One of the first questions people ask me is: "How much does it cost to start a podcast?"
My answer is always the same. It depends.
Not because I'm trying to avoid the question, but because there isn't one price that fits everyone. It depends on how you want to start.
Do you want to test the waters with little or no investment? Or do you want to build a professional setup from day one? Both approaches are valid. The important thing is that you don't let your budget become the reason you never start.
How I Started
When I launched the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast in 2021, I spent almost nothing. I already had a mobile phone. I already had a pair of earbuds. For hosting, I used Anchor (now Spotify for Creators), which was completely free.
So my startup cost was essentially $0.
As the podcast grew, so did my needs. I wanted better analytics and more control over my podcast, so I moved away from Anchor and started paying about $12 per month for podcast hosting. Later, when I wanted better sound quality, I invested in professional equipment, spending between $60 and $150 on microphones.
I didn't buy everything on day one. I upgraded as I grew. That's the approach I'd recommend to anyone starting today.
Option 1: Start for Free
If you're simply trying podcasting for the first time, you probably already own most of what you need.
Your free setup
- Smartphone
- Earbuds or a basic wired microphone
- Spotify for Creators (Free)
- A quiet room
Estimated cost
- $0
Will your podcast sound like a professional studio? Probably not. Will it be good enough to start? Absolutely.
Remember, your first episodes are about learning, not perfection.
Option 2: A Budget-Friendly Setup
Once you've recorded a few episodes and you're sure podcasting is something you want to continue, you can start upgrading.
A simple budget setup
- USB microphone — $50–100
- Podcast hosting — around $10–15/month
- Headphones (optional) — $20–50
Estimated startup cost
- $60–150, plus your monthly hosting subscription
At this stage, you're not trying to build a professional studio. You're simply improving your audio quality while keeping your costs reasonable.
Option 3: A Professional Setup
If you're producing your podcast regularly, recording remote interviews or creating video podcasts, you may decide to invest in more professional tools.
Professional setup costs may include
- Professional microphone
- Audio interface or sound card
- Studio headphones
- Camera (if you're recording video)
- Lighting
- Podcast hosting
- Remote recording software
For example, Riverside FM offers a free plan if you're just getting started. If you need higher-quality recordings, longer sessions, AI editing and more advanced features, paid plans start at $24/month (billed annually) or $29/month (billed monthly).
“Buy tools because your podcast needs them, not because you think they'll make you a better podcaster overnight.”
So, How Much Does It Really Cost?
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Start with what you already own | $0 | Testing podcasting for the first time |
| Budget-friendly setup | $60–150 + hosting | Committing to a consistent show |
| Professional setup | $200+ | Regular production, video, or remote interviews |
Notice something? There's no "correct" amount. The cost depends on the kind of podcast you want to build.
My Advice
Don't build the podcast you hope to have three years from now. Build the one you can afford today.
When I started, I didn't know the podcast would eventually create clients, partnerships and speaking opportunities. I wasn't thinking about monetization. I simply wanted to create meaningful conversations and tell stories that deserved to be heard.
Over time, something interesting happened. The podcast became much more than a podcast. It opened doors to new relationships, attracted clients, led to partnerships and created speaking opportunities.
None of that was part of the original plan.
Those opportunities came because I started, stayed consistent and kept showing up.
Want more practical guidance?
Podcast Monetization Playbook
This article covers the fundamentals of starting a podcast. If you’re also thinking about turning your podcast into clients, partnerships and revenue, I put together a practical guide with the strategies I’ve tested since launching in 2021.
Final Thoughts
Don't wait until you have the perfect budget. Don't wait until you have the perfect equipment. And don't convince yourself that everyone else started with a professional studio.
Many of us didn't. I certainly didn't.
Start with what you have. Learn as you go. Upgrade when you need to. Your podcast doesn't have to be expensive to be valuable.
“It just has to begin.”
