How Much Does it Really Cost to Compete in a Bikini, Figure or Physique Contest

If you are wondering and asking the question how much does it really cost to Compete in a Bikini, Figure, or Physique Contest? Some of the most common expenses that you will incur include registration fees for the contest and entry fees for any other competitions on your list.

You will also need to purchase clothing and equipment such as shoes, posing suits, tanning supplies, hair services (if required), makeup (even if you don’t wear it), jewelry (if desired), nails/manicure/pedicure (again, even if not worn). This can be expensive!

I put together a list of things you should know or be aware of when preparing for your Bikini, Figure, or Physique competition, how much each item cost, and where/how to find them.

Laser Hair Removal Costs

In addition to the costs associated with preparing your body for the contest, other expenses address areas of appearance such as waxing or laser hair removal. In my case, I paid $30 every three weeks ($50 total) for once-a-month Brazilian bikini waxes – this is important because you don’t want any visible dark stubble from shaving in between sessions! Of course, if you shave instead, then this would be a one-time expense only.

It should also be noted that while some contests choose not to accept shaved competitors into their shows due to aesthetic reasons, others have no issue with it and will still allow contestants who electively decide to go bare down below during prep even though they could have easily worn clothing around others to avoid it.

If you elect not to shave, this would be an additional monthly expense of $50 with the same caveat that hairs will grow back between waxing sessions and therefore need shaving – at least once or twice a week, depending on how fast your hair grows!

Cost $15 – $500

Bikini competition Coach

You will need a coach or trainer to help you prepare for your competition if this is your first time. You can either do in-person coaching or virtual coaching. My advice for you will be to do in-depth research about different coaches, read their reviews, and or get a recommendation from someone who has been in Bikini, Figure, or Physique Competition before in your city.

Cost of hiring a trainer – in-person coaching 60 – 100/hr and virtual coach range from $120/month – $500/month

Gym Membership

Gyms are notorious for charging outrageous prices, especially if the gym you currently attend is already expensive. If considering canceling your current membership to join a different/newer fitness club, be sure that it’s worth it! Have an estimate or quote ready before making any decisions about this major purchase.

If you hire a coach or a trainer, you might now need to pay extra for a gym membership. But if you are working with a virtual trainer, you will need a gym membership.

The cost of a gym membership can range from $15/month – $50/month.

Federation Membership

Two leading organizations host bikini contests – the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) and the National Physique Committee (NPC). The competitor must pay an initial $120 fee to compete in sanctioned competitions(The price might have changed by now). For figure competitors, they can choose between NPC or IFBB for similar costs.

The cost will range from 120-150

Registration Costs

To enter any competition costs money too! Each organization has different registration prices; however, these generally range from around $100+ per category entered (bikini, physique, etc.). This is just for entry into the contest because if placing high enough, you move on to finals, then this may include extra travel expenses since your location will most likely change. If competing in a figure competition, the registration fees for IFBB and NPC differ slightly.

Registration Fee: $100+

Entry Fees: $250+

Posing Sessions

A posing coach is recommended for the bikini, figure, and physique competitor to practice their stage routine. To achieve a perfect look on stage and ensure that they don’t forget any of their poses, professional coaching can be beneficial in guiding them through several different sessions before competing.

Cost $30 – $150

Supplements

Supplement Bill, which will be at least $150 to $350 or more depending on how intense of a regimen you’re following, your coach’s recommendation for supplements (since they know what works best), and whether or not you are taking any medications. Many women find that it helps them tremendously to take some supplement during their contest prep – especially if dieting has become particularly stressful due to work demands, family issues/responsibilities, etc.

In my case, I took a variety of products throughout my competition journey, including whey protein powders/meal replacements, shakes / branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), / creatine monohydrate powder mixed into the water every few hours as a “pick me up” / multivitamins.

Also, there is always the chance that you are allergic to one supplement or another, so be sure to have a complete list of allergies with your physician before taking anything.
Cost $50 – $300

Makeup

There’s also makeup to consider. If you’re going for anywhere from a natural-looking tan with just foundation, blush, and mascara on the eyes to an all-out glam look including false lashes, contouring, and bright red lipstick, then expect to shell out between $50 – $100 or more depending on what brands you choose.

