How much does 3d printing cost?
$301 buys all 5 essentials. $82 of that is the half that has to fit you, and the rest can wait.
5 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission
Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick
$301
5 items, nothing rented
Cheapest real way in
$82
The half that has to fit you. Borrow or rent the rest.
Against 247 hobbies
Above median
Dearer than 87% of them. Median hobby: $84.
What each thing costs
Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.
Buy this first
$82The cheap half of the kit, and the half that has to fit you. You keep all of it whatever you decide about the rest, so this is where the first money should go.
The main buy
$219The expensive part, and the part worth deferring. Rent, borrow or buy used until you have done 3d printing enough times to know you are staying.
Later, if you stay
Not needed to start. These are the upgrades that matter once the habit has stuck.
3D Printing costs more to start than 87% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.
Cost questions
How much does 3D Printing cost to start?
About $301 for the 5 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $82 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $219 can wait until you know you are staying.
What does each thing cost for 3D Printing?
3D Printer: from $219. Digital Caliper: from $37. Filament Spool Holder: from $22. Flush Cutters: from $15. Build Surface Scraper: from $8.
Is 3D Printing an expensive hobby?
3D Printing costs about $301 to start, dearer than 87% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this is one of the pricier ones to get into.
What should I buy first for 3D Printing?
filament spool holder, build surface scraper, digital caliper, flush cutters — $82 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.
Hobbies that cost about the same
The 6 nearest to 3d printing by startup cost, out of 247.