How Much Does It Really Cost to Start With Raspberry Pi?

The first time I heard of the Raspberry Pi, it was mainly because of the legendary phrase “$35 computer.” And sure, that was true, for a while. But if you tried buying one during the COVID period, you probably saw prices soar way past that mark. And that brings us to one main question: how much does it cost to get started with the Raspberry Pi?

A basic Raspberry Pi setup on a recent model with power supply and microSD card typically costs between $50 and $150. More advanced projects with powerful models, upgraded cases or cooling systems, and accessories can increase the total significantly.

In this article, we’ll break down what it costs to get started with Raspberry Pi today. Whether you’re a total beginner or just returning after a break, we’ll cover what you need, what you don’t, and a few hidden costs to watch out for.

If you’re feeling lost in all the Raspberry Pi jargon, I’ve got something to help you out. I’ve created a free glossary that explains all the essential terms and abbreviations in a way that’s easy to understand. It’s a great resource to have by your side. Get your free copy here.

What Happened to the $35 Dream?

Before diving deeper, let’s talk about the legendary “$35 computer” claim and why it doesn’t always seem true today. Because let’s face it, the Raspberry Pi 3B+, 4B, and the new Raspberry Pi 5 usually cost more than that.

Let’s rewind to 2012. The original Raspberry Pi Model B launched at just $35, which was a huge deal at the time. The Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 also kept the same price for their base models. Even the Raspberry Pi 4 had a $35 version with 1GB of RAM.

Then came the pandemic. Global chip shortages, shipping issues, and inflation pushed prices up across the board. Suddenly, it was hard to find any Raspberry Pi, let alone one for $35.

So, is the $35 dream dead? Not quite. It looks a little different now.

While the flagship boards like the Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 have moved beyond that price point, the dream of affordable computing still lives on in models like the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, Pi Zero, and even the Raspberry Pi Pico. If the project is simple enough, these boards still offer amazing value for under $35.

What’s the Minimum You Need to Get Started?

If you’re starting, you might be wondering: what’s the bare minimum I need to use a Raspberry Pi? Now the good news is that you don’t need a mountain of gear. However, there are a few essentials you shouldn’t skip, plus some “nice to have” addons for a smoother experience.

Below are some basic items to kickstart your Raspberry Pi journey:

• Raspberry Pi board: This is a default requirement as it’s the brain of your setup. The Raspberry Pi 5 is the newest and most powerful (great for desktop use), while the Raspberry Pi 4 is still very capable for most projects. The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is also powerful enough for some complex projects.
  
  If you’re doing something small or low-power, the Pi Zero 2 W is a super affordable option. You can also check out the Raspberry Pi Pico. Unlike the regular boards, this is more of a controller than a computer, and it’s way cheaper.
• Power supply: Please do not overlook the power supply, especially when working with newer models where you might be tempted to use your regular Type-C phone USB. You need a reliable power source that matches your Raspberry Pi model.
  
  For Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, this means a USB-C power supply with at least 3A output. For Pi Zero models, a micro-USB charger with 2.5A is usually enough. Underpowering can cause crashes or boot issues. You can check out our post on how to power a Raspberry Pi for a detailed guide.
• MicroSD card: This is your Pi’s main storage, where the operating system and your files live. A 16GB card is the bare minimum, but 32GB or more is recommended. Make sure it’s a fast card—A1-rated card like this one on Amazon is ideal for performance.

• HDMI cable: This is what we will need to connect the Raspberry Pi to a screen. Most Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi Zero models use micro-HDMI ports, and the Raspberry Pi 5 also uses dual micro-HDMI. Always confirm the port type on the board before purchasing a cable.
  
  Our article on connecting a Raspberry Pi to a monitor explains the process in depth. It mentions the different ports available for Raspberry Pi models.
• Keyboard and mouse (optional): If you’re setting up your Raspberry Pi with a monitor, you’ll want a keyboard and mouse. If you already have some lying around, you can reuse them.
  
