Concert tickets can get crazy expensive. We recently saw it with Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour.” It’s rumored that the most expensive ticket was sold for an incredible $14,000 (yes, really).

But those prices can hit your wallet hard, even if you’re just trying to see your favorite indie band at a small venue. If you’re a student who is juggling tuition, rent, and the occasional overpriced coffee, then even a $100 ticket can make a big dent in your monthly budget.

The great thing is that there are several ways to get cheap concert tickets. You just have to know where to look and when to act.

We’ll break down 12 smart and simple tips on how to get cheap concert tickets so you can put those $14,000 toward tuition (or an amazing luxury vacation in Bali, up to you).

12 Tips on How to Get Concert Tickets Cheap

Use the Best Ticket Sites (But Compare!)

Start with the go-to platforms: TickPick, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and StubHub. They’re popular for a reason. But, not all ticket sites are created equal. Some add sneaky fees at checkout, while others (like TickPick) skip the hidden costs and show you upfront prices.

We advise always checking at least two or three sites before buying (and putting the tickets in your cart to see if extra fees get added). That $50 ticket might be $35 somewhere else.

@kristalterrell from @TickPick to @SeatGeek to @Gametime, here are the best places to buy resale concert tickets and why 🎫 #gametime #seatgeek #tickpick #stubhub #vividseats #concerttips ♬ original sound – Kristal

Are Presale Tickets Cheaper? Sometimes

Presale tickets can be a great way how to get cheap concert tickets if you time it right. These are tickets released early to people with access codes (like fan club members, newsletter subscribers, or people with specific credit cards).

They’re not always cheaper, but they often can be. And you also get first dibs on seats. That means you can secure a decent spot before prices surge.

@amanda.was.there Replying to @dani #tickets #ticketmaster #presalecode #presale #buyingtickets #livenationpresale #tiktokpresale #artistpresale #spotifypresale #livenation #ticketmasterpresale #citipresale ♬ original sound – Amanda | Ticket Expert

Turn on Price Alerts

Many ticket platforms and apps let you set alerts for specific artists or venues. If the price drops, you’ll get a notification. The key is to act fast and purchase the tickets at that time. So make sure you have enough money to buy when the time is right.

@kristalterrell Lessons from #CowboyCarterTour sale: don’t fall victim to dynamic pricing during ticket presales and sales!💰🎶🎫 #dynamicpricing #ticketmaster #concerttok #fangirl #beyhive #concerttips #presale ♬ original sound – Kristal

Use Your Student Discounts and Perks

Being a student has perks beyond free pizza at club fairs. Sites like UNiDAYS or Student Beans sometimes offer student-exclusive concert deals. Also, check if your campus has discounted tickets or events!

If the idea of getting things cheaper sounds appealing to you in general, here are some more ideas of great student discounts you can benefit from.

How to Get Cheap Concert Tickets Last Minute

This might sound stressful, but waiting until the day of (or the day before) a show can save you cash. Ticket holders sometimes panic and sell for cheap, or platforms drop prices to fill the venue.

Just make sure you’re buying from legit sites. No one wants to show up and find out their QR code is fake.

And a word of caution: we’d recommend using this method for artists you’re not dying to see. Because, in some cases, ticket prices don’t drop at the last minute. Then, you’re stuck between paying an inflated price or missing out on the event. Instead, use this method to get cheap tickets for artists that are on your “nice-to-see” list, not your actual favorites.

@sarahmaycurd Please learn from my mistakes😅 #concerttips #concerttickets #concerts #torontoconcert #ticketmaster ♬ original sound – Sarah✨Concerts & Girly Things

Check Out Fan Forums and Subreddits

Reddit threads like r/Concerts or fan-specific pages often have people selling extra tickets at face value (or lower). These communities can be surprisingly wholesome.

Just stay safe. Use secure payment methods and avoid meeting in dark parking lots.

@madzlovesfangirling Replying to @ellie🪽 guys this is actually a lifesaver #fyp #fangirl #girlhood #gracieabrams #concerts #concert #cheapconcerttickets ♬ original sound – maddie ౨ৎ

Avoid Peak Days and Premium Spots

Weekend shows and front-row seats sound great…until you see the price tag. One tip on how to get cheap concert tickets is to go for weekday concerts and seats a little farther from the stage. You’ll save money and still enjoy the music.

After all, you’re there for the vibe, not to count the artist’s eyelashes.

Team Up for Group Deals

Some platforms or venues offer discounts for groups. Even if there’s no official discount, you can at least split the service fees with your friends.

Plus, concerts are more fun with your favorite people around.

Use Loyalty Programs or Credit Card Rewards

Some credit cards (like Capital One or Amex) offer early access or deals on concerts. And if you’re part of a loyalty program (like Live Nation Rewards), you can sometimes find exclusive prices.

Check your apps. You might be sitting on discounts you didn’t even know you had.

@malloryrowan #ad Here’s how I got FREE concert tickets #withAmex👇🏼 With Use Points for Purchases, 1,000 points = $10 in statement credits.  So I used 15K points to cover the cost of my $150 concert tickets! And I literally squealed when I found out some of the travel perks that come with my Platinum Card. Click the link in my bio to learn more about Amex’s Membership Rewards® program! @AmexCanada #countryconcert #freeconcerttickets #rewardscard #canadianfinance #personalfinance #dallastx ♬ original sound – mal | build w/out burnout

Budget for Concert Season

If you know you’re going to want to see live shows, plan for it. Put a little aside each month so you’re not scrambling when your favorite artist drops a tour date.

If you need help getting started with this, here’s how to budget as a college student.

@rileylovesconcerts♬ Leave Me Alone – Reneé Rapp

Save in Other Areas (So You Can Afford Tickets)

Cut back on impulse buys or start selling stuff you don’t use. If you’ve got textbooks that are collecting dust, just sell them. That old Kindle? List it.

Here are some more smart money-saving tips for students to make room in your budget.

Know When to Say No

We get it: FOMO is real. But some concerts just aren’t worth blowing your entire paycheck. Be picky. If it’s not an artist you absolutely love, or the timing is off, it’s okay to pass.

There will always be more shows.

How to Get Cheap Concert Tickets

You don’t have to give up live music just because ticket prices are high. Now that you know all the smart tricks on how to get concert tickets cheaply, nothing is standing between you and your favorite artist. Ideally, plan ahead, but even if you find out about a concert late, there’s still a chance to get a better deal.

And do pick your favorites wisely so you don’t run out of ticket-buying money halfway through the year (or month). Reserve your hard-earned money for the artists you love so much you can’t miss out on.

We hope you can snag yourself some great seats and enjoy the music stress-free!