Party Cost Comparator

The average birthday party costs between $200 and $900 depending on the venue, guest count, and location. A home party for 20 guests averages $300-500, a rented venue party costs $500-900, and a park party runs $200-400. Use the free Party Cost Comparator above to get a personalized estimate.

Hosting at home is almost always cheaper because you eliminate venue rental fees ($200-600). A home party for 25 guests typically costs $350-500, while the same party at a rented venue costs $600-900. The trade-off is more setup and cleanup work at home.

The average cost per person for a birthday party is $15-25 at home, $25-40 at a rented venue, and $12-20 at a park. This includes food, drinks, cake, decorations, and supplies. Adding entertainment and photography increases the per-person cost by $5-10.

To throw a budget-friendly party: host at a park or at home (saves $200-500 on venue), use digital invitations instead of printed ones, buy decorations at dollar stores, order grocery store cake instead of specialty bakeries, and plan DIY entertainment like scavenger hunts or craft stations.

Budget $8-12 per guest for food and drinks at a home party, $12-18 per guest at a venue, and $7-10 per guest at a park. For 25 guests, that means roughly $200-300 for food at home. Pizza, finger foods, and juice boxes are the most budget-friendly options for kids parties.

Party favors typically cost $3-5 per child and are expected at kids birthday parties. Budget-friendly options include small toy bags from dollar stores ($1-2 each), homemade treat bags, or a single candy-filled container. You can skip favors for adult parties without anyone noticing.