How much does it cost to play at a golf simulator?

Most golf simulators charge between $35 and $55 per hour, with a national average of $45 per hour. Prices vary based on location, time of day, and the type of facility you choose—entertainment venues with bars tend to be cheaper while practice-focused facilities with professional instruction cost more.

New to simulators? Check out our beginner’s guide to golf simulators to learn what to expect on your first visit.

The average cost: what to expect

Based on data from 80 golf simulator facilities across the United States, the typical hourly rate lands around $45 per hour, with most locations charging between $35 and $55 per hour. However, the range is wider than you might expect—some budget-friendly spots charge as low as $14 per hour, while premium facilities can run up to $150 per hour for their bays.

Location matters: regional price differences

Where you live has a real impact on what you’ll pay. Higher-cost markets like Florida average around $62 per hour, Colorado runs about $53 per hour, and the New York metro area typically sits around $48 per hour. More budget-friendly options can be found in states like California (averaging $37 per hour), Texas and Illinois (both around $38 per hour), and Wisconsin, with some of the most affordable rates at approximately $35 per hour.

What affects the price?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay:

Time of day plays a significant role at many facilities. Some locations offer early morning or weekday specials as low as $30 per hour, while prime evening and weekend slots command premium rates. If you have a flexible schedule, you can save considerably by playing during off-peak hours.

The type of venue makes a big difference in both price and experience. You’ll find two main types of simulator facilities, and knowing the difference can help you pick the right spot for your needs.

Entertainment venues, like full bars, restaurant menus, and a lively social scene, are often the more affordable option, typically averaging around $36 per hour. Places like Topgolf or local “golf and tap” style bars keep prices accessible because they upsell customers ordering food and drinks while you play. These are perfect when you want a fun night out with friends who may not golf seriously.

Practice-focused facilities actually tend to cost more, averaging closer to $50 per hour. These are the spots with professional instructors, club fitting services, and serious swing analysis technology. You’re paying for advanced launch monitors and expertise. If you’re working on lowering your handicap and want detailed feedback on your swing, the extra cost can be worth it.

Many facilities blend both worlds, offering quality practice technology alongside a bar or lounge area. These hybrid spots usually fall somewhere in the middle price-wise.

Technology and additional amenities also impact pricing. Facilities with the latest launch monitors, multiple camera angles, and extensive course libraries typically charge more than basic simulator setups. Premium locations might offer private bays, league play, or access to exclusive virtual courses.

Group size can make simulators more economical. Most hourly rates cover the entire bay regardless of how many people play (usually up to 4-6 players). Split a $45 hourly bay among four friends, and you’re each paying just over $11 per hour for entertainment and practice.

Membership options: when do they make sense?

About one in five simulator facilities offer memberships, typically ranging from $200 to $400+ per month. These usually include a set number of hours, priority booking, and discounted rates for extra time.

The math is pretty straightforward: if you’re playing 8-10 hours or more each month, a membership starts to pay for itself. For example, at $50 per hour for drop-in play, 10 hours costs you $500. A $300 membership with 10 included hours saves you $200 monthly while guaranteeing you can book prime time slots.

Some places also offer punch cards or multi-session packages as a middle ground—worth asking about if you’ll play regularly but not quite enough for a full membership.

Is it worth the cost?

That depends on what you’re looking for. If you live somewhere with harsh winters, simulators give you a way to keep playing and practicing when outdoor courses are covered in snow. For many golfers, that alone justifies the cost.

But simulators offer benefits beyond just beating the weather. You get instant feedback on every shot—ball speed, launch angle, spin rate—data that’s hard to come by at a regular driving range. You can play famous courses from your hometown. And unlike outdoor golf, you’re never waiting on the group ahead of you or rushing to finish before dark.

For entertainment value, splitting a $45 simulator bay with three friends for two hours comes out to about $15 per person, comparable to going bowling or catching a movie.

If you’re new to simulators, start with a few pay-per-play sessions at different types of venues. Try a practice-focused facility if you’re serious about improvement, or check out an entertainment venue. Look for off-peak specials to keep costs down while you figure out what you enjoy. Once you know how often you’ll actually go, you can decide if paying per visit or getting a membership makes more sense for your budget.

Ready to find a golf simulator near you? Browse our directory to compare local facilities, check their current rates, and book your first session. You can also use our comparison tool to see features and amenities side-by-side.

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Research methodology: This analysis is based on pricing data collected from 80 golf simulator facilities across the United States in 2025. Data includes hourly rates, membership pricing, and facility descriptions from locations spanning 10+ states including New York, California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Utah, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Washington. Regional averages are calculated from markets with three or more facilities to ensure statistical relevance. Prices represent base rates and may vary based on time of day, day of week, and seasonal promotions.