Software and courses
Course play, advanced data or third-party connectivity may require paid plans.
Total ownership cost
Golf Simulator Running Costs UK: What You May Pay After Installation
The purchase price is only the opening figure. Software, impact materials, electricity, computers and replacements determine whether the room remains affordable after year one.
Quick answer
Budget separately for annual software, wear items and technology upgrades. Check live supplier terms because plans and prices change.
Seven costs to include
Electricity
Include the PC, projector, display, lighting, heating and ventilation.
Impact screen
Frequency, ball condition and tension influence replacement intervals.
Hitting mat
Worn strips affect realism, consistency and comfort.
Projector
Allow for filters, lamps where applicable and eventual replacement.
Computer
New software and higher resolutions can force a future upgrade.
Support and repairs
Check warranty, shipping, calibration and out-of-warranty support.
What it costs to heat and power a garage simulator
A worked example at the Ofgem price cap from 1 October 2026 (26.32p per kWh, average, Direct Debit). The wattages are typical planning figures, not measurements: check the labels on your own kit.
| Item | Assumed power | 3 two-hour sessions a week (312 hours a year) |
|---|---|---|
| Projector and lights | About 0.4 kW | About 125 kWh · £33 a year |
| Gaming PC (if your software needs one) | About 0.4 kW | About 125 kWh · £33 a year |
| 2 kW electric heater, running the whole session | 2 kW | About 624 kWh · £164 a year |
| Total with heating | About £230 a year |
Heating is the big number in a cold garage. Insulating the walls, door and floor cuts it more than any choice of electronics, and also helps with damp and condensation. Software costs are on top: see subscription costs.
Build a five-year allowance
| Area | Verify before buying | Planning approach |
|---|---|---|
| Subscriptions | Required tiers, courses and cancellation consequences. | Multiply the current annual stack across five years. |
| Wear items | Replacement availability for screens and hitting strips. | Keep a replacement reserve. |
| Power | Realistic complete-room consumption. | Estimate actual weekly hours. |
| Technology | Recommended PC specifications. | Allow for one meaningful upgrade. |
| Maintenance | Warranty and UK support route. | Include downtime and return costs. |
We do not publish one universal annual figure because software choices and usage differ too much. Use current supplier prices with this checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a simulator cost to run?
Electricity for three two-hour sessions a week is roughly £65 a year without heating and about £230 with a 2 kW heater (October 2026 price cap). Add software, wear items and occasional upgrades.
Do all simulators require subscriptions?
No. Requirements depend on the launch monitor and software. Check what remains usable if you cancel.
How often must a screen be replaced?
It depends on ball speed, usage, tension, screen quality and ball condition. Heavy use accelerates wear.