What a cosplay commission costs in 2026
Rough estimates before shipping, not quotes. Your references and deadline move the number more than anything else.
By build type (USD)
| Build | Low | Typical | High | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld prop (dagger, wand, small blaster) | $80 | $150–250 | $350+ | 2–4 weeks |
| Large prop (greatsword, staff, rifle) | $180 | $300–500 | $900+ | 3–6 weeks |
| Single armor piece (pauldron, gauntlet, helmet) | $120 | $200–350 | $450+ | 3–5 weeks |
| Full armor set (foam or 3D printed) | $900 | $1,500–2,500 | $3,500+ | 8–14 weeks |
| Sewn costume (single character, no armor) | $250 | $450–800 | $1,200+ | 4–8 weeks |
| Styled wig | $90 | $150–250 | $350+ | 1–3 weeks |
| Full build (costume + armor + props) | $1,500 | $2,500–4,000 | $6,000+ | 10–16 weeks |
Rough estimates, not quotes. Materials included; shipping and rush fees are not.
What moves the price
- Reference quality — Clear front/back/side references cut design time. A single blurry screenshot adds hours of guesswork that you pay for.
- Wearability — A display piece and a piece you'll wear for 10 hours at a con are different builds. Straps, padding and ventilation add 20–40%.
- Finish level — Con-ready is clean at arm's length. Photo/competition finish is clean at 30 cm. Screen-accurate means weathering, decals and hardware matched to the source — roughly double.
- Deadline — Under four weeks is a rush. Expect +30–50%, and expect some makers to pass.
- Materials — EVA foam is cheapest and lightest. 3D-printed resin or PLA costs more but holds fine detail. Worbla, fibreglass and metal are specialist.
How to brief a maker (paste this into your post)
- Character, source and the exact version (game, film, skin, episode).
- Three or more reference images: front, back, side, plus detail shots.
- Which pieces you want made — list them.
- Your measurements for anything wearable (height, chest, waist, hips, head circumference, shoe size).
- The date you need it in hand, and the con it's for.
- Finish level: con-ready, photo, or screen-accurate.
- Budget range. Makers bid better against a real number.
- Shipping country.