Padel is undoubtedly the trendy racket sport. Its conviviality, accessibility, and dynamism attract more and more players. But before you step onto the court, a legitimate question arises: how much does it really cost to play padel? Between court rentals, equipment, and potential lessons or subscriptions, let's take a look at the expenses to anticipate.

The cost of occasional play: court rental

The main expense for an occasional padel player is court rental. Padel is played by four people, so the cost is generally divided among the players.

• Hourly rates: Prices vary considerably depending on the geographical location, the type of club (private, associative), the time of day (off-peak or peak hours), and the day of the week.

  • Off-peak hours: expect between €20 and €30 per hour and a half per court on average.

  • Peak hours: prices rise to between €30 and €45, or even more in large cities or high-end clubs.

• Cost per player: If the court costs €30 for 1.5 hours, it comes down to €7.50 per person for the session. A very affordable price for a group sports activity, provided you are in the right country!

Because what I highlight here is an average based on the prices in different European countries. However, some drive prices up and others down.

To give a few examples, in London in the United Kingdom, renting a court costs an average of €60, making it the country where padel is currently the most expensive in Europe, closely followed by Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. This is mainly due to the lack of infrastructure and the price per square meter of land.

Unsurprisingly, the most affordable country is Spain with an average of €15.

Initial investment in equipment: racket, balls and shoes

To start playing padel, a minimal investment in basic equipment is necessary.

• The racket (pala): This is the most expensive item, but it also depends on your level and budget. A pala costs on average between €50 and €300, and can go up to €500 for the most exclusive models.

• Padel balls: They are specific to the sport and different from classic tennis balls (less pressurized). A tube of 3 balls costs between €5 and €8 and lasts an average of 3 to 5 matches.

• Padel shoes: They are necessary and cost between €60 and €200. Avoid running shoes, which are not suitable and increase the risk of injury.

• Attire: Classic sportswear is sufficient; it is not necessary to invest in specific attire, although it can be a plus in terms of comfort.

Additional costs and opportunities for savings

Beyond occasional practice, other options can influence your padel budget.

• Padel lessons: To progress quickly, taking lessons is recommended.

  • Group lessons: Generally between €15 and €25 per person for an hour or an hour and a half.

  • Individual lessons: More expensive, between €40 and €60 per hour.

• Tournaments: Participating in amateur tournaments costs between €20 and €35 per person for a one-day or weekend competition.

• Overgrip: Remember to change it regularly as it wears out quite quickly and your racket grip becomes slippery. Expect around €2 / per grip.

Conclusion: an accessible sport depending on how you play.

Padel offers some flexibility in terms of budget. While an initial investment in a racket and good shoes is to be expected, the cost per game remains reasonable depending on your country. Whether you are an occasional player renting courts by the hour, or a passionate player looking to subscribe and take lessons, there are options for all budgets. The key is to find the formula that matches your playing frequency and desires to fully enjoy it without breaking the bank! As the sport expands, costs should decrease in countries where the average is higher, so don't lose hope if you live in London, for example!