’ RV will cost about $0.20 per mile to drive. Therefore, from Los Angeles the drive is 1,100 miles round trip, costing $220. From San Francisco the drive is 760 miles, costing $150. Portland will set you back $200.
In each case you’ll likely use another $100 to $125 of gas for generator use.
Bottom line: Cost of an RV $2,250 to $6,000 plus $250 to $345 in gas.
The Tickets
Tickets for two in the main sale, plus a vehicle pass cost $1081.54. FO’MO tickets will be a little over $3,000. OMG tickets will cost around $1,300.
Bottom line: Tickets $1080
Camp Dues
Many first timers will be well served joining a camp where they can gain from the experience of veteran burners and enjoy whatever amenities the camp provides. Many camps provide a communal meal, a porta-pottie or a shade structure.
Bottom line: Camp dues $500 to $800 for two.
Food
Food can cost as little as a few hundred dollars for the Burn plus the food eaten on drive up. And you’d be spending this same amount for food at home. We splurge and buy a dinner for each night from our favorite restaurants back home and freeze them.
Bottom line: Food costs $200 to $400.
Clothing
First timers often spend too much on clothing for the Burn, by buying too many items of clothing, buying fancy pre-made items or complex lighting systems. A good bet is to go to Goodwill for some funky items and buy some simple lighting. Buy fewer items and use them well. Even buying a used warm coat, a reasonable budget could be $150. $400 would be over-doing.
Bottom line: Clothing cost $150 to $400
Bike
If you live in San Francisco, a used Burning Man bike can be found free of charge. Add lighting and some new decor and you’re good to go. Otherwise a beach cruiser costs around $80 new. Add $50 for lights and decor.
Bottom line: Bike cost $50 to $130
The Gear
Please see our packing list here for a full discussion of what we bring to Burning Man. Below we highlight the items you are most likely going to need to buy for the trip, but the list is not exhaustive.
RV Setup and RV Protection
White gaffer tape. It’s more expensive than painter’s tape but leaves no residue on RV.
Blue painter’s tape (if gaffer tape runs out). Blue tape will leave a residue if left in the sun. So we only use blue tape inside our RV.
Ikea mat for entrance way inside RV. We bought a stack on sale for $1 each at Ikea. We stack 5 on top of each other and just peel off the top one every other day (to be cleaned at home and reused the next year - they hold up surprisingly well to a machine washing.
Cheap door mat for outside of RV. Make sure it won’t leave MOOP - our first year we used an old high quality front door mat that left us picking up fine bristles for a few hours on our way out.
Old bed sheets to cover surfaces
Clips to keep sheets covering furniture in place
Press n’ Seal Glad Wrap to help cover dash board and other surfaces
Corn husk broom for RV (we found small handheld “Dustbusters” not be to be effective)
USB wall chargers. One with multiple charging outlets is best
USB backup batteries. For charging or powering any USB device.
Bottom line: Total cost $90
Tools
We assume you’ll have most of the tools you’ll need (see the full list here), with only minor items needed to purchase.
Bottom line: Total cost $30.
Female and Male Daily Bins - Same Gear as Most Expensive Option
Most of this is not optional, and doesn’t cost all that much, so we assume under all options the cost is around the same.
Bottom line: Total cost, depending on what you own, $100 to $200.
Dusk Masks and Goggles
Bottom line: $80
RV Protection
2 rolls of foil-faced bubble wrap to cover windows (Reflectix). Essential for keeping the RV cool. Also keeps the RV fairly dark, allowing for off hours sleeping. It can be used inside or outside the RV. If you cover windows on the outside, you’ll need to have strong, wide tape to keep it in place, and cover all the outside seams. A small gap in the tape will allow wind to catch it, and it will rip off. Many people (most?) put it on the outside, because it is more effective there. We put it on the inside, because it can’t blow away, and when properly mounted still does a very good job. We have a/c and don’t want to hassle with it. If we didn’t have a/c, it would be on the outside.
Coverings for floor like this clean film that will stick to wood or the equivalent carpet covering
Bottom line: $100
Less Expensive Option: Walk-In Tent Camping and Coming Prepared
Cost: $2,000 to $5,000 for two
The Tent
The most fancy option, a yurt, rents for around $1,500 during Burning Man. You can build a decent tent structure, with a shade structure, and dust capturing doorway, and a decent sleeping space for around $500. For $125 you can add a swamp cooler to your structure.
You can obviously skimp, but having a setup like the one described above is the most basic we would do. All of the items can be reused during future events.
Bottom line: Cost $625 to $1,625
Generator
Many people find the $1,000 investment in a Honda 2200i generator to be money well spent. Far from a necessity, having a generator allows you to have some of the comforts of come, including a microwave and larger cooling fans. The cost of gas for the Honda 2200i for the week is around $75 to $100. A single generator can easily be shared by multiple tents.
Bottom line: Cost $0 to $1,100
The Tickets
Tickets for two in the main sale, plus a vehicle pass cost $1081.54. Low income tickets are $600 for two, including a vehicle pass.
Bottom line: Tickets $600 to $1080
Food
You can eat at the Burn for the basically the same cost as eating at home. You’ll need some way to cook it — any camp stove will work.
Bottom line: Food costs $200 to $300, plus $40 for a camp stove off Craigslist
Clothing
First timers often spend too much on clothing for the Burn, by buying too many items of clothing, buying fancy pre-made items or complex lighting systems. A good bet is to go to Goodwill for funky clothing, buy some simple lighting items and limit to fewer items and use them well. Even buying a used warm coat, a reasonable budget could be $150.
Bottom line: Clothing cost $150 to $300
Bike
If you live in San Francisco, a used Burning Man bike can be found free of charge. Add lighting and some new decor and you’re good to go. Otherwise a beach cruiser costs around $80 new. Add $50 for lights and decor.
Bottom line: Bike cost $50 to $130
The Gear
Please see our packing list here for a full discussion of what we bring to Burning Man. Below we highlight the items you are most likely going to need to buy for the trip, but the list is not exhaustive.
Tools
We assume you’ll have most of the tools you’ll need (see the full list here), with only minor items needed to purchase.
Bottom line: Total cost $30.
Female and Male Daily Bins - Same Gear as Most Expensive Option
Most of this is not optional, and doesn’t cost all that much, so we assume under all options the cost is around the same.
Bottom line: Total cost, depending on what you own, $100 to $200.
Dusk Masks and Goggles
Bottom line: $80
Tent protection, Sleeping Bags, etc.
The cost of preparing your sleeping accommodation will vary significantly depending upon you camping experience. If you are a regular camper, you won’t need anything. If this is a first for you, sleeping bags aren’t a must, but heavy blankets and other protection will need to be well thought out.
Bottom line: $100 to $200