The degenerative nature of Parkinson's disease (PD) suggests that it will lead to high levels of resource use. This study measures service use and costs for a representative community sample of PD patients and identifies cost predictors. Patients were identified from general practices and were interviewed twice, separated by a 12-month interval. Demographic and clinical data on patients were collected and 6-month costs were calculated. Regression analysis was used to identify significant baseline predictors of follow-up costs. The annual service costs (baseline and follow-up combined) were 13,804 pounds per person. Formal service costs accounted for 20% of this figure with informal care from families/friends accounting for 80%. The regression model explained 42% of total follow-up costs and significant predictors included gender (with men having higher costs), disability, and depression.