Cost

CatGirl · Post by **CatGirl** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 9:50 am

I'm just curious as to what it winds up costing going to BM.

I know people are coming from all over, even other countries. If I go this year - my first time - I will be traveling from Seattle and bringing a Truck camper to stay in.

Roughly how much do people budget to attend Burning man - tickets, travel, food, etc.. ?

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:19 am

There's no answer to this. Hundreds to thousands to tens of thousands.

You should talk to your local burners around Seattle, see what their budgets are.

Post by **Elderberry** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:22 am

Yup, what she said. Although I don't quite know how anyone goes on 'hundreds'...buy the ticket and mooch for the week?

JK

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:37 am

To go cheap is expensive, and from what I've seen to go expensive isn't that much more expensive (comparatively speaking). I know I will blow through around $3000 to go to TTITD. That includes RV rental for eight days ($2000), absinthe, wine, food, ticket, party favors, damage waiver, cleaning costs, shade structures, water, generator, and on and on the list goes. For me, cost is no object. For others, they scrape by for under $500. It all depends on how comfortable you want to be. I enjoy being in the lap of luxury at Barbie Death Camp. YMMV.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:45 am

Are you driving?
flying?
renting a motorhome?
parachuting in?
eating spam?
or caviar?
drinking pbr?
or mimosa's?
going naked?
making costumes?
buying costumes?
buying a ticket?
being gifted a ticket?

As you can see there are many many variables to the cost of attending. It's not a simple question we can answer for you from such a basic question. only you can sit down and figure out what it is going to cost you based upon the questions above, and more.

lucky420 · Post by **lucky420** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 11:14 am

I spent around $1500-$2000 for 3 people. That didn't include tickets but did include the hexayurt materials and a budget truck rental. We also didn"t have much camping equipment to begin with...

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 12:20 pm

...and, of course, there was that performance art guy who showed up one year with absolutely nothing-- not even clothes or a ticket, if I recall correctly. (He did have someone following him around with a video camera-- so in practical terms he really he DID spend money.)

(I just heard about him-- the name of the video was something like "Without You I Am Nothing.")

Personally, I wouldn't recommend trying that approach-- besides, it has been done.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 1:24 pm

Ticket
Truck (rental or do you own?)
fuel for truck
shade structure because you can't it in the truck all day and you will want to have a shady "porch" to hang out when you are in camp (big, little,plain, fancy?)
Camping gear (do you own any already?) coolers, camp chairs
Hydration packs or water bottles
bikes?
Food (planned meals, eat as you go, or granola/jerky?)
Drinks and booze
Money to buy ice
Comfort items.needs (sunblock, lip balm, first aid)
costumes, walking shoes, hats
Art? Gifts?

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 3:36 pm

kenman took the average gas price from the last five years, then multiplied that by how many miles mapquest said it would be round trip. we are coming from texas. then he planned out menus (i know i know), calculated how much the groceries would cost. Then he figured (i think in this case figured could translate to pulled out of his butt) how much propane we might need, found out costs. But so far the only total he's given me is "boatload of money". this is because he knows i hate math and suck at budgeting. he just tells me no a lot when i want to buy new shoes or something.
I've spent about $75.00 on various garage sale items and fabric and have been making stuff. Another 50 or so at thrift stores.

CatGirl · Post by **CatGirl** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 5:08 pm

Thanks for what you guys have offered so far..

I'm driving... Truck with older camper that we already have. Will probably run generators all week to stay comfortable to a level. I guess food, supplies, travel, tickets. I'm trying to see if this will be financially possible.

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 5:22 pm

put a hundred a month into a savings account that takes two signatures to get out, then buy one thing a paycheck and put it in the playa pile. Stuff like goggles, water jugs, non-perishable food items. that way it doesn't all hit you at once. garage sales, thrift stores, swap meets and you find all kinds of stuff to knock the budget down.

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:10 pm

I went solo and spent just under 1k.

I brought enough stuff to be comfortable all week.

My truck only got 10mpg and round trip was close to 1800 miles.

