Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to make your Coachella experience unforgettable without breaking the bank!
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a celebration of music, art, and culture, drawing crowds from around the globe.
While the festival is known for its star-studded lineups and Instagram-worthy moments, attending Coachella on a budget is not only possible but can also add a unique and adventurous element to your experience.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into three key tips that will help you make the most of Coachella without burning a hole in your pocket.
Attending Coachella on A Budget
Contrary to the polished images flooding TikTok and Instagram, not everyone at Coachella is a wealthy jet-setter with sponsors funding their extravagant escapades.
In reality, the majority of festival-goers are just like you and me – ordinary individuals paying their own way, prioritizing what is and isn’t necessary for every trip.
Coachella on a budget doesn’t equate to missing out; it’s actually a way to ‘make your own fun’ and get creative with things you already have.
Purchase the Basic Pass: Save on Admission Costs
When it comes to attending Coachella on a budget, the first golden rule is to opt for the basic pass.
While VIP and all-access passes may seem tempting, the basic pass provides access to the same incredible performances and festival atmosphere at a fraction of the cost.
By selecting the basic pass, you’ll be able to allocate more of your budget to other essentials, enhancing your overall Coachella adventure without compromising on the core experience.
The energy of the crowd is perfect in General Admission (GA) viewing areas. Even guests with VIP access will still be out in the GA areas because that’s where all the action is.
Plus, with a lower price tag it makes it easier for everyone in your crew to afford their tickets, ensuring that no one misses out on the adventure.
Considering the bigger picture of planning a Coachella trip – accommodations, outfits, food, transportation, and more – it becomes clear that a VIP pass might stretch many budgets beyond comfort.
Save on admission costs and ensure that your entire group enjoys Coachella without compromising on the essentials that make the experience truly unforgettable.
Camp Instead of Staying at A Hotel: Affordable Accommodations
Accommodation costs during Coachella can skyrocket, especially if you’re checking out hotels or Airbnb rentals near the festival grounds.
And by “near”, I mean within 45 minutes of the festival.
Camping is a budget-friendly alternative that not only saves you money but also adds more adventure to your overall festival experience.
You can also share your campsite with 1-2 other people to cut costs even more! Plus, camping with friends is always better.
Camping not only provides a sense of community but also allows you to immerse yourself in the festival culture 24/7.
One of the great reasons to camp, other than saving money is because you completely eliminate daily festival transportation costs.
If you’re camping on the festival grounds, then you can just walk in each day instead of calling an expensive ride share and spending 45 minutes to get dropped off.
My second favorite reason to camp (in addition to saving money) is all of the yummy food you can eat.
By camping, you aren’t limited to snack foods or hotel restaurants. You can pack your grill and cook up a storm.
Plus, you can eat right before heading in and even take a break back at your campsite to refuel and hydrate between sets.
With savings in transportation, food, and the added convenience of proximity to the festival, camping offers a budget-friendly and adventure-packed alternative that enhances every aspect of your Coachella journey.
Pack Your Own Food – Sneak It In
One of the most significant expenses at any festival is food and drinks.
I’m used to Disneyland prices, so nothing really shocked me here but ti did freak out most attendees.
You can budget $15-$20 per small meal, even chicken tenders. At the festival you’re going to want to eat at least twice but most likely three times. The lemonades are $15…that one blew my mind. But I still ordered three. It’s so hot!
@julia.vaness Food and drink prices at Coachella #coachella2023 #foodatcoachella #coachella2023food #coachellaprep #coachellafoodprices #coachellafood #coachellafoodie #coachellafoods #howmuchisfoodatcoachella ♬ BIZCOCHITO – ROSALÍA
To stay within your budget, I recommend eating before coming into the festival and packing your own snacks and beverages discreetly.
We all know everyone is sneaking in drinks and other things, why not food?
Please stay hydrated!
Hydration is key, especially under the scorching sun of the Coachella Valley. Packing your own water bottle or, even better, a hydration pack is not only allowed but highly encouraged.
So, pack those snacks, fill up that hydration pack, and get ready to savor every moment of Coachella without compromising your budget or well-being.
Budgeting at Coachella
In the end, you’ll find that attending Coachella on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic of the experience.
By implementing our top three tips – opting for the basic pass, camping with friends, and bringing your own food and drinks – you can still have a great time at the festival while keeping your wallet happy.
The magic of Coachella isn’t confined to the VIP areas or exclusive parties—it’s what you make of it.
Coachella takes a bit of strategic planning, but it will end up being worth it once you’re not thousands of dollars in debt because of one weekend.
If you have the chance to score free party invites or snag a discount, by all means, embrace it. But remember, more isn’t always better.
Coachella will be amazing and memorable, regardless of how much you spend.
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