How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the biggest motorcyclists’ gathering. It is a dream of every biker to attend this rally every year. The sound of motorcycle engines, the feel of attending a live concert, and motorcycles everywhere with their shiny paint jobs are the best views for every rider. But with all the excitement comes a big question: how much does it cost to go to the Sturgis Motorcycle rally?

This guide will help you understand the budget for the Sturgis Rally. You can wisely plan your trip without emptying your pocket by breaking down the major expenses. The budget can include fuel, accommodation, food, and fun.

However, as much as there is fun at the Sturgis Rally, it is always wise to plan your budget. So, wear your helmet and sunglasses and prepare for one of the best adventurous experiences at the Sturgis. Continue reading this article to learn how much it costs to go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Event Pass Live Music Concert at the Buffalo Chip		$60 (One-Day Pass) $165 (Three-Day Pass) $225-$275 (Full-Event Pass) Note: Prices are lower if you purchase the passes early.
Lodging		Hotels and Motels: $300-$400 or more per night
		RV: $400 per night
		Camping: $35/day-$85/day (Single Person)
		House Rentals: $1,200 per day  $8,000 for a week (Good for groups)
		Note: Prices can vary based on the location, time of the purchase, and facilities.
Transportation / Fuel Cost		Getting to the Sturgis: Completely dependent on: Distance How far you live Your motorcycle’s condition Your motorcycle’s fuel economy How do you travel to the Sturgis On Average, it can cost: $7 per 100 miles
		Riding at the Sturgis Rally On average, a rider travels around 300 miles per day during Sturgis Rally $7 for 100 miles  $21 for 300 miles Riding at the Sturgis Rally can cost around $21 per day.
		Going Back Home After Sturgis Rally: It will cost you the same as getting to the Sturgis ($7 per 100 miles).
Food		$10 per meal (Single Person)
		Note: Prices can vary depending on the type of food you like and the deals available during the rally.
Drink		$1-$7 per drink (Single Person)
		Note: The price may vary depending on your intake.
Renting a Motorcycle		$140-$300 per day
		Note: The price can vary depending on the make and model
Shipping Your Motorcycle to the Sturgis Rally		Shorter Shipment: $180-$300 Longer Shipment: $350-$700
		Note: Prices can vary by distance, weight, make, and model.

The Sturgis rally is open to the public; one doesn’t have to pay anything to get in. There's no ticket, and this opens the door to a ton of free entertainment at the rally, including:

Besides the concerts, many stages are set up in different zones for performances. You can listen to the live music almost every time during the rally. One can listen to country and rock, blues, and some local bands also show their talent at rallies.

You can check out fantastic customized bikes and enjoy stunt performances and racing.

There are never-ending rows of vendors selling motorcycle parts, accessories, clothing, and Sturgis souvenirs. If you are lucky, you may get a free temporary tattoo.

Many manufacturers display their new models at the Rally. Potential buyers can test-ride motorcycles that are being shown. This is an excellent way to test a particular motorbike before purchasing it and a wonderful way to promote your product.

Organizations supporting veterans attend the Sturgis Rally in large numbers. Therefore, the rally includes parades or shows that celebrate our country's heroes.

There are many free events and attractions at the Sturgis Rally, so you can enjoy your time without spending money. There are several simple ways to plan your day at Sturgis.

This depends on two main things:

• Distance to Sturgis: The largest portion of your gas bill should include the number of miles you will travel to Sturgis and back. Fortunately, you can easily find the distance (number of miles) online and get an estimated cost of gas for the tour.
• Exploring the Black Hills: Sturgis is a beautiful place with lots of road trips one can take while in the area. Consider where you will travel in the Black Hills and how much more riding you will do on your bike when determining your gas expense.

Motorcycles are considered to have better fuel efficiency than cars. Generally, a bike has a fuel economy of around 40-50 mpg. However, if you know the exact fuel mileage of your motorbike, you can make precise estimation. Motorcycles with high miles per gallon will cost you less than those with low mpg.

Once you know the estimated distance and mpg, you can determine the amount of gas consumed. Online gas price calculators are available to help you calculate the total cost of the gas depending on the distance and the motorcycle's mpg.

If one does not own a motorcycle, it is possible to rent one. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is open to everyone. However, renting a motorcycle will increase the cost of attending the rally. It depends on the type of motorcycle, make and model, and how long you rent it for.

To cut expenses a little, it is advised that you book the rental as early as possible. This way, you will have more varieties of bikes to select from, and you may also be able to bargain for a better price.

Selecting a place to reside during the rally depends on the budget and level of comfort you are looking for. There are many options depending on your preferences.

This is one of the best ways to get the true Sturgis feel and save dollars simultaneously. There are many campgrounds around Sturgis with different attractions to choose from:

• Festival Camping: These lively campsites are located near the rally events. You can easily access the events and use regular facilities such as washrooms and baths. However, the noise level will remain high during the night due to partying. Prices may vary depending on the proximity of the events.
• Black Hills Beauty: Campgrounds in Black Hills provide a less crowded experience. You can also enjoy nature. The facilities may include picnic tables, fire rings, and beautiful scenery. Costs are usually specific to certain locations and services provided. Some of these locations are relatively remote. Therefore, you should be ready for a thrilling ride to the rally events.