My guess is you can do it on about $1500.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:45 pm

What do you think is the maximum amount of money you could have to apply to doing burning man? Then you can start working backwards.

-fuel Call it 1400 miles round trip.

-ticket ~$240

-food+water+drinks+ice

-new gear purchases

and so on.

I think $1500 to $2000 is realistic for a first year participant. Add a ticket and another couple hundred if someone is coming with you.

I'm planning on about 1100 from the Portland area but I already have nearly everything I need.

There are many good preparation threads here. Digging around will yield great tips, tricks do's don'ts and forgetaboutit's.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:58 pm

CatGirl wrote:Thanks for what you guys have offered so far..

I'm driving... Truck with older camper that we already have. Will probably run generators all week to stay comfortable to a level. I guess food, supplies, travel, tickets. I'm trying to see if this will be financially possible.

You'll get tired of tending the generators. My opinion, feel free to ignore that.

There are threads about storing and transporting gas, and baffle boxes to reduce noise, and how not to annoy the neighbors.

We camp in Hushville, no gennies allowed. ten years and it hasn't sucked . Too bad. Most of the time. we have a generator and might use it now and then at the regional.

Leo · Post by **Leo** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 9:24 pm

I've gone solo for the last two years. Budgeting approx $1,200.00 for Burning Man (not including the ticket) ,I usually return home with some cash left over. I drive an F-150 loaded to the gills and pulling a tent trailer, so gas runs about $450.00 for the round trip from Seattle. I could probably make the trip for $800.00 if I watch the pennies, but the costumes, glow sticks, alcohol, extra camping supplies, etc, all add up.

Scouting the dollar stores, yard sales, and Goodwill throughout the year is a good strategy for keeping the costs in line. Sunscreen is also the least expensive costume.

EspressoDude · Post by **EspressoDude** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 7:33 am

not to mention the personal costs:

Total mind altering experience

Changed perceptions about many things in life, including what is important to you

A different view of what you see in stores, garage sales, etc.(OH! I can use that at burning man!)

Making lots of new friends

Losing some friends that 'don't get it'

Loss of wardrobe space due to accumulation of burner outfits(not costumes)

Accumulation of playa dust on everything you own

Loss of sleep before, during, and after the event

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 2:20 pm

Total if going solo: $1,670
Total if driving with one companion: $1,385
Total w/one companion and sleeping in truck camper: $1,285

Ticket: $300 (unless you are quick on the draw)
Gas: $450 (2,800 miles round trip at 20 mpg)
Hotels & meals en route $160
Meals & Booze on playa: $175
Costumes: $75 at thrift stores (or visit Black Rock Boutique or Costume Cult)
LED lights and blinkies: $50
Bicycle and lock: $135
water containers: $25
Tent: $100
Shade structure: $50 (using PVC and bill board vinyl)
Air mattress or pads $50
Various sundries: $75
Cooler: $25
Ice: $35
Gas for generators: $0 (leave them at home)
Camp stove and propane: $90

Tips to reduce costs:
scholarship ticket or first tier ticket
Get costumes on the playa or hit thrift stores monthly
Get el-cheapo bike from Goodwill and fix it up yourself
Take a rider who owns a camp stove
Don't worry about "gifts" your first year
use shower at neighbor's camp with your own water
eat breakfast at Pancake Play-House, Porn-n-eggs, etc.
Sleep in your camper, but must have robust shade structure
With co-driver, try to drive straight through both ways
Make sandwiches for the road out there
Observe the speed limit religiously after exiting at Fernley

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 5:39 pm

Other tips to reduce costs:

Sneak in by cramming yourself into somebody's "art work"
Steal your water and beer while people are asleep
Beg for food and when nobody gives you any, steal it
Find a sleeping bag you like. Steal it
Crash in center camp every night instead of buying a tent
Find a bike without a lock on it and ride away
"Shower" behind one of the trucks watering down the streets. Everybody does it
If you need condoms go to any gay-friendly camp and if they don't gift them to you, steal them
Promise to help pay for gas, and when the event is over claim you lost all of your money
If need be, get the Jesus Freaks in Empire to give you water

