Cost

How much does meteorite hunting cost?

$510 buys all 5 essentials. $40 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

$510

5 items, nothing rented

$40 to fit you, buy now$470 that can wait

Cheapest real way in

$40

The half that has to fit you. Borrow or rent the rest.

Against 247 hobbies

Above median

Dearer than 58% of them. Median hobby: $84.

What each thing costs

Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.

Metal Detector essential

mid $479top $799

$270

GPS Device essential

mid $700top $357

$200

Sample Collection Bags essential

mid $18top $28

$18

Field Magnifier essential

mid $60top $110

$12

Field Notebook essential

mid $16top $22

$10

All 5 essentials

$510

Buy this first

$40

The 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.

Field Magnifier

$12

A magnifier is crucial for close inspection of potential meteorite candidates, helping to identify key characteristics like fusion crust, regmaglypts, and metallic flecks.

Carson® SureGrip 2x Soft-Grip Glass Magnifier with 10x Spot Lens

mid $60top $110

Field Notebook

Field Notebook

$10

Documenting find locations, conditions, and observations is critical for scientific integrity and personal record-keeping.

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook

mid $16top $22

Sample Collection Bags

$18

Properly storing and labeling your finds prevents contamination and ensures accurate record-keeping.

Ziploc Gallon Storage Bags Heavy Duty

mid $18top $28

The main buy

$470

The expensive part, and the part worth deferring. Rent, borrow or buy used until you have done meteorite hunting enough times to know you are staying.

Metal Detector

$270

Essential for locating iron-rich meteorites that may be buried beneath the surface, significantly increasing your chances of a find.

Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector

mid $479top $799

GPS Device

$200

Accurate location tracking is vital for returning to promising find sites and mapping your exploration area.

Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS Navigator

mid $700top $357

Later, if you stay

Not needed to start. These are the upgrades that matter once the habit has stuck.

Rock Hammer

$30

A specialized hammer is indispensable for carefully collecting samples, breaking apart promising specimens, and probing geological formations.

ESTWING Rock Pick - 13 oz USA Made Geology Hammer with Smooth Face &…

mid $32top $42

Safety Glasses

$30

Protecting your eyes from flying debris during sample collection and rock breaking is paramount for field safety.

Pyramex Ztek(R), Safety Glasses, Anti-Fog & Anti-Scratch, Clear Lens,…

top $104

Startup cost · all 247 hobbieslog scale
$1
$84
$1245
$105

Meteorite Hunting costs more to start than 58% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.

Cost questions

How much does Meteorite Hunting cost to start?

About $510 for the 5 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $40 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $470 can wait until you know you are staying.

What does each thing cost for Meteorite Hunting?

Metal Detector: from $270. GPS Device: from $200. Sample Collection Bags: from $18. Field Magnifier: from $12. Field Notebook: from $10.

Is Meteorite Hunting an expensive hobby?

Meteorite Hunting costs about $105 to start, dearer than 58% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this sits around the middle.

What should I buy first for Meteorite Hunting?

field magnifier, field notebook, sample collection bags — $40 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 meteorite hunting by startup cost, out of 247.