Attending a cosplay convention is the ultimate goal for cosplayers. Whether it is a large con or a small one, close by or across the country, each experience comes with a unique financial impact. From the first cut to the final hotel checkout, the costs of cosplaying have become a major investment for many. The costs of cosplay conventions may seem straightforward, but when you lay it out it is a heavy strain on your wallet.
1. Fabrication and Material Costs
Before you even step foot on the convention floor, you have already invested time and money into your cosplay. From the simplest “off the rack” costume to the highly complex build, a single costume can cost the average cosplayer up to several hundred dollars. Toss in some props and the cost is even higher. The more complex and time consuming the build, the more money you’ve invested.
2. Travel
Very few of us have a cosplay convention in our literal back yard, so no matter where you live you still need to travel. The distance you travel will affect your cost, whether you are driving or flying there are costs involved and both methods require a different degree of forethought in regards to costs. If you have oversized gear or are checking extra bags that can add hundreds of dollars in hidden airline or freight fees. If you are driving then you have space considerations, fuel prices and parking fees you need to deal with.
3. Accommodation
If the convention is close enough that you can go home, then congratulations, you just saved yourself a boat ton of money. If you are lucky, then you might have a friend or relative nearby that will let you and your gear crash for the weekend.
The rest of us, have fewer options. You can go for the full experience and stay at the host hotel. For many, this a strategic choice as it allows for easy costume repairs, lets you take breaks, and makes it easier to enjoy the after events but it comes at a higher nightly rate than nearby alternatives. You can choose a cheaper alternate location nearby, but this lacks the ease of the host hotel.
You can also use any of these ideas and buddy up so you can split costs with someone else. Many of the big cons have room and travel sharing groups, but you are grouping up with strangers and that has it’s own set of risks.
4. Entry
Once at the venue, the spending continues through badge fees and daily necessities. You may have purchased your badge months ago, but it still falls into the category of convention expenditure. The badges usually cost even more on site.
5. Food
This is something you can not afford to go without. Depending on the convention, your food options may be limited. You can bring your own food for the trip and hotel, this will save you a significant amount of money, as going out is expensive.
Food on the convention floor is notoriously expensive. Some conventions will let you bring food onto the floor. Don’t be ridiculous and bring a whole cooler, (you’ll just ruin it for the rest of us) but you can bring some sandwiches and a bottle of water or soda, even some small snacks. For other conventions you will have to leave the con and visit somewhere local to find reasonable food. There are even some conventions that will have a courtesy or accommodation room that will provide some VERY limited food options such as ramen. If you do utilize these rooms, be sure to leave some sort of a tip and thank the organizers so they can continue the courtesy in future years.
Attending a cosplay convention is not cheap and there are all sorts of costs to consider before you even you step out the door. This list doesn’t even include the extras that you may spend by visiting artists alley, walking the marketplace, or meeting your favorite celebrities.
A small local con may be negligible to your wallet, but any of the bigger ones will takes some forethought and planning so you don’t find yourself completely broke.
To see what cosplay conventions are coming up
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
