Startup Cost Calculator
Pick a business type to see what it typically costs to open. Every line has a low and high estimate and a source; with JavaScript on, drag each line to match your plans.
Coffee Shop: estimated startup costs
Assumes: Small independent cafe in an existing leased storefront under 2,500 square feet that needs renovation, not new construction, with one espresso machine and one grinder. Austin, Texas is used as the permit example.
| Cost line | Low | High | Your estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renovation of existing space7shifts estimate for renovating an existing space; building new costs far more. | $10,000 | $30,000 | 7shiftsest. | |
| Commercial espresso machineRetail price range for the Nuova Simonelli Appia Life Volumetric, 1 to 3 group, at Prima Coffee. | $5,445 | $11,655 | Prima Coffee Equipment | |
| Commercial espresso grinderLowest and highest prices on one page of Prima Coffee's commercial espresso grinder catalog (rounded to whole dollars). | $1,251 | $4,199 | Prima Coffee Equipment | |
| Commercial refrigerator7shifts range; wide because it spans small undercounter units to large reach-ins. | $1,500 | $26,500 | 7shiftsest. | |
| POS hardwareSquare list prices: Square Terminal $299 up to Square Register $899. Software and processing fees not included. | $299 | $899 | Square (Block, Inc.) | |
| Food establishment operating permitExample: City of Austin food enterprise permit; fee depends on risk category and annual sales. Fee schedule effective November 1, 2026. | $309 | $927 | City of Austin, Austin Public Health | |
| Health plan review for remodelExample: City of Austin plan review fee for a remodel under 2,500 square feet. | $221 | $221 | City of Austin, Austin Public Health | |
| Business insurance, first yearInsureon median annual premiums for coffee shops. Low: business owner's policy ($1,507). High: business owner's policy plus workers' compensation ($1,059). | $1,507 | $2,566 | Insureonest. | |
| Cups, lids and other disposablesOpening stock of cups, lids, stirrers, napkins and straws. Coffee beans and milk not included. | $800 | $1,000 | 7shiftsest. | |
| Website setup7shifts figure for a professionally built website. | $1,000 | $10,000 | 7shiftsest. | |
| Total | $22,332 | $87,967 |
These are estimates for planning only, not financial advice. Real costs depend on your city, your suppliers and the choices you make. Get quotes before you commit money.
Startup cost ranges at a glance
| Business | Category | Low | High | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Truck | Food & Drink | $46,906 | $89,503 | November 2026 |
| Coffee Shop | Food & Drink | $22,332 | $87,967 | November 2026 |
| Cleaning Business | Home Services | $2,046 | $2,690 | November 2026 |
| Landscaping Business | Home Services | $7,406 | $8,001 | November 2026 |
| Lawn Care Business | Home Services | $9,239 | $14,104 | November 2026 |
| Dropshipping Store | Online | $1,308 | $4,118 | November 2026 |
| Vending Machines | Retail | $9,000 | $35,970 | November 2026 |
| Clothing Brand | Creative | $1,664 | $4,631 | November 2026 |
| Photography Business | Creative | $4,088 | $6,299 | November 2026 |
How we build these estimates
- Each business is broken into the costs you pay before opening day. Every line has its own source, listed in the table.
- We prefer government sources (fees, wages) and published list prices. Where neither exists we use an established industry publisher's estimate and mark it "est.". Lines we cannot source are left out rather than guessed.
- Totals are the sum of the lines, so the low total assumes the cheapest choice on every line and the high total the most expensive.
- Figures are national. Rent, wages and permit fees vary a lot by city; we do not adjust for location yet.
Spotted a number that looks wrong? Tell us. See our editorial policy.