Festivalgoers Are Losing It Over These Ridiculous Coachella Prices
Coachella has always been a major draw for music lovers, but this year, it’s the food prices that are getting the attention—and not in a good way. After a hefty entrance fee, festivalgoers are grumbling over the high prices of food. And not just that, the food has a bad rep, too.
If you’re heading to the desert this year, be prepared: your wallet might take a bigger hit than you expected.
General Admission for $600—But You Still Have to Pay for Food
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Coachella tickets are no small expense, with general admission running at $600. But what many don’t realize is that the ticket doesn’t even cover food. The high prices for basic meals force festivalgoers to feel like they’re being hit twice for what should be an all-inclusive experience.
A $102 Meal That Left a Bad Taste
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TikTok user Ruth Viveros spent $102 on two plates of tacos, nachos, and two lemonades. To further rub salt in her wounds, the tortillas were cold, and the lemonade was mostly ice. It’s hard to justify that kind of price when the food doesn’t even match the cost.
$13 for a Slice of Pizza—Is It Worth It?
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A single slice of pepperoni pizza at Coachella costs $13. It might hit the spot when you’re craving something familiar, but it’s a hard sell when you realize you could get a full meal at a local pizza joint for the same price.
Chicken Tenders and Fries for $26.10!
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A plate of chicken tenders and fries should be a simple and affordable snack, but not at Coachella. One attendee shared they spent $26.10 for this classic meal, which is way more than you’d pay at any fast-food restaurant.
The $17 Lemonade Debate
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If you think lemonade is cheap, at Coachella, it’ll set you back $17. Sure, it’s hot in the desert, and you might be thirsty, but the drink is mostly ice with a tiny splash of lemon. This is another example of how festivalgoers are paying for the experience, not the product itself.
Premium Alcohol Prices for a Premium Experience
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Coachella attendees should be prepared to pay premium prices for a simple cocktail. A Vodka Red Bull will cost you $23, while a can of White Claw comes in at $16. Non-alcoholic beer is priced at $10.
Stale Banh Mi for $24—What Happened to Fresh?
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This a classic case of overpriced food that doesn’t deliver. You might think a banh mi sandwich is a good alternative to the usual festival food, but one attendee found themselves paying $24 for a stale version. The combination of premium price and disappointing quality is becoming all too common at Coachella.
Loaded Fries for $22
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Paying $22 for a serving of loaded fries raises some eyebrows. Yes, the fries are loaded with toppings; this can easily be considered a steep price in any other instance.
Chicken Slider Combo for $30
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A chicken slider meal at Coachella costs $30. The portion sizes are small, but at least the sliders come with a side of fries. The bar is truly below the ground.
Soft Drinks for $7? Really?
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Paying $7 for a soft drink at Coachella might make you wonder where your money is really going. So, naturally, if you want to reach out for another soft drink after you’ve had one, be ready to splurge.
Water for $2
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Between skyrocketing food and drink prices, bottled water at $2 is a rare, affordable option. Given how essential hydration is at a desert festival like Coachella, the relatively low price of water feels like a small win for festivalgoers. However, if you have to buy several water bottles during your visit, this cost could add up too fast.
$64 for Burritos and Cucumber Water
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One festivalgoer went viral after spending $64 on two breakfast burritos and a bottle of cucumber water. The shocking price became a symbol of Coachella’s notorious food costs.