You see, it can be very affordable if you use "radical self-reliance"

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 6:21 pm

I've seen people at the burn with a small car, small dome tent (qty 1) bedding (sleeping bag, maybe an air mattress) sand chair (qty 1 or 2) a tarp to tie out between car and tent... re tie or remove as wind conditions require. They have a cooler, water and food and beverages to be self sustaining for the week. It's not the height of comfort, but it is very doable. bikes are nice additions, better shade, more seating... it can escalate with very little effort of course. I think it's easier to plan for a camping trip than to budget the value of a "life changing?" experience. hmm. I understand what I can afford, and I don't worry about it. just get there, ya know?

mudpuppy000 · Post by **mudpuppy000** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:36 am

I think at this point I shouldn't have to spend much, I have all my camping equipment and just need the ticket/gas/food/blinkies. Oh yeah booze too!

CatGirl · Post by **CatGirl** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:09 am

Thanks Everyone...

To be safe it looks like it might run me just under $2000 for two people.

I doubt I can get more the 10 miles/gallon with the truck.

I do want the comfort of the camper with an extremely quiet generator. :)

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:51 am

I just sneak in and the whole burn ends up costing me the 30 bucks for beer pre event.

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:26 pm

Bullshit, you drink more than that a DAY.

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 1:10 pm

Well ya, that's just what i pay for, the rest i get free for my charm and stunningly good looks.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 1:24 pm

Firemoose has already had that much, today.

Snowah Zark · Post by **Snowah Zark** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 2:52 pm

my dear, this year is special.

they are offering "hardship" tickets and Time-Shares.

it costs just one soul, and contrary to urban legend, this price has not gone up during the course of the event, but remains fixed, even after adjustment for inflation.

what a bargain.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:25 am

Fire_Moose wrote:Well ya, that's just what i pay for, the rest i get free for my charm and stunningly good looks.

I envy your low tolerance for alcohol, wish it only took me that few beers to get drunk.

Marscrumbs · Post by **Marscrumbs** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:29 pm

Just use stuff you already own. Like your going to eat if you go to BM or stay home so what is the difference? Used stuff is the best anyhow as the real expense is replacing everything that the playa enviroment ruins as you'll never get the dust out. Only thing then your paying for is tickets and art. Most of my best stuff comes recycled from yardsales. Maybe buy a few new blinkie things to keep you safe at night.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:21 pm

CatGirl wrote:Thanks Everyone...

To be safe it looks like it might run me just under $2000 for two people.

I doubt I can get more the 10 miles/gallon with the truck.

I do want the comfort of the camper with an extremely quiet generator.

yea that idea of staying cool is a might task for some campers and not for others. look here for other ideas that might help you out....
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... highlight=

look around here on Eplaya about camper and or motor-homes for ideas to make it all work... http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... l/rvs.html

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:28 pm

CatGirl wrote:I do want the comfort of the camper with an extremely quiet generator.

Generators are OK...we take an RV, but only run the genny when we use the microwave, or the AC during especially hot periods during the day, at the same time recharging the house batteries. You won't need to run it all day or night...especially at night...temps are quite cool. Try to park so exhaust vents away from neighbors...bring a long clothes dryer hose you can attach to the exhaust and zip-tie it up the side of your rig.

Be sure to carry extra fuel (in approved jerry cans). If you're coming from Seattle, your last stop to top off for gas is Cedarville, CA. It's about a 200 mile round trip from Cedarville to the playa...and the entrance and exit lines can be very long...as much as a 3-hour delay, or more.

Figure your gas mileage for your rig, and about 1 gal per hour for a typical RV-type genny...plus 4-5 hours of idling in lines going in and out. We usually take 20-25 gals extra.

Of course the small Honda gennys don't burn as much as the bigger RV gennys...just figure fuel accordingly and you'll be glad to have extra.

Cost

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such a deal!

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