Is the Lifestyle Expensive? Champagne Sex on a Beer Budget

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Swinging might be free love, but it sure ain’t free. From party fees to lingerie that screams “strip me slowly,” here’s your no-BS breakdown of the true cost of the lifestyle.

By: Kat Swings

So, you’re ready to dip your toe (or your whole body) into the lifestyle. You’re curious, excited, slightly nervous – and maybe wondering, “Wait, how much is this all gonna cost me?” Here’s the truth – swinging doesn’t have to break the bank, but it’s definitely not a $5 margarita night either. Between memberships, outfits, condoms, and club cocktails that cost more than your Netflix subscription, get ready to drop a pretty penny before the ride is over.

Don’t forget to check out more newbie swinger advice in our Vanilla Swingers podcast.

🏷️ Clubs, Events, and Entry Fees

Let’s start with the obvious – getting in the door. Whether it’s a local swinger club, a hotel takeover, or a Bliss Cruise that feels like a floating orgy buffet, every event has a price tag.

Local Club Entry: Expect to pay $50–$150 per couple for the night. Fridays tend to be cheaper; Saturdays are the main event. Examples include: Twist SF = $140; Trapeze Ft Laud = $170 (incl $70 membership); Denver’s Scarlet Ranch is $100 (plus $50 annual membership)
Memberships: Some clubs require annual memberships (often $30–$100) on top of entry. Trapeze is a rip-off for 2 months at $70; Scarlet Ranch is $50 annually.
Hotel Takeovers: These range from $300–$1,000+ per weekend, depending on how swanky the setup is.
Lifestyle Cruises: Bliss and Temptation cruises can run $4,000–$10,000+ per couple, not including flights, excursions, or drink package (or smuggle responsibly!).

PRO TIP: Many events offer early bird pricing, and yes – you should always RSVP. Swingers might be spontaneous in bed, but we plan ahead when it comes to room blocks and wristbands. The early bird gets the worm!

👠 Dress to Undress

Listen, no one’s saying you need to roll in wearing Dior- but swinging does have a look. It’s not just what you wear… it’s how you wear it when someone’s watching you take it off. And we all want to look our best!

Theme Night Costumes: Think wigs, accessories, and sequins. You can drop $50–$200 if you go all in (and trust us, people do). Full body paint, sans costume, can set you back upwards of $500+.
Lingerie: You’ll want a few go-to sets that make you feel like the main character. Expect to spend $10-30 per set (and yes, get the matching robe) if you’re shopping cheap on Amazon, Temu or Shein.
Shoes: Heels that slay and slide off, plus flats for when the party hits hour five.
For the Guys: Collared shirts, well-fitted pants, and fresh shoes. It’s not just about the ladies, gents – look like someone we want to take home. Yum!!

You don’t need to show up dripping in labels – but you do need to look clean, hot, and like you tried. Lazy is not a kink.

🛏️ Hotel Nights & Airbnbs

If you’re meeting partners while out of town, staying overnight at an event, or just want your own space to play, accommodations are a real cost.

Standard Hotel Room: Anywhere from $100–$250+ per night, depending on location and timing. Denver, cheap. San Francisco, pricey.
Lifestyle-Friendly Resorts or Rooms: You’ll pay more for discretion and sexy vibes – but honestly, it’s worth it. Think Mon Chalet
DIY Room Glow-Up: Add $25–$50 for LED lights, strobes, blacklight accessories and that sexy throw that makes the bed look fckable.

And if Leo and I ever sat down and actually added up what we’ve spent on hotel rooms over the past year? One night here, two nights there, four nights over that wild weekend… ay yi yi. We’d be clutching our pearls and our bank statements. But hey – what’s money for if not for sexy memories and room service the morning after?

You don’t need a suite with a plunge pool, but you do need a clean room with decent lighting and a lock that works. Trust us.

🧴 The Toy & Pleasure Kit

You don’t want to show up to a playdate empty-handed—literally. That “oops, we forgot condoms” energy is not it.

Condoms & Lube: Replenish regularly. Depending on how much fun you’re having, you’re looking at $15–$30/month. Honestly? Maybe just get on the Costco subscription plan. Buy in bulk, save money, and never get caught empty. Did I just say that? Yes. Yes, I did.
Toys: Look, some people swear by luxury brands, and they’re amazing. But us? We go cheap on Amazon. Why? Because we have so many toys, I’ve literally lost count. And we’ve bought duplicates of duplicates, because when a battery dies mid-play? That’s a mood killer and a half. Better to have backups… and backups for the backups.
Toy Cleaner, Breath Mints, Towels: Yes, these absolutely belong in your bag. And yes, people notice when you’re the couple who came prepared.
Swinger Bag: If you know, you know. A cute, discreet little tote with all your essentials = practical and sexy AF.

This is one of those categories where the total cost might creep up on you -but you’ll be so grateful you invested when the moment’s right and everything you need is right there, within reach.

🍸 Drinks, Tips & The Sexy Extras

A lot of clubs are BYOB – but you’ll still tip the bartender for mixers and service. And don’t forget the extras that add up fast:

Drinks: Whether you’re sipping champagne or swigging tequila, you’re buying something.
Tipping Staff: Be a good guest. Tip the bartender, the coat check person, and the locker room attendant if there is one.
Snacks or Afterparty Food: Don’t be the couple that shows up hangry and leaves early.
Flirty Gifts or Icebreakers: Some people bring shot glasses, body glitter, or cute mini games to start the vibe.

Think of this as your foreplay fund – it’s the stuff that greases the social wheels and keeps the energy flowing.

💬 Is the Lifestyle Expensive?

Short answer? It can be. But like anything worth doing – it’s about how you do it. You don’t need to max out your card every weekend to have fun. Start slow, be smart, and invest in the pieces that make you feel confident, safe, and sexy.

Because yes – swinging might cost money… But feeling like the hottest version of yourself? That’s priceless.

💋 Happy swinging!

Find all of this and more on this episode of our top-rated swingers podcast for new couples to the lifestyle, the Vanilla Swingers podcast!

Swinger Lingo (check Swinger Dictionary for more!)

Swingers club: The playground of pleasure, where fantasies come to life and every night is a tantalizing adventure. A dedicated venue where individuals or couples within the swinging community gather to socialize, explore their sexuality, and engage in consensual sexual activities with other like-minded individuals.

Swingersphere: Kat & Leo’s favorite place on earth, the wild, sexy, anything-goes world of swingers – clubs, parties, hotel takeovers, swinger apps, Reddit threads, and way too many pineapple puns. 🍍 Like a pineapple at checkout—some things are just meant to be scanned and shared.

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