What is the Cost of Doing a Triathlon?

The cost of doing triathlons can vary greatly. I've read stories about people doing a triathlon in board shorts with a beatup mountain bike, etc etc. There are also many people with extremely expensive gear.

What about the rest of us? What is the cost, given other financial obligations, for someone looking to get into and do multiple triathlons. I've kept track of my purchases.

Swimming

• Pool Access - This is the big cost of swimming and can vary based on how good of a swimmer you are to begin with. For me, I knew how to swim freestyle, but made all the classic beginner mistakes. After three months I am close, so I would say four months of training is required. Pool access can couwill If you figure 4 months of regular training at $50/month, or some places allow pay per visit at roughly $5/ visit. Either way you would need about 40 sessions to prepare: $200.
• Goggles - The first time I swam I did so without goggles and my eyes hurt for two days. Invest in goggles. I got and recommend the Speedo Speed Socket Mirror -$25.
• Jammers - For men, swim trunks can act like a parachute and hinder training. Not only will it add about 15 seconds to your 100 meter time, it will make rotating the body more difficult.  I got the TYR Duralast: $45
• Wetsuit - Wetsuits keep you warm in cold water, but also help with bouyancy which in turn helps your swimming. Since the water in my area only drops to 65 F even in the spring, I got a sleeveless wetsuit. I did my first triathlon in 68F water without a wetsuit, but I wouldn't want to go colder than that. Make sure you get a triathlon wetsuit though. I got a Xterra Vortex 3, secondhand for $70.

Biking

• Road Bike - Obviously the single biggest expensive. There were so many manufacturers and options, but you should be able to get a fine ride from between $500-$800. I found a gently used 2011 KHS Flite 300 from my LBS. $600
• Bike Helmet - Required by law. $40.
• Cycling Gloves - Your weight is partially supporting by your hands, which can get uncomfortable. In colder weather, you hands can also get very cold. $40
• LED Lights - If you ride when it is dark, these are a must for safety. - $30
• Better Saddle - Give a little more cushion and has a grove in the middle to reduce pressure on your pernieum. (I got the Sunlite Cloud 9). Bike shorts could be an alternative, but that would make you feel like you are wearing a diaper and you would need more than one. - $30
• Bicycle Pump - I pump up before every ride to avoid pinch flats. - $30
• Bike Repair - Two spare tubes, tire levers, a bag to hang under the saddle, and CO2 inflators. Luckily I haven't had to use them yet - $70
• Sunglasses - I picked up some Foster Grant Ironman sunglasses at a discount store. They are made of flexible plastic and won't shatter if I crash on the bike. $10
• Clipless Pedals - These certainly not a must have, but eventually you will want them. More on them n another post, but they help to maintain speed for longer without your quads burning. The Look Cleo classics were heavily recommended and they have been working rather well so far. $138
• Cycling Shoes - These are needed with clipless pedals. Louis Garneau. $120.
• Bottle Cages -  Two are needed eventually for longer training rides. $20
• Hydration - If you are comfortable riding with one-hand and drinking, you can cover this for about $10-$15. I got the Speedfill Hydration system - $54
• Bike Rack - There are many options and your need for one depends on your ride. Tray style hitch racks are popular (and expensive, $250), but you might even need to add a trailer hitch ($180) which gets prices. There are common trunk mounted racks for much cheaper- $40

Running (you might have some of these already)

• Quality Running Shoes - There are certainly cheaper options, but I found Newton Gravity to meet my needs the best. A few more bucks in shoes is worth avoiding pain and injuries.There are other good options for less, but mine were $175
• Athletic Shorts - Because you can't run in jeans. 3 pairs - $60
• Athletic Socks - Because blisters suck- 4 pairs -  $30
• Technical Shirts - Cotton t-shirts suck to run in... especially in the summer. You may get these for races, so if you can stretch having fewer, you will collect them as you go. 4 pairs - $80
• Winter shirts - The number needed could vary depending on where you live. Expensive but the Addidas Climacool is very nice; 2 pairs - $90
• Winter pants - The number you need also could depend on where you live. I really like the Addidas Response. They aren't super tight, but aren't baggy and noisy like track pants. I just have one right now, but they are $50 each. 
• Speedlaces - You can probably save 20 seconds for $6. Not bad. 

Race Day

• Tri Shorts and Shirts - You could go in jammers and then add an technical shirt, but many people struggle with the shirt in transition. Tri-suits have some added padding between your legs to help with the bike. Probably a must on longer tris. $120

Total Costs

• The total cost based on the range of options provided:  $1,700 - $2,800.