What's the single biggest startup cost for a coffee shop?

The buildout. Renovating a raw space to meet health codes — plumbing for your espresso machine drain, grease traps, proper ventilation, ADA-compliant restrooms — can easily eat $40,000-$80,000. The best way to cut this cost is to take over a space that was already a food-service business. Second-generation restaurant spaces can save you $20K+ because the plumbing, electrical, and hood systems are already in place.

Can I really open a coffee shop for $25,000?

Yes, but only as a kiosk, cart, or very small setup. You'd be looking at a mobile cart or a spot in a shared space, using a $5,000-$7,000 espresso machine, minimal furniture, and doing most of the work yourself. Several successful coffee brands started exactly this way. It won't look like a Pinterest cafe, but it can be profitable faster because your overhead is so low.

How much should I budget for an espresso machine?

Plan for $8,000-$15,000 for a quality commercial 2-group machine. A La Marzocca Linea Mini runs about $5,500 (great for low-volume), a Linea Classic is around $12,000, and top-tier machines like the Slayer or Synesso hit $18,000-$20,000. Don't cheap out here — your espresso machine is the heart of your business. Also budget $1,000-$2,000 for a good grinder, which matters just as much for shot quality.

How many months of operating costs should I have saved before opening?

At least 6 months, ideally 9-12. Most coffee shops take 6-18 months to become consistently profitable. At $8,000-$15,000/month in operating costs for a small shop (rent, wages, supplies, utilities), that means having $48,000-$90,000 in reserve beyond your startup costs. Running out of cash in month 4 is the number-one reason coffee shops fail.

Is it cheaper to buy used equipment?

Absolutely. A used 2-group espresso machine in good condition goes for 40-60% of retail — so $5,000-$8,000 instead of $12,000-$15,000. Check restaurant equipment auctions, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Grinders, refrigeration, and furniture are also great to buy used. Just be careful with espresso machines — get them inspected by a technician before buying, because a rebuild can cost $2,000-$4,000.

Do I need to hire a barista or can I do it myself?

You can absolutely be your own barista to start, and many owners do exactly that. But plan to hire within the first few months. Working 12-hour shifts 7 days a week burns you out fast, and you need time to manage the business — ordering supplies, handling finances, marketing. Budget for at least one part-time barista ($15-$20/hr) from month 2 or 3. By month 6, most shops have 2-4 staff members.

Home / Coffee Shop Startup Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Coffee Shop?

$25,000 – $375,000

A realistic breakdown of every dollar you'll spend opening a coffee shop in 2026 — from the espresso machine to your first month's rent. Costs vary wildly depending on whether you're running a simple kiosk or a full-service cafe with a kitchen.

Last updated Feb 2026 · Based on SBA small business lending data (2024–2025), National Coffee Association industry reports, WebstaurantStore equipment pricing

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Where This Data Comes From

SBA small business lending data (2024–2025)
National Coffee Association industry reports
WebstaurantStore equipment pricing
Commercial real estate listing aggregates

All figures are estimates based on publicly available data and industry benchmarks. Actual costs vary by location, timing, and business decisions.

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