Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy a Photo Booth?

If you’re planning events or thinking about starting a photo booth business, you may be wondering: Is it cheaper to rent a photo booth or buy one outright? The answer depends on how often you’ll use it, what level of quality you need, and whether you want the responsibility of owning and maintaining professional equipment. Let’s break it down.

---

The Cost of Buying a Photo Booth

Purchasing a professional-grade photo booth is a significant upfront investment. Depending on the type of booth, prices typically range from:

• Basic DIY or iPad Booth: $1,500 – $4,000

• Professional Open-Air Booth: $6,000 – $12,000

• 360 Video Booth: $8,000 – $15,000+

• AI or Multi-Camera Systems: $12,000 – $25,000+

But the purchase price is only the beginning. Ownership also includes:

• Software subscriptions

• Camera upgrades

• Lighting replacements

• Printer maintenance and ink

• Backdrops and props

• Transport cases

• Insurance

• Storage

• Repairs and technical support

• Staff training

Over time, these costs can easily add thousands of dollars per year.

---

The Cost of Renting a Photo Booth

Renting a photo booth is a predictable, all-inclusive expense. In major markets like Chicago, professional photo booth rentals typically range from:

• Open-Air Booth: $600 – $1,200 per event

• 360 Video Booth: $900 – $1,800 per event

• AI or Glam Booth: $900 – $2,000+ per event

Rental pricing usually includes:

• Professional-grade equipment

• Attendant staff

• Delivery, setup, and breakdown

• Lighting and backdrops

• Custom overlays

• Instant sharing and prints

• Technical support

• Liability insurance

There are no surprise costs and no long-term commitments.

---

When Buying Makes Financial Sense

Buying a photo booth can be cheaper only if:

• You plan to use it very frequently (50–100+ events per year)

• You are running a full-time photo booth business

• You have technical expertise for maintenance

• You can handle storage, transport, and staffing

• You are prepared for equipment depreciation

Even then, many professionals still rent or outsource specialty booths (like 360 or AI) to avoid constant upgrades.

---

When Renting Is the Smarter Option

Renting is usually cheaper and smarter if:

• You only need a booth for a few events per year

• You want premium quality and reliability

• You don’t want to manage equipment, software, or staffing

• You need cutting-edge experiences (AI, slow-motion, 360, roaming)

• You want a stress-free, turnkey experience

For weddings, corporate events, brand activations, and private parties, renting provides higher quality, better guest experience, and zero long-term risk.

---

Hidden Value of Renting

Beyond cost, renting delivers:

• Access to latest technology

• Professional lighting and camera tuning

• On-site troubleshooting

• Branded experiences

• Consistent, studio-quality results

• No storage, insurance, or depreciation concerns

You’re not just paying for hardware — you’re paying for expertise, reliability, and guest experience.

---

Final Verdict: Rent or Buy?

For most people and companies, renting a photo booth is far more cost-effective than buying, especially when you factor in maintenance, staffing, and technology upgrades.

---

Looking for a Premium Photo Booth Rental in Chicago?

At Magic Moment Photo Booth, we provide luxury open-air booths, 360 video booths, AI photo experiences, roaming booths, glam setups, and custom corporate activations throughout Chicago and the suburbs. You get the best technology, professional staff, and flawless execution — without the cost and headache of ownership.

Contact us today to see how affordable it is to rent a high-end photo booth for your next event.