Tour Budget Calculator: How Much Does Touring Really Cost?

Touring is expensive. Most bands lose money on their first few tours. The ones who plan ahead lose less. Here's what things actually cost.

The Big Expenses

Gas/transportation: A van getting 15 MPG on a 300-mile drive costs about $80 in gas. Do that 20 times on a tour and that's $1,600 just in fuel.

Hotels: $80-150/night for a basic room. Split between 4 band members, that's $20-38 each. Budget hotels, Airbnbs, and floor surfing save money.

Food: $25-40/day per person if you're eating at restaurants. $15-20 if you're buying groceries and making sandwiches in the van.

Vehicle costs: Van rental runs $50-100/day. If you own the van, budget for maintenance and the inevitable breakdown.

Calculate Your Tour Budget

The Tour Budget Calculator lets you enter the number of shows, distances, guarantees, merch projections, and daily costs. It shows you the total budget and profit/loss per show.

How to Not Lose Money

Negotiate guarantees. Don't play for the door unless it's a hometown show. Even $200 guaranteed covers gas and food.

Sell merch. A good merch table can double your nightly income. T-shirts cost $5-8 to print. Sell them for $25. That margin is how touring bands survive.

Route efficiently. Don't drive 500 miles for a $150 guarantee. Stack shows geographically. Northeast run, Southeast run, Texas triangle. Don't zigzag across the country.