How Much Does Sim Racing Cost?

How Much Does Sim Racing Cost? From Budget Setups to Full Racing Rigs

Simulator racing is often perceived as an expensive hobby, and it's not hard to see why. The thought of investing up to £30,000 in a full professional sim racing cockpit—such as those used by professional motorsports drivers—can make any newcomer hesitant. It’s a lot of money to spend.  

But here's the thing: you don't have to dive headfirst into buying an expensive, high-end sim racing rig from the get-go. In reality, the cost of your sim racing setup depends entirely on the hardware you choose. Believe it or not, you can get into sim racing for as little as £300 with a few pieces of basic equipment and an old computer.

At FPZERO, we are passionate about sim racing. We understand that not everyone has the immediate budget for a full-fledged racing cockpit, and that's okay. That's why we're here to explore the options available, helping you ease into this thrilling hobby without breaking the bank.

Getting Started on a Budget: PC Sim Racing Setups (£300+)

There is good news for anyone wanting to get behind the wheel without spending a small fortune: you can kickstart your sim racing journey with an old PC paired with a Logitech steering wheel and pedals. Assuming you already have a trusty computer, the steering wheel and pedals should only set you back around £300, making it an extremely accessible solution.

If you do need to buy a computer, you can find cheap second-hand PCs that meet the sim racing requirements. Ideally, you’ll want one with a decent processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, and a capable graphics card to handle the demands of modern racing games—we recommend NVIDIA RTX 30 Series or AMD Radeon RX 580. Specific sim racing PC requirements depend on the simulator software you want to use, so consider checking the specifications from the developer.  

Now, this budget-friendly setup may not boast the flashy features or cutting-edge technology of pricier sim racing rigs, but don't let that deter you. It acts as an excellent entry point into virtual racing, offering a hands-on experience that's both accessible and immersive.

Mid-Range Options:  Cheap Sim Racing Cockpits (£1,200+)

For those ready to take their sim racing experience up a notch, spending around £1,200 can unlock a whole new level of immersion. This money will get you a Playstation console, which costs around £500 for the latest PS5 model, and a sim racing chassis from Dutch company Playseat.

The Playseat Seat Chassis serves as the foundation of your sim racing setup. It provides a comfortable and ergonomic seating arrangement that mimics the experience of sitting in a real racing cockpit. Prices vary depending on the model and features. You can expect to pay anything from £200 for their basic Challenge model to up to £2,000 for their latest Formula Intelligence simulator, which is officially licensed by F1.  

This setup represents a considerable step up from the basic PC and wheel configuration. With a dedicated gaming console and purpose-built racing seat, you'll feel like you're behind the wheel of a real race car. Plus, with the wide selection of racing games available on PlayStation, you'll have no shortage of tracks and vehicles to test your skills on.

High-End Setups: Sim Racing Rigs (£6,200+)

If you're ready to take the plunge into professional-grade sim racing, FPZERO has you covered with our Clubsport Simulator. Designed to provide an unparalleled racing experience, our simulators take the hassle out of the setup, providing everything you need to start racing right out of the box.  

Prices for our Clubsport Simulator cockpit start at £6,200, or upgrade to the Pro II GT Racing Simulator or Formula Sim for £15,690. This is a big step up from your mid-range racing sim rig, but it’s worth the extra investment if your budget stretches. FPZERO simulators offer a level of immersion and realism unmatched by console gaming setups. In fact, they’re trusted by professional motorsports drivers around the world, including Zak O’Sullivan, Nick Tandy, and Lewis Plato.

Equipped with ultra-wide displays ranging from 43" to 49" and refresh rates of up to 144Hz, our sims offer a silky smooth visual experience. But it's not just about the visuals. They are equipped with detailed steering, including the Simucube 2 System, and load cell pedals from Heusinkveld Sprint. Meanwhile, high-performance PCs lie at the heart, ensuring top-notch performance.  

Professional Standard: Ultimate Sim Racing Cockpit (£20,000+)

For those who demand nothing but the best, full-motion sim rigs offer the ultimate virtual racing experience. The cost of these simulator racing cockpits isn’t cheap—you’re looking at a minimum of around £20,000. However, they’re designed to deliver a hyper-realistic driving experience, mimicking the movements and sensations felt when racing in real life.  

Unlike static simulators, which remain stationary during gameplay, full-motion simulators feature dynamic motion platforms. They use advanced technology—such as hydraulic actuators, pneumatic systems, or electric motors—to tilt, sway, and rotate in response to in-game events such as acceleration, braking, and cornering. This enhances the sense of speed and G-forces, making your simulator experience as life-like as possible.  

That said, our Pro II Racing Simulators have a pretty high accuracy. The latest software updates, like iRacing’s new wet weather model, are also helping to revolutionise the sim racing industry and bring a new level of realism to virtual racing—without having to spend more than £20,000.  

Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Refurbished Sims

At FPZERO, we understand that not everyone has the budget for a brand-new simulator. Fortunately, we offer a solution: refurbished and ex-demo racing sims. Offered at a discount, these low-cost simulator racing rigs provide an accessible entry point into the world of virtual racing.

If you’re struggling to finance the transition from a mid-range to a professional setup, our refurbished or ex-demo simulators are a brilliant way to get your hands on a cheap sim racing cockpit. They allow you to enjoy the same high-quality racing experience at a fraction of the cost—whether you're a novice looking to get started in sim racing or a motorsports enthusiast seeking an affordable upgrade.  

Our refurbished sims have been carefully inspected and tested to ensure they meet our high quality and performance standards. They also come with the same lifetime support as our new products, so you can rest assured that you're getting a reliable, fully functional system. Contact us today to learn more about our budget-friendly options and take the first step towards experiencing the thrill of simulator racing without breaking the bank.