Coachella is more expensive than ever. Here are 5 great meals for $20 or less

"General admission tickets for Coachella 2026 start at $549 before taxes, and with shuttle services and on-site camping, costs can exceed $800. Nearby accommodations are often inflated during the festival season, and rising gas prices add to the financial burden for attendees."

"Food prices at Coachella have also seen significant increases, with reports of fans paying $30 for a chicken sandwich and fries or over $40 for two slices of pizza and a beverage. A CBS price tracker indicates that food costs have risen by 19.7% since January 2022."

"Despite the rising costs, festivalgoers can still find satisfying meals for $20 or less, including options like Japanese-style hot dogs and loaded prawn nachos. Many food vendors face their own financial challenges due to increased labor and grocery costs."

Coachella 2026 has reached record prices, with general admission tickets starting at $549, and total costs exceeding $800 when including accommodations and transportation. Food prices have also surged, reflecting a nearly 20% inflation since 2022, with some meals costing upwards of $30. Despite these rising costs, festivalgoers can still find affordable meal options for $20 or less. The festival employs around 10,000 workers, who are also impacted by the increased food and gas prices affecting vendors.

Read at Los Angeles Times