How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Podcast Studio?
If you’re ready to take your podcast to the next level, renting a podcast studio can be a game-changer. From superior sound quality to professional equipment and editing support, studios offer a polished, stress-free recording environment. But before you book your first session, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to rent a podcast studio?
The short answer is… it depends. The cost can vary based on your location, the level of service, and the type of setup you need. In this post, we’ll break down the typical pricing and what you can expect for your money.
Average Podcast Studio Rental Rates
In most cities, podcast studio rental rates typically fall into the following ranges:
Hourly Rates: £25 to £100 per hour
Half-Day Rates (3–4 hours): £100 to £300
Full-Day Rates (8+ hours): £200 to £600+
Some studios charge flat packages based on the length or type of session, while others bill by the hour with optional add-ons.
The size of the studio, quality of gear, and included services (like engineering or editing) will affect the price. For example, a simple self-serve recording booth may cost less than a fully engineered session in a high-end space with video capability.
What’s Included in the Price?
Here’s what you can typically expect when renting a podcast studio:
Professional microphones and headphones
Acoustically treated rooms for clean audio
Audio interface and mixing desk
Recording software and multitrack capabilities
Assistance from an in-house engineer (in many cases)
Some studios also offer optional extras like:
Video recording and lighting for video podcasts
Editing and post-production services
Remote call integration (e.g., Zoom or Riverside)
Background music, sound effects, or intro/outro production
Always check what’s included in the quoted price, and don’t hesitate to ask if setup and teardown time count toward your paid session.
Factors That Affect Podcast Studio Costs
1. Location
Podcast studios in major cities like London tend to charge more than in smaller cities like Bristol due to higher demand and overheads.
2. Equipment Quality
Studios with broadcast-grade mics and production gear may cost more, but deliver noticeably better sound.
3. Engineer Support
Hiring a professional audio engineer can add £20–£50+ per hour to your total cost but ensures a smooth, high-quality session. For more information about engineer rates, read our recent blog post “how much does a recording engineer charge per hour?“.
4. Studio Amenities
Some spaces offer green screens, video rigs, live streaming options, or even makeup rooms for video podcasts – all of which can influence price.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Absolutely, especially if audio quality, guest experience, and post-production polish are important to you. Renting a podcast studio allows you to focus on your content while leaving the technical side to professionals. It also elevates the credibility of your podcast, making it more appealing to listeners and potential sponsors. For more information, read our blog post “what are the benefits of recording a podcast in a proper studio? A complete guide“.
Choosing a podcast studio in Bristol
While it may be a bigger upfront investment than recording at home, the improved sound quality, efficiency, and production value are often well worth the cost. So, how much does it cost to rent a podcast studio? Expect to pay anywhere from £25 to £100 per hour, depending on your needs and location. For podcast recording in Bristol, you can view the latest information about our rates here.
Our semi-partitioned studio space lends itself perfectly to recording podcasts or voice work in Bristol. The producer or engineer is able to sit at the desk away from the artist, whilst maintaining a line of sight.
Our comfortable leather seating allows you to record in comfort and style, while our Shure SM7B’s are the perfect mic’s for the job. Find out more about our Bristol podcast studio here.
We understand that every project is different, so recommend you reach out to tell us more about your project and receive a personalised quote. Contact us via the contact form below or email theoldcitystudio@gmail.com.
Contact Us.
We work with artists of all levels and stages of their journey. Send us a message via the form or email theoldcitystudio@gmail.com and we’ll be in touch.