However much it costs, though, don’t forget that “beauty is pain,” as they say, so be prepared for some bloodshed when getting your brows waxed ($15+), facial hair tweezed ($20+), and legs waxed if necessary (about $25). Aftercare creams will run about another $30 but are well worth it because those products help prevent ingrown hairs from waxing.
Cost $50 – $150

Tanning

So now we’ve got bikini line, legs (upper & lower), underarms, and eyebrows all tweezed or waxed. We’ve got our hairless legs covered by the tiniest bikini bottoms ever worn on this planet, so now it’s time to move on to something that will draw even more attention than not shaving your nether regions – applying fake tanner!

If you’re thinking that getting bronzy is a simple DIY affair with some drugstore self-tanner, then think again because there are many things about competing in figure/physique contests that aren’t precisely “DIY” like at all. For example, the first thing you’ll need is an airbrush machine (already attached to the compressor) which costs upwards of $500 new but can be found used for $200 if you look hard enough.

Don’t let this price scare you because it’s a one-time investment that will last for years and help you save money in the long run by only having to buy an airbrush tanning solution which is about $50 per bottle or less if you go with eSalon custom tans. Of course, there are also spray booths which start at about $500 and go up from there.
Cost 30 – $500

Body Fat Tester

Body Fat Tester is an absolute must. You can use this to measure how much fat there is on body parts that other tests don’t always cover or give meaningful measurements in general terms like around shoulders and thighs.

The cost of a body fat tester can range from $5 – $300.

suit glue

A suit glue is a must for any competition, and the right one can make or break your look.
The cost of a suit glue can range from $5 – $20

It would help if you had an Oil/Glaze.

When it comes to preparing for the swimsuit round, there’s no such thing as too much preparation. Many competitors invest in oils and glazes designed explicitly with their skin types in mind; however, some may not know what type will work best until they try them out at home or on stage during live judged shows like Figureobserver magazine’s “Bikini Bodybuilding” contest (which is how we got hooked!). The right product can give you that extra boost of moisture between washes, so those hard-to-find muscle groups don’t dry out before our eyes!

Cost $5 – $20

Bikini competition Jewelry

Jewelry is another accessory that can significantly enhance your presentation on stage, especially allowing you to accentuate natural curves. However, it’s not just about selecting an appropriate piece – you have to know how to wear it correctly! We recommend using a titanium body jewelry set with swivel clasps to remove or change the piercings.
Cost $20 – $100

Food Scale

If you are following a specific meal plan, then it’s essential to weigh your food. If budget is an issue, stick with the simplest version that measures grams and ounces only. However, if you want more information than that (which most competitors do), there are many types to choose from: digital scales that are reliable and easy to use and spring scales that are more accurate but not as simple.

Cost $5 – $50

Bikini competition shoes

For the upcoming competition, you need a shoe that will look good and give your feet some room to breathe.
Cost $50 – $200

Hair Style

It’s not enough to be in shape for your fitness competition; you also need a flawless look and style.

Cost – $100 – $300

Miscellaneous items like bikini string, bobby pins, body glitter e.t.c

For your next bikini competition, you need to pack many things, including bobby pins and string for securing the bottom part of the skirt or pants; body glitter so that all eyes are on YOU instead!

In a nutshell, you have to be prepared for the unexpected, and that is why it’s essential to get ready and pack other things that you know you might need or otherwise.
Cost – $10 – $50

Photography

This is a must because you will be able to see yourself in action, your pose, move, and something worth keeping for future events or even show it to your friends, family, and co-works.

Cost – $100 – $800

I put everything together in this table format

Bottom Line

The costs of competing in a bikini, figure, or physique contest can vary depending on the organization and level of competition. Some organizations require competitors to purchase an entry fee for competitions, while others may charge a registration fee.

Contestants typically pay additional fees if they would like their name announced at the event, as well as a photographer to take photographs during their workout or onstage presentation. Additionally, there are other expenses that contestants should budget for, such as travel accommodations and meals before and after each stage of the competition, as discussed.

How Much Does it Really Cost to Compete in a Bikini, Figure, or Physique Contest? Overall, it isn’t easy to know precisely how much one will spend until they have competed once. Still, many people spend over $1000 just preparing themselves physically and mentally for this type of competition which sometimes can be intimidating.

I hope you find this article helpful, and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to use the comment box below.

If this is your first competition, you will find this article very helpful, a bikini complete guide for a beginner.