Podcast Budget Calculator
Plan your podcast launch and running costs. Calculate equipment, hosting, editing, and marketing expenses for your first year of podcasting.
Mid-range gear and some outsourcing
Equipment (One-Time)
Software (Monthly)
Hosting & Distribution
Production Services
Marketing & Promotion
Budget Breakdown
* Costs are estimates and vary based on specific products, services, and market rates. Many podcasters start with minimal investment and upgrade over time.
How to Use This Calculator
Set how many episodes you plan to release each month.
Choose your budget level to see appropriate gear and service options.
Select equipment, software, and services you need.
Review your one-time setup costs and monthly running expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum budget to start a podcast?
You can start a basic podcast for under $100 with a USB microphone ($50-100) and free software like Audacity. Add a pop filter ($15) and decent headphones ($30-50). Free hosting on Anchor gets you distributed to all major platforms. Quality improves significantly with a $300-500 investment.
Should I outsource editing or do it myself?
DIY editing saves money but costs time—expect 2-4 hours per episode hour. Professional editors charge $50-150/episode for basic editing, $150-300 for full production. Most podcasters start DIY and outsource as their show grows and their time becomes more valuable.
Which podcast hosting platform should I use?
Anchor is free but has limited analytics. Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and Transistor offer robust features for $12-25/month. Consider analytics depth, monetization options, website features, and storage limits. Most serious podcasters outgrow free platforms within a year.
How important is acoustic treatment?
Very important for audio quality. Echo and room noise are the most common amateur podcast problems. Basic treatment ($50-200) dramatically improves sound. A closet full of clothes works surprisingly well. Portable reflection filters ($50-100) help in untreated spaces.
When should I invest in marketing?
Wait until you have 10-20 episodes and a consistent release schedule before paid marketing. First, optimize your podcast for search (titles, descriptions, transcripts). Cross-promote with other podcasters. Paid ads work best after you have proven your content and know your audience.
Why Use This Calculator
- Separate one-time setup costs from ongoing expenses
- Choose your budget level from starter to professional
- Calculate per-episode costs based on your production needs
- Plan marketing and growth investments
- See your complete first-year budget at a glance
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