  Let me give you a tip. You can skip all of this if you’re setting up your Raspberry Pi headless. Accessing it via SSH or VNC is often much easier than plugging in a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Check out our post on installing a headless Raspberry Pi for a complete guide on headless setup.

Surprise Costs You Might Not Expect

Now let’s be real. Buying a Raspberry Pi isn’t all about getting a board and calling it a day. Like many other devices, there are some items that we might need to get started with our projects. So, before checking out, let’s review a few accessories that are often overlooked, but almost always needed.

• Case and Cooling (especially for Raspberry Pi 5 and 4): Unlike other earlier boards, Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 run hotter than previous generations. And that’s mainly because they are also capable of so much more.
  
  Therefore, proper cooling isn’t an option. You’ll find all sorts of options: basic plastic cases, fancy aluminum ones with built-in fans, or even active cooling towers. Other than cooling, these casings also protect against physical damage. In this article, we have listed some of the best casings that you can acquire on Amazon.
  
• USB Hub (for Pi Zero or limited ports): If you’re using a Raspberry Pi Zero or need more USB ports, a powered USB hub can be a lifesaver. Especially if you’re like me, who loves connecting multiple peripherals to my Raspberry Pi.
  
  I always insist on a powered USB hub like this Atolla 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub because certain USB devices draw excess current from your board.
• SD Card Reader: You’ll need one to flash the OS onto your microSD card from your computer. A simple accessory, but not everyone remembers to get it upfront. I would recommend the Acer SD Card reader, available on Amazon.
• Micro-HDMI to HDMI adapter: If you’re getting a Raspberry Pi 4B, Raspberry Pi 400, or Raspberry Pi 5, then you will need a Micro-HDMI to HDMI adapter to connect your board to an external monitor. For a board like Raspberry Pi Zero, you will need a Mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter.
• Heatsinks or fans: From my experience, even if you’re not doing heavy processing, adding a heatsink or a small fan can extend your board’s lifespan and improve stability. Especially if the Raspberry Pi is running 24/7 or you’re using it on a day-to-day basis.
  
  You can go through this article, which gives you a comprehensive guide on installing heat sinks on your Raspberry Pi.
  
• Wi-Fi Dongle (for Raspberry Pi 1 or 2): Older models don’t come with built-in Wi-Fi, so a USB Wi-Fi dongle is essential. Here’s a guide on how to choose one if you’re using a legacy board.
• Display or Monitor: Unless you’re running your Pi headlessly (without a screen), you’ll need a monitor, HDMI cable, and potentially adapters. This can be one of the priciest surprise costs if you don’t already have a spare display lying around.

Add-Ons Based on What You Want to Do

Up to this point, I believe we’ve covered the essentials and those sneaky hidden costs. Let’s now talk about the fun part, which is customizing your Raspberry Pi for your actual project.

Depending on what you want to build, you might need a few extras. In this section, I will break it down for you by use case, with some purchase links to get you started quickly.

Home Server or Media Center

If you’re planning to set up a home server, Pi-hole, or a Plex media center, your Raspberry Pi will need more than just power and internet.

• Larger SD card or external SSD: You’ll want extra storage for media files, backups, or logs. Consider a high-endurance SD card or, even better, plug in an external SSD for faster speeds. Be sure to go through our article on how to use an NVMe SSD on Raspberry Pi.
• Ethernet cable: Although you can use Wi-Fi, a wired connection offers more stability, especially for streaming or hosting services. Therefore, consider getting an Ethernet cable for your Raspberry Pi.
• Case with cooling (Optional): Home servers often run 24/7, so you will need to install a proper cooling solution for long-term stability. Heat sinks or fans are a great starting point. But if you want to go all in, get a casing with an in-built cooling mechanism. Check out our article on some of the best Raspberry Pi casings and choose one with the perfect cooling mechanism for your project.

Retro Gaming Setup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NwgjDgyUb8

If you have a dream of reliving your childhood with SNES or PS1 classics, Raspberry Pi (especially with RetroPie) makes a perfect emulator.

