Cannabis Grow Cost Calculator

The biggest upfront cost for indoor growing is lighting. A quality LED light costs $1–2 per watt but lasts 50,000+ hours and pays for itself in energy savings over HPS. For a 4x4 tent, budget $300–600 for a good LED.

Electricity is the primary ongoing cost for indoor grows. Your lights are the largest consumer, running 18 hours during veg and 12 hours during flower. A 400W LED in a 4x4 tent costs roughly $15–25/month depending on your local electricity rate.

Outdoor growing dramatically reduces costs by eliminating lighting and ventilation expenses. The sun is free. However, outdoor grows take longer (full season), are subject to weather and pests, and may require more space.

Cost per gram drops significantly after your first grow. Equipment is a one-time cost, so subsequent grows only require seeds/clones, nutrients, soil, and electricity. Many growers achieve a cost per gram of $1–3 by their second or third grow.

Keep in mind these are estimates. Actual costs vary by region, equipment quality, and growing technique. The calculator provides a solid starting point for budget planning.