Cost

How much does weightlifting cost?

$182 buys all 3 essentials. $62 of that is the half that has to fit you, and the rest can wait.

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

Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick

$182

3 items, nothing rented

$62 to fit you, buy now$120 that can wait

Cheapest real way in

$62

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

Against 247 hobbies

Above median

Dearer than 85% of them. Median hobby: $84.

What each thing costs

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

Squat Rack / Power Cage essential

mid $380top $690

$120

Weight Plates essential

mid $98top $218

$50

Barbell essential

mid $80top $178

$12

All 3 essentials

$182

Buy this first

$62

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.

Barbell

$12

A quality 20kg (44lb) Olympic barbell is the central piece of any home or gym setup.

Rogue River Tactical Ohio State Flag Metal Tin Sign Wall Decor Man Cave…

mid $80top $178

Weight Plates

$50

Olympic 2-inch plates to match your barbell. Bumper plates are quieter; iron plates are cheaper.

Serious Steel Fitness Fractional Plates Calibrated Olympic Change Plate

mid $98top $218

The main buy

$120

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

Squat Rack / Power Cage

$120

Safety pins make unsupported heavy squats and bench press possible without a spotter.

CAP Barbell Power Rack

mid $380top $690

Later, if you stay

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

Adjustable Dumbbells

$256

FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbell

mid $329top $400

Startup cost · all 247 hobbieslog scale
$1
$84
$1245
$270

Weightlifting costs more to start than 85% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.

Cost questions

How much does Weightlifting cost to start?

About $182 for the 3 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $62 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $120 can wait until you know you are staying.

What does each thing cost for Weightlifting?

Squat Rack / Power Cage: from $120. Weight Plates: from $50. Barbell: from $12.

Is Weightlifting an expensive hobby?

Weightlifting costs about $270 to start, dearer than 85% 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 Weightlifting?

barbell, weight plates — $62 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 weightlifting by startup cost, out of 247.