How Much Does a Sim Racing Setup Cost? (Realistic Price Breakdown)

Wondering how much a sim racing setup costs? The honest answer is: it depends a lot on what you want.
You can start with a simple beginner rig for a few hundred dollars, or build a professional-grade simulator that costs more than a real used car.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the main components, show realistic price ranges for different budget levels,
and help you decide where to spend and where to save.

Don’t forget to check FOV Calculator for proper setup with Monitor.

Main Cost Factors in a Sim Racing Setup

Before we talk total prices, it’s important to understand what actually goes into a sim racing rig.
Your final cost is the sum of several key pieces of hardware.

1. Wheelbase (Force Feedback Unit)

The wheelbase is the “motor” of your steering wheel. It creates the force feedback that lets you feel the car’s grip, bumps, and weight transfer.

• Entry-level gear/belt-driven: around $150–$350
• Mid-range direct drive: around $400–$800
• High-end direct drive: $800–$1,500+ depending on torque and brand

Generally, moving from gear/belt to direct drive is the single biggest jump in realism you’ll feel.

2. Steering Wheel Rim

Many wheelbases come with a basic rim included, but some require you to buy the rim separately.

• Basic bundled rim: effectively $0 extra (included in kit)
• Upgrade rim (GT-style, F1-style, rally): $150–$500+

If you’re on a tight budget, the included rim is completely fine. Rims are a nice upgrade later when you know what style you prefer.

3. Pedal Set

Pedals matter more than most beginners expect. A good brake pedal, especially a load cell, can make your lap times much more consistent.

• Basic 2–3 pedal sets (potentiometer): $80–$200
• Load cell pedals (huge upgrade): $200–$500
• High-end hydraulic / premium pedals: $500–$1,000+

If you care about driving performance, I’d prioritize upgrading pedals before going crazy on a more powerful wheelbase.

4. Cockpit / Chassis / Rig

The cockpit is the frame that holds your seat, wheel, and pedals in place. Stability and adjustability are key, especially for stronger wheelbases.

• Entry-level wheel stands / simple rigs: $100–$250
• Mid-range full cockpits (steel frame + seat): $300–$700
• Aluminum profile (8020) rigs: $600–$1,500+ depending on size and brand

You can bolt your wheel to a desk at first, but a dedicated rig is far more comfortable and reduces flex.

5. Display: Monitor or VR Headset

You need something to actually see the track. Sim racers usually choose between:

• Single monitor (27–32″): $150–$400
• Ultrawide monitor (34″+): $350–$900+
• Triple monitors: $450–$1,200+ (for three screens plus mounts)
• VR headsets: $300–$1,000+ depending on model and tracking

Each option has trade-offs. Ultrawide and triples give a great sense of speed and FOV. VR gives immersion but can require a strong PC.

6. Gaming PC or Console

Your platform choice will have a big impact on cost.

• Console (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S): about $300–$500
• Entry-level gaming PC for sim racing: roughly $700–$1,000
• Mid-range gaming PC (high settings, triples/VR): $1,200–$1,800
• High-end gaming PC (maximum settings, heavy VR, high-res triples): $2,000+

If you’re only doing sim racing and a few games, you don’t need the most expensive PC on the market, but a solid GPU does help a lot with smoothness.

7. Optional Add-ons

These aren’t required, but they add immersion and control.

• Shifter (H-pattern or sequential): $100–$300
• Handbrake: $100–$250
• Button box / dash display: $100–$400+
• Tactile transducers (bass shakers): $100–$500+ including amp
• Motion platforms: $2,000–$15,000+ for advanced systems

Most beginners skip motion at first and maybe add a shifter or handbrake later when they explore more types of racing.

Sim Racing Setup Cost by Budget Tier

Now let’s put everything together into realistic builds. These are ballpark figures, not exact shopping lists, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect.

A. Entry-Level (Beginner) Sim Racing Setup

Typical total cost: around $400–$900

This level is perfect if you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend too much. You’ll likely use a console or an existing PC and pair it with an entry-level wheel and pedal set.

What an Entry-Level Setup Might Include

• Wheel + Pedals: basic bundle, around $200–$350
• Mounting: desk clamp or simple wheel stand, $0–$150
• Display: an existing monitor or TV (no extra cost), or a basic 24–27″ monitor for $150–$250
• Platform: existing console or PC

At this level, the goal is simply to get on track and start learning. You won’t have the strongest force feedback or the most stable cockpit, but it’s already far more immersive than playing on a controller.

B. Mid-Range (Enthusiast) Sim Racing Setup

Typical total cost: around $1,000–$2,500

This is where many sim racers end up. You get a good balance of realism, comfort, and value. Upgrades like load cell pedals and a dedicated cockpit make a big difference.

