Like most things, as little or as much as you are prepared to spend.

If you decide to purchase a computer, an initial outlay of £500 or more may be necessary. Then there is the cost of internet access, which can be £15 per month in the UK for unlimited access at home. See Do I Need a Computer? But you do not have to go to these lengths as Internet access is available at many places, such as public libraries.

Obtaining copies of original records costs money. For example, in the UK, a copy of a birth certificate would set you back £6-50, the only way (at present) to obtain vital information needed to trace your family back in time. However, it is not essential to obtain copy certificates for every birth, marriage and death in your family - unless you really want to.

Do not forget the cost of travelling to your local library, or further afield to carry out research and of overnight accommodation, where necessary. Then there is the cost of your time. Of course, if time is short or travelling difficult, you can employ people to carry out your research for you, though you will lose the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. Genealogists advertise in family history journals and many library and record offices provide search services. Fees vary, but this can become an expensive way of researching family history. Do not forget that there is much sharing of information by family historians, usually at the cost of a postage stamp.

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