How much does it cost to go to Burning Man?

Burning Man, a festival unlike any other, draws tens of thousands to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada every year. The eight-day event takes place in Black Rock City, a temporary settlement about 120 miles north of Reno.

The initial cost to attend Burning Man 2023 was $575 for a ticket and $150 for a vehicle pass. Adding on taxes and fees kicks the base total up to almost $838 for a single ticketholder. But getting there and spending several days in the desert away from civilization as most know it means several additional expenses.

How much does it cost to go to Burning Man?

Besides the base fee, the cost of going to Burning Man really depends on you, mainly where you’re coming from to attend and how you plan to attend.

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Travel costs to Black Rock City

You’ll have to account for the cost of travel, which for some can include catching a flight to a city closer to Black Rock Desert. The closest major airport is in Reno but unless you have a ride waiting for you, you’ll need to rent a car. Prices for rentals can cost you a pretty penny, and as many warn, around the time of Burning Man those can jump significantly.

Not to mention extra fees as the companies know their vehicles will be put through the wringer in the harsh desert conditions, as well as being home base during the eight-day counterculture party. And if you don’t bring your rented transport back in tip-top condition you may have to forgo your deposit.

If you travel in your own vehicle, you’ll definitely save a fair amount of money. However, you have to fork out a wad of cash for fuel these days to get you there and back. You should also account for any maintenance that may be needed before, during and/or after your trip. As well, lodging and eating along the way will add onto your costs of attending Burning Man.

The cost of life in Black Rock City

The pop-up community in the desert is composed of tents, yurts and RVs along with the myriad of cultural and entertainment venues that are set up for the festival. Depending on the level of comfort you wish to have while you spend several days and nights in the desert, which have wild temperature swings, you could lodge on a shoestring budget or the home away from home could set you back thousands of dollars.

You’ll also need to haul in all your gear and supplies for your time in the makeshift city. This includes the basics of food and water but could be a generator for electricity, plus gas to run it.

In a post on the We Are Global Travellers blog, author Mollie said she spent $2,600 and provides a cost breakdown when she attended the festival in 2019. While that included flying from London to San Francisco she was able to forgo other expenses with friends putting her up while she was in town, splitting some with fellow travelers and being provided with a HexaYurt free of charge.

Those that are thinking about going in the future can check out the Reno Gazette Journal which provides some tips on saving money when attending Burning Man.