Roller coaster costs vary enormously by type, size, materials, theming, and site conditions:
| Type | Typical Cost Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden | $1M – $5M | Classic coasters (e.g., Phoenix, Thunderhead) |
| Steel (Standard) | $5M – $25M | B&M/Mack/Intamin sit-down, floorless |
| Inverted | $10M – $30M | Batman, Montu, Alpengeist |
| Suspended | $10M – $30M | Big Bad Wolf, Ninja |
| Flying | $10M – $30M | Tatsu, Manta, Superman: Ultimate Flight |
| Launched (LSM/LIM/Hydraulic) | $15M – $50M+ | Top Thrill Dragster, Kingda Ka, VelociCoaster |
| Giga/Hyper/Strata (300–400+ ft) | $25M – $50M+ | Millennium Force, Fury 325, Red Force |
Woodies are cheaper to build but cost more to maintain. Steel dominates new major installations.