If you like soft beds and warm showers, many hotels and vacation rentals are available during the rally. However, make sure to be aware of the following things:

• Rates during the Sturgis Rally: Be prepared to pay more than you would during normal days. Many people are looking for accommodation during the Sturgis Rally, and there is a huge demand, which is why the price is higher. It is advisable to book early, especially at least a few months before. This will help you get better deals and better locations.
• Location Matters: Rally-central accommodations are closer to the rally, so they are more expensive than other accommodations. Although lodging in remote areas may be cheaper, one needs to add the cost of transportation.

Keeping yourself happy will require some planning:

• Food at the Rally: Whether it is a simple burger, a glass of lemonade bought from a stall, or dinner at one of the local restaurants, the choice is vast at the Sturgis rally. However, expect the prices to be different from what you have estimated. Prices at the rally are usually slightly higher than the average prices.
• Packing Smartly: Carrying a cooler of drinks, food items, and snacks also helps you save money on food. Purchase groceries from your local store because Sturgis's prices will be high during the rally.

The fun goes way beyond motorcycles at Sturgis:

• Ticketed Events: Most activities, such as live music concerts, professional stunt shows, and biker games, are ticketed. Find out what interests you the most. Also, find the ticket prices on the website to plan your budget. Sometimes, the packaged passes will cost you less than individual tickets; however, if you want to buy a pass or a ticket for a particular event beforehand, the prices will increase during the rally season.
• Free Fun: What about all the free things that are out there? Bands are playing at campsites; contests are taking place that you can enjoy, bike shows, and many other activities that do not cost a dollar.

You will want a souvenir to remember your trip to the Sturgis Rally. During the rally, you will find rows of vendors selling t-shirts, caps, patches, and several other motorcycle products. It is wise to set a souvenir budget beforehand. There will be so many things that you would want to buy. However, resist your urge to spend too much on souvenirs if you're going to stay economical.

Look for native craftsmen selling handcrafted jewelry, leather products, or artwork as a souvenir to take home.

The best way to save money during your Sturgis trip is to plan for the trip in advance. Here are some essential tricks to save money:

This is the golden rule. Pre-planning your camping ground, hotel, or even gas stations can save you dollars compared to doing it at the last minute. When the rally starts, it is high time. Demand is higher, and prices are expected to increase as the event starts and progresses. If you book early, you will have many choices and can get better rates.

Pack smartly for the trip to avoid spending on costly items at the rally. If you are planning to go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, make sure to pack the items below.

• Sun Safety: Take enough sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the heat and sunburn. If you don't, you will have to buy it during the rally. Sunscreen is a must-have item in your motorcycle’s saddlebag or tank bag.
• Hydration: It is also advisable to carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Not having to buy bottled water from vendors can save you money.
• Snacks: Take some snacks with you,, such as granola bars, dry fruits, or chips packets, to ensure that you have something to eat between meals. Carry eatables that can survive for longer periods. This will help you avoid the common habit of buying costly snacks during the rally.

Renting a campsite, hotel room, or a small apartment with friends can cut the cost in half. Besides, it is good to have some company of your close friends so you can enjoy the rally more.

The price of gas can vary. Therefore, one should consider installing gas station rewards apps that help users gain points and cashback.

Take advantage of free fun options at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Most of the campsites and vendors perform live music and conduct some competitions. You can also watch motorcycle parades and bike stunts for free.

The cost to ship your motorcycle to the Sturgis can vary depending on the distance, make, model, and, most importantly, the weight of your bike. A shorter shipment to the Sturgis Rally can cost you around $180-$300. Meanwhile, a more extended shipment can cost around $350 to $700. The farther you live from Sturgis, the more money you will have to pay to ship your motorcycle to the Sturgis Rally.

If you can only attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on weekends, come to Sturgis in the first week. The concerts on the starting days are the most entertaining and electrifying.

However, if you want to attend the rally for a few days and have the best fun, it would be preferable if you could come on Monday through Wednesday. The Rally is in full swing in the starting days of the week.

On average, the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally generates an income of $800 million annually . As recorded in 2020, the Sturgis Rally raised 21% of the total city’s revenue. Another milestone was achieved in 2019 when the Sturgis Rally raised $628,116 for local charities.

Sturgis Motorcycle is not a very family-friendly event. It is not an ideal place to bring your kids due to being heavily crowded. The noise is also very high at all times during the day and at night. However, if your wife loves motorcycles too, you can enjoy a lot at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a couple.

If you do a little planning, you can make your visit to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally memorable and affordable. Book your accommodation in advance, take camping equipment with you, pack the necessary items, and do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the free fun options. One should set a limit on the amount of money to be spent on food and souvenirs.

Using the tips above and adequately organizing your trip, you will be able to have a wonderful time during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Therefore, before you go out on the road, plan your route, pack your items, and be prepared for the journey.