Cost to Open a Bar in Seattle (2026)

A data-backed estimate of startup investment, monthly costs, revenue, and break-even — based on 2026 WA, USA benchmarks.

📍 WA, USA👥 Pop. 0.75M🍽️ F&B density: High
$227K
Total investment
$5K
Monthly rent
$48K
Monthly costs
4+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$77,350
Equipment$67,480
Licenses, inventory & launch$38,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$14,400
Working capital reserve$30,000
Total startup investment$227,230

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$4,800
Payroll$22,560
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)$47,724

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (30–80 customers/day @ $15–$50/ticket)$17K–$154K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$16,674 – $92,869/mo
Time to recoup investment4+ months

What's different about opening in Seattle

Seattle has high wage floors — payroll runs close to coastal-California levels — paired with rent below New York or LA. Coffee culture is mature and sophisticated here, which cuts both ways: customers know quality, and the competitive bar for a cafe is higher than almost anywhere in the country.

Estimates for the Seattle area using 2026 WA, 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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