In 2025, experiencing live music from top-streaming artists comes with a steep price tag. A ticket into the festival grounds alone costs hundreds, and that’s before even thinking about food, accommodation, transportation or merch.
To get the insider scoop on what it really costs to attend a music festival, GOBankingRates spoke to Patrick Farrell, a Coachella 2025 attendee and travel and hospitality expert at Viceroy Bali.
Here’s what he spent this year and his expert-approved secrets to stretching your dollar while maximizing your experience at a music festival.
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Ticket Prices
Just getting through the gates requires shelling out some serious cash.
“In 2025, a GA (general admission) ticket for Coachella is approximately $550 with fees, Stagecoach is close to $400 and Lollapalooza is roughly $385 for all four days,” Farrell said. “That only gets you entry — no camping, no parking and no additional amenities.”
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Food and Drinks
Unless you’re car camping, outside food and drinks are generally prohibited, so prepare to pay premium festival prices.
“I have learned the hard way that food and drinks can come out to $100 a day very easily,” Farrell said. “Once, I paid $22 for a basic cocktail, and all I wanted to do was cry. That is why I think it is wise to bring snacks and fillable water bottles and budget accordingly.”
With festival days stretching eight to 12 hours, you’ll need to refuel at some point. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods to stay fueled for longer and keep splurges to a minimum.
Car Camping
Airbnbs and hotels often spike in price during festival season, but opting for car camping allows you to avoid the hassle of commuting to the festival grounds each day while saving big.
“Car camping cuts costs,” Farrell said. “Especially with hotels costing $400 a night or more. It isn’t the most luxurious choice, but it is more affordable and fun. A single car camping pass [at Coachella] covered the full Thursday-to-Monday window and cost $180 total, which works out to roughly $60 per night.”
Carpool with friends, bring your food and drink and enjoy some massive savings — and a more immersive experience. Just don’t forget earplugs.
A Sneaky Expense — Ice
Festival essentials are notoriously overpriced, and ice is no exception — especially in the 100-degree heat of Coachella Valley.
“Inside the campground, bags [of ice] ran $15 each — and keeping a cooler cold in desert heat meant two a day, or about $90 over the weekend,” Farrell said. “I’d budgeted for tacos and tees, not frozen water at gourmet prices!”
One Coachella Attendee’s Spending Breakdown
While everyone’s budget will vary, having a ballpark estimate of what to expect spending-wise can help you prepare your finances beforehand.
Here’s how Farrell’s spending broke down at Coachella this year:
Three-day GA wristband (with fees): $599
Car camping pass: $180
Gas coming from L.A. and on-site parking: $80
Food and drinks: $300 (or $100 per day)
Ice, locker and showers: $90 (or $30 per day)
Merch (T-shirt and poster): $70
Total: $1,319
5 Ways To Save on a Music Festival
Where there’s money to spend, there’s always money to save. Here are Farrell’s top tips for keeping your spending under control on festival days.
Buy Tickets Early
The early bird gets the best deal. Snag early-bird tickets with no-interest payment plans for the lowest prices and no lingering fees.
Share Your Campsite
Car campsites typically average 10 feet by 30 feet in size, so there’s plenty of room to share. Farrell split his campsite with three friends, dropping his fee to just $45.
Don’t Pay for Water
Large festivals like Coachella, Stagecoach and Lollapalooza will have plenty of water refill stations. Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid spending money on overpriced bottles.
Use a Prepaid Card
Stick to your budget by loading a prepaid card with your daily spending budget. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to curb impulse buys and prioritize smart purchases.
Volunteer
If your festival offers it, volunteer for an early entry shift, like wristband scanning. You can often score perks like meal vouchers or a partial ticket rebate in exchange for just a few hours of your time.
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Sources
Patrick Farrell, Viceroy Bali
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This Is How Much It Costs To Go To a Music Festival in 2025
