how much is anime convention?

[MAS PRODUCTIONS]

I usually end up spending alot of money on cons. Going to the actually con usually doesn't even touch how much money I spend on items. I've been to two cons and usually spend around 300-400 dollars. This year Im hoping to get a few people to tag along with me in order to make a few things cheaper. My money is usually spread out in this manner:

1. Gas Money - I only go to cons that are within driving distance of where I live which limits me to Arkansas, Oklahamo, Texas, Missouri and Louisiana. The con I have been to the most is Akon which takes place in Dallas. Dallas is a four hour drive so I spend alot of gas to get there. I would say that I spend about 80 dollars or so on gas on my total trip (includes: to Dallas, dricing in Dallas, and driving back home).

2. Membership fee - I have always bought the three day pass. Which cost me around 40 bux. If you get the pass early (like right after the last con ends) then it is cheaper.

3. Hotel Fee - The first time I went to Akon it cost me 100 bux a night. The next time I went, I sacrificed being at the con's host hotel and got a hotel for 70 bux a night.

4. Food - I brought some food with me, but I spent something like 40 bux on food for the entire weekend.

I usually spend about 200 dollars on anime related items during the con.

This year I plan on going to AnimeFest in Dallas. Im expecting to spend about the same amount this year as I have in previous ones. Which reminds me, Machine, this year Im gonna stick with you guys the entire time.

[Machine]

Which reminds me, Machine, this year Im gonna stick with you guys the entire time.

Your gonna be bored as hell with us

[Otohiko]

A nearby con I was usually able to do on a 200 Canadian, probably going up to 300 this year due to the fact I'll have to drag my friends there and share a room with them :/ However, I attribute my lower costs to my lack of booze budget and a low food budget

[paizuri]

When making a con budget, keep in mind the things that won't change (like lodging or registration), the things that you absolutely need (like food), and the things that you could probably do without, but won't be able to resist (dealer room purchases).

In the case of the first set, that's pretty much cut and dry (although if you're staying at a hotel, tack on an extra 12.5% to your projected room rate for taxes and don't forget about possible parking fees). Or you could just ask the hotel people up front when you're making a reservation.

In the case of the second set, it's tough to say how much you'll spend on food, but set aside a reasonable amount and keep it separate from the third set of expenses, which is well, everything else. This is so you don't starve.

The third set of expenses is rather nebulous and undefined since it's just stuff you want. To avoid spending more than you want to, set a hard limit on your purchases so you don't blow your entire wad on the first day in the dealer room. Of course, this is mainly a point of willpower, but if you have credit cards, you don't want to be spending $6000 like that one guy someone mentioned unless you can afford to.