What a Mid-Range Setup Might Include

• Wheelbase: stronger belt or entry-level direct drive, $350–$800
• Pedals: load cell set, $200–$400
• Cockpit: sturdy steel rig with seat, $300–$700
• Display: 27–32″ monitor or 34″ ultrawide, $250–$700
• Gaming PC / Console: $500–$1,000 if you don’t already have one
• Optional add-ons: maybe a shifter or handbrake, $100–$250

At this level, your rig feels solid, your pedals are precise, and your visuals are sharp. This is enough for serious league racing and very satisfying single-player sessions.

C. High-End Sim Racing Setup

Typical total cost: around $2,500–$6,000+

High-end setups are for people who already know they love sim racing and want premium hardware. This usually means a stronger direct drive wheelbase, high-quality pedals, and a more advanced display setup.

What a High-End Setup Might Include

• Direct drive wheelbase: $800–$1,500+
• Premium load cell or hydraulic pedals: $400–$1,000+
• Aluminum profile cockpit: $600–$1,500+
• Display: triple monitors or a high-end ultrawide / VR headset, $600–$1,500+
• Gaming PC: powerful rig for triples or VR, $1,500–$2,500+
• Extras: shifter, handbrake, button boxes, bass shakers, $300–$1,000+

The experience at this level is extremely immersive and consistent. The rig is solid, the feedback is detailed, and the visuals are smooth even at high FOV or in VR.

D. Professional / Extreme Sim Racing Setup

Typical total cost: $6,000–$20,000+ (and there is almost no limit)

These are the kinds of setups used by professional drivers, high-end commercial simulators, and serious hobbyists with big budgets.

What a Pro-Level Setup Might Include

• High-torque direct drive wheelbase: $1,200–$2,000+
• Top-tier hydraulic pedals: $800–$1,500+
• Large aluminum profile rig with accessories: $1,500–$3,000+
• Advanced display: triple 32–49″ monitors or high-end VR with eye tracking, $1,000–$3,000+
• Motion systems: $3,000–$15,000+ depending on degrees of freedom
• High-end PC: $2,000–$3,000+

At this point, you are essentially building a small simulator center at home. The quality is incredible, but it’s far beyond what a casual racer needs.

Price Breakdown Table by Tier

Here’s a simple comparison to visualize the cost differences.

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	High-End	Pro / Extreme
Wheelbase + Rim	$200–$350	$350–$800	$800–$1,500+	$1,200–$2,000+
Pedals	$80–$200	$200–$400	$400–$1,000+	$800–$1,500+
Cockpit / Rig	$0–$250	$300–$700	$600–$1,500+	$1,500–$3,000+
Display / VR	Existing TV or $150–$250	$250–$700	$600–$1,500+	$1,000–$3,000+
PC / Console	Existing console/PC or $300–$700	$500–$1,000	$1,200–$2,500+	$2,000–$3,000+
Optional Add-ons	$0–$150	$100–$300	$300–$1,000+	$1,000–$5,000+
Estimated Total	≈ $400–$900	≈ $1,000–$2,500	≈ $2,500–$6,000+	≈ $6,000–$20,000+

How to Choose the Right Budget for You

So, how much should you actually spend on your sim racing setup? Here’s how I think about it in simple terms.

If You’re Just Curious or a Casual Gamer

Start with an entry-level setup. Use your existing TV or monitor and a basic wheel-and-pedal bundle.
You’ll quickly know whether sim racing is something you want to commit more money to.

If You Know You Love Racing Games

The mid-range tier is a sweet spot. A load cell brake, a solid cockpit, and a decent monitor or ultrawide turn sim racing from “fun” into “serious hobby” without exploding your budget.

If You Want Maximum Immersion and Realism

Go for a high-end setup with direct drive, high-quality pedals, and a strong display solution like triples or VR.
This is where everything feels extremely connected and realistic, and many people stay at this level for years.

If You’re a Pro Driver or Building a Commercial Rig

Only then should you consider the pro / extreme tier. Motion systems and ultra-premium hardware are amazing,
but they’re overkill for most home racers.

Hidden and Ongoing Costs to Remember

When planning your budget, don’t forget the little things:

• Shipping and import taxes on heavy items like cockpits and wheelbases
• Software and DLC: iRacing subs, new cars and tracks, other sims
• Accessories: seat cushions, floor mats, cable management
• Upgrades over time: you may slowly replace pedals, wheelbases, and monitors as your expectations grow

Conclusion: So, How Much Does a Sim Racing Setup Cost?

In short, a sim racing setup can cost anywhere from about $400 to well over $10,000, depending on how deep you want to go.
The good news is, you don’t have to buy everything at once.

My personal recommendation is simple:

• Start at a budget level that feels comfortable.
• Focus on a decent wheel, reliable pedals, and a stable way to mount them.
• Upgrade slowly as your passion and skill grow.

That way, no matter what you spend, your sim racing setup cost will feel justified by the hours of enjoyment and improvement you get out of it.