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How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bounce House? Prices & Cost Factors

Updated · Reading time approx. 4 min

A bounce house is the highlight of almost any backyard birthday, block party or school event – but what will it actually cost you? The rental price depends mostly on the size and type of inflatable, how long you keep it, where you live and what the rental company includes. Below you’ll find rough price ranges and every extra cost that can show up on your quote, so you can compare offers fairly.

Ballpark prices: what a bounce house costs per day

The ranges below are a rough guide only. Prices vary by region and season – they tend to be higher in large metro areas and on summer weekends, and lower on weekdays or in the off-season. Many companies quote a “day rate” that covers a set number of hours (for example, a morning-to-evening window) rather than a full 24 hours.

  • Standard bounce house (often around 13 × 13 ft): roughly $100–$250 per day
  • Toddler or small indoor bounce house: often at the lower end of that range
  • Combo unit (bounce area plus small slide, sometimes a basketball hoop): roughly $175–$400 per day
  • Large inflatable slides, obstacle courses and interactive games: roughly $250–$700 or more per day
  • Water slides and wet/dry combos: see our water slide guide – they often cost more than a standard bounce house

What drives the price?

Two bounce houses that look similar online can come with very different quotes. These are the main factors behind the difference:

  • Size and type: bigger units, combos and slides need more material, larger blowers and more setup time
  • Theme and condition: licensed characters, newer models and specialty designs are often priced higher
  • Rental length: a few hours, a full day, overnight or a whole weekend
  • Date and season: Saturdays from late spring through summer, holiday weekends and graduation season book up first
  • Distance: how far your address is from the company’s warehouse
  • Setup surface: grass is standard; concrete, asphalt or indoor setups may need sandbags, tarps or extra crew
  • Staffing: some events (schools, churches, corporate picnics) request an attendant, which is usually billed per hour

Extra fees to look for on your quote

When you compare offers, compare the total – not just the headline rental price. These line items are common:

  • Delivery: many companies deliver free within a set area and charge a flat fee or a per-mile fee beyond it
  • Setup and takedown: usually included, but stairs, long carries, tight gates or rooftop/indoor venues can cost extra
  • Deposit: often required to hold your date – either a set amount or a percentage of the rental. Ask whether it is refundable and when
  • Damage waiver: an optional or mandatory fee (often a percentage of the rental) that covers accidental damage – read what it does and does not cover
  • Cleaning fee: may apply if the unit comes back with mud, silly string, paint, food or pet waste
  • Overnight or extended hours: keeping the unit longer is often cheaper than a second full day, but not always
  • Generator rental: needed if there is no suitable outdoor outlet within reach
  • Sales tax and card processing fees, depending on the state and the company

Pick up yourself or have it delivered?

In the US, most party rental companies deliver and set up the inflatable themselves, and many don’t offer customer pickup at all – partly for insurance reasons and partly because a rolled-up bounce house is heavy and awkward to move. Delivery also means a trained crew anchors the unit properly and walks you through the blower and the rules. If a company does offer pickup, ask what vehicle you need, how heavy the unit is and how many people it takes to load.

How to save on your bounce house rental

  • Send your inquiry early – popular spring and summer Saturdays fill up weeks in advance
  • Ask several local companies and compare total prices, including delivery and fees
  • Consider a weekday, Sunday or off-season date if your event is flexible
  • Ask about overnight or weekend pricing if your party runs late or spans two days
  • Bundle items: many companies offer package deals when you add tables, chairs, a popcorn machine or a snow cone machine
  • Choose a size that fits your guest list – a huge obstacle course for a handful of toddlers rarely makes sense

Questions to ask before you confirm

A clear written confirmation saves headaches on party day. Make sure you know:

  • The exact unit, dimensions and space needed (including room for the blower and a safety zone)
  • Delivery window and pickup time
  • Total price with every fee listed
  • Deposit amount, payment schedule and accepted payment methods
  • Weather and cancellation policy – what happens if it rains or the wind picks up
  • Whether the company carries liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance if your venue asks for one

How pricing works on HOPS24

HOPS24 is a free marketplace that connects you with local party rental companies. You send your inquiry for free and with no obligation directly to the provider. The price, the contract and the payment are agreed directly between you and the rental company – HOPS24 never takes money from you and charges no booking fees. Prices shown on listings are set by the providers; the final price is what the company confirms to you.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bounce house cost for a kid’s birthday party?

For a typical backyard birthday, a standard bounce house or a small combo is usually enough. As a rough guide, expect somewhere around $100–$250 per day for a standard unit, plus any delivery, deposit or damage waiver fees. Prices vary by region and season – the rental company will give you the exact total.

Is delivery included in the price?

Many companies include delivery within a local service area and charge extra beyond it, either as a flat fee or per mile. Always ask for the total price to your address.

What is a damage waiver?

A damage waiver is a fee some rental companies charge to cover accidental damage during your rental. It usually does not cover misuse, cuts from sharp objects or damage from ignoring the rules – ask the company exactly what is included.

Do I have to pay through HOPS24?

No. Sending an inquiry on HOPS24 is free. You agree on the price and pay the rental company directly – HOPS24 never handles your money.

Find the right rental company

On HOPS24 you send your inquiry directly to the rental company – free and without obligation. Price, contract and payment are agreed directly with them.

Keep reading

All prices are non-binding ballpark figures and vary by region, season and rental company. This information does not replace the manufacturer's operating instructions or legal advice.

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