Cost to Open a Bar in Chicago (2026)
A data-backed estimate of startup investment, monthly costs, revenue, and break-even — based on 2026 IL, USA benchmarks.
📍 IL, USA👥 Pop. 2.7M🍽️ F&B density: High
$236K
Total investment
$4K
Monthly rent
$49K
Monthly costs
4+ mo
Break-even
Startup investment breakdown
Construction & build-out$85,000
Equipment$70,000
Licenses, inventory & launch$38,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$12,600
Working capital reserve$30,000
Total startup investment$235,600
Estimated monthly operating costs
Rent$4,200
Payroll$24,000
Food cost (~20% of revenue)$17,164
Fixed costs (internet, software, maintenance)$200
Variable costs (utilities, marketing, packaging)$3,000
Total monthly costs (at typical revenue)$48,564
Revenue & break-even estimate
Monthly revenue range (30–80 customers/day @ $15–$50/ticket)$17K–$154K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$17,514 – $92,029/mo
Time to recoup investment4+ months
Estimates for the Chicago area using 2026 IL, USA benchmarks. Actual rent and costs vary by exact location, lease terms, and concept. Run your own numbers for a precise projection.
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