Neuschwanstein was an symbolic medieval knight's castle. This project consumed a huge amount of money. During the king's lifetime, the cost of building the castle was 6.2 million marks (equivalent to 47 million euros in 2021).

The initial estimate of 3.2 million marks was almost doubled. At first, the king financed the construction with private funds; later, as the building projects escalated, he opened new lines of credit. The king's debt grew steadily. Even when his debt reached 14 million marks, Louis II insisted on continuing his architectural projects, threatening suicide if creditors occupied his palaces.