How much does tabletop rpg cost?

$24 buys all 2 essentials.

2 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission

Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick

$24

2 items, nothing rented

Against 247 hobbies

Below median

Cheaper than 87% of them. Median hobby: $84.

What each thing costs

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

Core Rulebook essential

mid $50top $170

$16

Dice Set essential

mid $12top $35

All 2 essentials

$24

What you need

$24

Everything you need to start tabletop rpg. None of it is a big commitment.

Core Rulebook

$16

The rules reference and character creation guide for your system of choice.

Dungeons & Dragons Wizards of The Coast Dungeon Mayhem: Battle for…

mid $50top $170

Dice Set

A full polyhedral set (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, d%) is required for play.

Chessex Dice Polyhedral 7-Die Opaque Dice Set - Blue with White

mid $12top $35

Later, if you stay

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

Battle Mat & Minis

$20

Grid mats and miniatures for tracking tactical combat — some groups use them, others play fully "theatre of the mind".

Chessex Role Playing Play Mat Marking Pen:

mid $24top $46

Polyhedral Dice Set

$13

Chessex Gemini Polyhedral 7-Die Set

top $13

Startup cost · all 247 hobbieslog scale

$1Blogging

$84median

$1245Kite Surfing

$25

Tabletop RPG costs more to start than 13% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.

Cost questions

How much does Tabletop RPG cost to start?

About $24 for the 2 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each.

What does each thing cost for Tabletop RPG?

Core Rulebook: from $16. Dice Set: from $8.

Is Tabletop RPG an expensive hobby?

Tabletop RPG costs about $25 to start, dearer than 13% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this is one of the cheaper ones to get into.

What should I buy first for Tabletop RPG?

core rulebook, dice set — $24 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 tabletop rpg by startup cost, out of 247.

Quilling$1 less$24 Cardistryabout the same$25 Shogiabout the same$25

Tabletop RPGyou are here$25

Harmonica$1 more$26 Aromatherapy$2 more$27 Chinese Cricket Keeping$2 more$27

Start tabletop rpg Tabletop RPG beginner guide