Why is paranormal research so bloody expensive?

Genuinely asking. I've spent the last two years building a semi-serious paranormal investigation team in Yorkshire and I'm absolutely skint. Between the equipment, travel to investigation sites, accommodation, and all the bloody permits and insurance - I've probably spent £3000+ and we've got maybe £40 worth of usable evidence (one dodgy orb photo and some questionable audio).

Meanwhile I watch these TV paranormal teams with six figures of funding and state-of-the-art equipment getting... the exact same inconclusive results that I'm getting. It feels like the cost barrier exists purely to keep the field exclusive and monetized.

How do other people on a budget do serious investigations? Or is the answer just 'you don't, buy a TV production deal instead'?

Welcome to the reality of amateur paranormal research. Most of us can't afford to do this properly so we do it cheaply and accept the limitations. My entire kit cost about £300 and it's decent enough for my purposes. The expensive gear doesn't necessarily get better results - it just looks better on camera.

The financial barrier is real and it does keep out a lot of genuinely curious people. But honestly, if you're in it for the evidence rather than the experience, you might be approaching it wrong. Some of the best paranormal work is archival research and witness interviews - costs basically nothing except time.

Meanwhile I watch these TV paranormal teams with six figures of funding and state-of-the-art equipment getting... the exact same inconclusive results

You can do serious investigation on a budget but you have to be disciplined about methodology instead of equipment. Focus on locations with strong witness testimony, do proper interviews, keep meticulous records. A £50 digital voice recorder and good note-taking will get you better data than a £2000 Spiritbox and sloppy methodology.

The permits and insurance are the real killers. Have you looked into whether your local council does any heritage or historical access agreements that might reduce costs? Some councils are actually supportive of paranormal research if you frame it as cultural heritage documentation.