• Gamepad: You’ll need a USB or Bluetooth game controller. There are retro-style ones if you want that authentic feel.
• Heatsinks or fan: Gaming on the Raspberry Pi uses emulation, which can be CPU-intensive, especially with newer systems like N64 or PSP. Always remember to keep things cool to avoid crashes.

Coding and Education

If you’re learning to code, teaching kids, or just experimenting with electronics, these are great additions:

• GPIO or electronics starter kit: These include jumper wires, resistors, LEDs, buzzers, and more. Ideal for testing out circuits and learning basic hardware programming.
• Small display or touchscreen: A mini display makes your Raspberry Pi more portable. Useful for projects like weather stations or DIY handhelds. You can consider getting a 5-inch or 7-inch LCD touchscreen display.

Robotics and IoT Projects

Looking to build a robot, smart home gadget, or sensor-based device? These components will come in handy:

• Sensors, HATs, and jumper wires: Here, I am talking about motion sensors, temperature sensors, or light detectors—plug-and-play modules that extend what your Pi can “sense.” We also have an article on some of the best beginner-friendly sensors for your projects.
• Breadboard and power supply: You’ll need these for prototyping without soldering. For the breadboard, I would highly recommend this SunFounder RAB Holder Breadboard Kit.
• Servo motors and battery packs: If your project looks anything like an RC car, a walking robot, or anything that moves on its own, you’ll need servo motors to drive that motion and battery packs to keep it mobile.

Want even more ideas? I put together a free resource with over 75 Raspberry Pi project ideas, each with a quick description, tutorial link, and hardware requirements. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for something to do this weekend, this list will keep you busy for a while. Just click here to get instant access.

How Much Would You Spend on Typical Setups?

Now let’s talk numbers because I know you’re wondering what the real cost looks like once we factor in the extras.

Tiny Budget ($50–$70):
If you’re like me and love squeezing the most out of a tight budget, you can start with a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, a reused phone charger, and maybe an old SD card. It’s barebones, but great for simple projects like a sensor node or Pi-Hole.

Typical Setup ($100–$130):
This is where most of us land. A Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5, proper power supply, reliable microSD card, basic case, and an HDMI cable for your monitor. Just enough to get going comfortably without any frustration, and a kit might be a good choice here.

Comfortable Setup ($150–$180):
Want a smoother experience? This tier adds better cooling (fans or heatsinks), a good case, keyboard, mouse, and maybe a GPIO kit for tinkering with electronics. It’s what I recommend if you’re planning to spend quality time learning and building.

Premium Setup ($200+):
Going all in? Think touchscreen displays, SSD boot drives for faster speeds, and full kits tailored for specific projects—like robotics, media centers, or smart home setups. You’ll have everything you need, right out of the box.

Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, let’s pause for a second. You don’t need to buy everything in a fancy, overpriced kit. Some of those starter kits include things you’ll never use. Seriously, how many random heat sinks do we need? It’s tempting, but not always worth the extra cost.

Start by checking what you already have. An old phone charger? Spare HDMI cable? USB keyboard collecting dust in a drawer? Great! That’s money saved already.

If you shop smart, it’s possible to build your setup piece by piece. This way, you get exactly what you need without overspending. You can check out our post on 7 Raspberry Pi Projects That Will Save You Money. You might already have what it takes to build one or two of them today.

Whenever you’re ready, here are other ways I can help you:

Test Your Raspberry Pi Level (Free): Not sure why everything takes so long on your Raspberry Pi? Take this free 3-minute assessment and see what’s causing the problems.

The RaspberryTips Community: Need help or want to discuss your Raspberry Pi projects with others who actually get it? Join the RaspberryTips Community and get access to private forums, exclusive lessons, and direct help (try it for just $1).

Master your Raspberry Pi in 30 days: If you are looking for the best tips to become an expert on Raspberry Pi, this book is for you. Learn useful Linux skills and practice multiple projects with step-by-step guides.

Master Python on Raspberry Pi: Create, understand, and improve any Python script for your Raspberry Pi. Learn the essentials step-by-step without losing time understanding useless concepts.

You can also find all my recommendations for tools and hardware on this page.