Are you dreaming of launching your own carnival business in 2025? Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for a profitable venture or an event organizer expanding your offerings, understanding the startup costs is crucial. So, how much does it cost to open a carnival business in 2025? In this guide, we’ll break down the investment required to start a successful carnival, highlight must-have amusement rides, and show you how choosing the right equipment supplier & manufacturer (like us!) can maximize your ROI.

5 Key Costs of Starting a Carnival Business in 2025

Launching a successful carnival business in 2025 requires strategic investment in high-quality carnival rides for sale and careful budgeting. The total startup costs typically range from $50,000 for small operations to 1M+ for large traveling carnivals, with five key expense categories to consider: rides & attractions, permits & insurance, transport & setup, staffing, and marketing.

I. Carnival rides & attractions, the biggest investment in your budget

The heart of any carnival is its rides and games. Buying these carnival rides for sale require 50%-70% of your budget. However, these rides are your main revenue generators. Depending on scale, here is the estimated price:

  • Small carnivals (5–10 rides): $50,000–200,000
  • Mid-sized carnivals (10–20 rides): $200,000–500,000
  • Large traveling carnivals (20+ rides): 500,000–1M+

Top 5 carnival rides for high profitability in 2025

To help you get started, here are some of our best-selling and most profitable rides:

  • 30-meter giant Ferris wheel – A classic crowd-puller with high earning potential, carrying 80 people at a time.
  • Bumper cars – A timeless favorite for all age groups, attracting repeat riders.
  • Carnival carousels (modern LED version) – A visually stunning upgrade to the traditional merry-go-round ride.
  • Carnival Train – A charming, family-oriented ride that boosts foot traffic and appeals to younger guests.
  • 36-seater wave swinger ride – A mid-thrill staple attraction for carnival with low downtime and universal appeal. Also we have other swing rides designed for kids, like giraffe flying chair.

(Interested in these rides? Request a quote now for exclusive 2025 discounts!)

Permits, insurance & legal fees ($5,000-50,000+)

  • Business licenses & safety certifications

  • Liability insurance (critical for ride operators)

  • Local government permits (varies by region)

Transportation & setup ($10,000–60,000+)

  • Trucks & trailers for mobile carnivals

  • Assembly & disassembly labor

Staffing & operational costs ($3,000–15,000/month)

  • Ride operators, ticket sellers, security, and cleaners

Marketing & branding (2,000–2,000–20,000)

  • Social media ads, flyers, and partnerships with local events

Why Choose Us as Your Carnival Equipment Supplier?

  • 20+ Years of Industry Experience – Trusted by carnival businesses worldwide.
  • CE & ISO Certified Rides – Guaranteed safety & durability.
  • Custom Designs & Theming – Stand out from competitors.
  • After-Sales Support – Installation, training, and maintenance included.

“Our clients see ROI within 3–12 months due to high footfall from our premium rides!”

Final Thoughts: Is a Carnival Business Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely! With the global amusement park market expected to grow by 6.8% annually (Source: Statista), now is the perfect time to invest.

Ready to start your carnival journey? Contact us today for a FREE 2025 Carnival Business Plan & Equipment Catalog! Get 3% off for your first order. Don’t miss out the limited-time offer!

   Get Free Quote    

Buy Now at a 10% Discount!